Journalism Alum Named SPJ National Winner for TV News Report on Campus Controversy

By College of Communication / May 25, 2017 / Posted in: Featured, Student / Twitter / Facebook

College of Communication Journalism alumna Lorraine Taylor has been named a national winner for Television Breaking News Reporting in the 2017 Mark of Excellence Awards by the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ). Lorraine’s work on a news package covering the controversial campus invite to conservative political commentator Ben Shapiro, which can be viewed below, has been specifically recognized by the SPJ.

Lorraine's work in the classroom and reporting in the field has certainly not gone unnoticed by our Journalism faculty either.

“In the seven years I have been the advisor to Good Day DePaul, Lorraine Taylor has been one of our most accomplished student journalists," said Instructor Rick Brown. "She not only was one of the best reporters we have ever had, but was also one of our top newscast producers. Lorraine is an incredibly talented and versatile journalist who undoubtedly will have a great career in television news."

Journalist-in-Residence Chris Bury, a veteran of ABC Nightline, had equal high regard for her work. "Lorraine is not only a tenacious journalist but a natural leader who inspires those around her to always do their best. She tackled every assignment with diligence, purpose and enthusiasm."

>Don Moseley, Emmy and Peabody-winning producer and co-director of the college's Center for Journalism Integrity and Excellence told us, "Lorraine is an exceptional young journalist. Organized, prepared, dedicated. She serves as an inspiration to all DePaul journalism students!"

Lorraine, who graduates in a couple of weeks, has already started a new job as Weekend Morning News producer at WANE-TV Newschannel 15 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, was thrilled with the news of the SPJ award.

“What a big honor. I'm so very humbled and honored to win!" said Lorraine. "I certainly feel that I should give credit where credit is due. I had help from my peers Jennifer Zipser and Karyn Lacey. They helped me lug my heavy equipment and run all over the place trying to keep up with the events that transpired when Shapiro came to campus. I so appreciated their help!

"Also, I owe this success in large part to the teaching I've received while here at DePaul. Specifically, Rick Brown for teaching me what it really takes to be a solid journalist and for his encouragement and support. He truly cares about his students. He expects a lot from them, but he gives just as much to them as he expects. The instruction I've received from legendary journalists like Carol Marin, Don Moseley and Chris Bury has been invaluable. I've learned so much from them! I would also like to thank Bruce Evensen for encouraging me to choose DePaul in the first place. He really is the reason I chose DePaul over other schools."

“Lorraine was a stand-out in a graduate class of stand-out students," said Evensen. You could not beat her work ethic, her quiet confidence, her thoroughness, her sustained excellence in doing the work of a socially responsible reporter. I have no doubt whatever she'll make a significant contribution to the profession in a lifetime of work aimed at creating a more civil society.”

Regarding the specific story honored by the SPJ, Taylor told us, "I never expected to win for the Shapiro story, but I can say that I worked very hard on it. It wasn't a requirement to cover the event, but I decided that I would still cover it because it was such an important event that should be on Good Day DePaul. And, that hard work has certainly paid off. If there's one thing I can take away from this experience, it's that hard work and dedication pays off!”