NEW YORK (March 1, 2005) – THE OBSERVER, the student-run newspaper based at Fordham University’s Lincoln Center Campus, has been honored again, this time at the National College Newspaper Convention, held in San Francisco, from Feb. 24–27. THE OBSERVER was awarded second place in the Associated Collegiate Press’ “Newspaper of the Year” / “Best of Show” contest at the convention.
THE OBSERVER, which entered the “Four-year colleges: Less than weekly” category, took home the second-place title for its Nov. 18, 2004 issue. That edition contained two articles from the newspaper’s Advanced Reporting Unit, which features more thoroughly researched and heavily sourced articles. The Nov. 18 issue also contained spot news coverage of several breaking news incidents at Fordham.
This most recent honor makes a total of three awards that have been bestowed upon THE OBSERVER in the last 11 months. In April 2004, the New York Press Association recognized Fordham’s Lincoln Center newspaper with awards for its editorial and photography.
Corinne Iozzio, editor in chief of THE OBSERVER for the 2004-2005 academic year, said, “This award is very encouraging and is a testament to the hard work of the entire Observer staff. I hope that we will continue to push ourselves to even greater achievements in the future.”
Elizabeth Stone, Ph.D., who has been the newspaper’s regular adviser since 1981, but is on sabbatical this semester, said she was “delighted and proud of what THE OBSERVER has accomplished.” Stone pointed out that two years ago, under the editorship of Jessica Arabski, FCLC ’03, who is now enrolled at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism, the editorial board at that time “made the decision that they would actively pursue more challenging stories and raise the level of reporting while simultaneously becoming more active in the nationwide community of college journalists and seeking recognition within that community.” Many members of that editorial board still sit on the current editorial board of THE OBSERVER.
Stone continued, “Their achievement this year of second place in their category, under the leadership of Editor in Chief Corinne Iozzio, with support from her Managing Editor, Anthony Hazell, as well as all the section editors, is a result of their continuing effort. Knowing the caliber of those who are likely to remain on the editorial board as well as those who are likely to join it, I’m anticipating more plaques for their office walls next year.”
Anahid Kassabian, Ph.D., who is the interim adviser for THE OBSERVER echoed Stone’s comments.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled,” Kassabian said. “It’s important to remember that this is an all-around competition, and a stiff one at that, which means THE OBSERVER was judged generally excellent. This year’s editorial staff is extraordinary – not only Editor in Chief Corinne Iozzio and Managing Editor Anthony Hazell – but also Layout Editor Grace Martinez and all the section editors. The prize is wonderful news, and very well-earned.”
