Sher Porter
News Editor

A ULV alumna was honored recently by becoming a national finalist in the 2006 Society of Professional Journalists Mark of Excellence Awards earlier this year.

Former journalism major at the University of La Verne Nicole Knight was a finalist in the category “Best Magazine Non-Fiction Article.”

“I was happy that I even got chosen,” Nicole Knight said, who earned her bachelor of arts in journalism in May.

Her article, “Making a Contest a Career” follows the career of Enrique Gutierrez as he entered a reality show competition to find KMEX’s next best sports anchor.

KMEX is the No. 1 Spanish language newscast in the Los Angeles area.
Guiterrez, a 2002 graduate from the University’s communications department, won a three-month contract and eventually earned a contract to be the weekday sports anchor.

“It was a really great story and I’m glad I got to do it,” Knight said.
Knight’s article won first place at the regional level which comprises of California, Arizona, Nevada and Hawaii. From there, her article was entered in the national contest.

“She did an excellent job. We’re very proud of her,” said George Keeler, communications department, who advised the magazine when Knight’s story was published.

Knight, who was on the La Verne Magazine staff for two semesters, always did more than what was asked of her, Keeler said.

“I never wrote anything hoping to win anything,” Knight said. “I just did my best.”

Knight’s honor is one of many Society of Professional Journalist awards to communications department, whose stations and publications have received numerous individual and overall awards during the past several years.

Keeler said the honors the University receives from the students work gives more accreditation to La Verne.

Knight, who graduated in May, works as a copy editor for the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin and the San Bernardino County Sun.

Sher Porter can be reached at sporter4@ulv.edu.