The Florida A&M University Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists (FAMU SPJ) was honored last month for its significant regional impact during MediaFest, the nation’s largest professional and student joint media convention.
FAMU’s chapter was recognized during the SPJ national opening meeting at the convention as a “Campus Program of the Year Regional Honoree.” The accolade celebrates outstanding achievement in developing and championing activities and events that advocate for press freedom, promote high ethical standards, and educate emerging professionals.
The chapter, composed of students in the FAMU School of Journalism & Graphic Communication (FAMU SJGC), received the award for its support of the 2024 Grads Are Back Fireside Chat. The event was hosted by FAMU SJGC Dean Mira Lowe and featured special guest and alumna Laura J. Downey (’01). Downey has served as a regional SPJ chapter leader and is also the executive editor at WebMD.
During the Fireside Chat with Downey, students heard reflections on her career journey, insights on navigating the media landscape, and learned more about her path to becoming the first Black president of the SPJ Georgia Chapter. Student chapter members also presented Downey with an Award for Excellence, recognizing her contributions to journalism and her enduring legacy at FAMU.
Impacting the Campus and Nation
FAMU SPJ was also named a Region 3 finalist for SPJ’s national “Outstanding Campus Chapter of the Year” award. Region 3 includes chapters from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. One finalist from each of SPJ’s 12 regions is selected annually for consideration of national honors.
“It is exciting for our chapter to be acknowledged and represent Region 3 of the Society of Professional Journalists for our work at FAMU,” FAMU SPJ Advisor and SJGC Professor Leah P. Hunter, Ph.D., said. “Our chapter works to support all students in SJGC to develop skills that make them more knowledgeable, marketable, and ready for life after college. This recognition of our programs confirms that we are making an impact.”
Some of FAMU SPJ’s recent programming aimed at strengthening and preparing students for success as media professionals includes collaborating with other student media organizations in Tallahassee to host discussions and professional development events around the state of journalism and the critical role storytelling plays in giving voice to marginalized communities.
Additionally, the chapter promotes events such as Code of Ethics Week, which educates students on the power of fact-checking and the best tools and practices for ethical storytelling. A speaker series featuring successful alumni to inspire students about the promise of their careers has also been a FAMU SPJ staple.
“Every year, reviewing the chapter awards reminds me how much good work is happening in every corner of SPJ,” said Jennifer Ellis, SPJ Region 12 Coordinator. “… It’s inspiring to see how our members continue finding new ways to inform, engage and strengthen their communities — reflecting SPJ’s mission to be champions for journalists, fighters for the First Amendment, producers of journalism’s future and stewards for ethical journalism.”
Downey Wins Prestigious SPJ Award During Convention
During the MediaFest Convention, SPJ also honored Downey with the prestigious Howard S. Dubin Outstanding Pro Member Award. The award is given annually and salutes individual members who have made significant contributions to their SPJ chapters.
The award, presented following nominations from across the organization, honors Howard Dubin, who is nationally celebrated for his outstanding membership and service.
In addition to this honor, Downey’s chapter, SPJ Georgia, was recognized as the Region 3 professional finalist and awarded the Outstanding Small Professional Chapter (2024–25) for its efforts during her presidency.
“I am deeply honored to receive the Howard S. Dubin Award along with Wesley Wright, and grateful to SPJ for this prestigious recognition,” Downey wrote. She holds a master’s degree in journalism from FAMU SJGC, where she previously served as a professor and Journey Magazine advisor.
Wright founded the ReNews Project, a nonprofit dedicated to reviving dormant student newspapers.
“Chapters ebb and flow, rise and fall,” said Michael Koretzky, SPJ Region 3 Coordinator. “When they’re their best, they’re led by presidents like Laura Downey. Laura toiled nonstop to bring SPJ Georgia back to its former glory — and perhaps exceed it.”
Under Downey’s leadership, SPJ Georgia achieved record-breaking fundraising, expanded its membership base, and forged strategic partnerships with leading media organizations across the state. She led the launch of the chapter’s inaugural high school scholarship program, advocated for greater diversity in journalism, and inspired the board to pursue innovative initiatives that expanded the chapter’s influence within the journalism community and beyond.
Watch the 2024 Fireside Chat Featuring Dean Mira Lowe, Laura J. Downey and FAMU SPJ student members below.
