La Verne Magazine receives SPJ award
Campus Times
May 15, 1998
by Alicia Gibson
Assistant Managing Editor
The category La Verne won for was Best All-Around Student Magazine (published
more than once a year) and is the first award LV Mag has won in 10
years from SPJ.
This issue of LV Mag and Editor Cherryl Cercado's "A Day
in the Life of the University of La Verne" tied with Scene
(CSU Northridge) for the 1998 Sweepstakes award at the California Intercollegiate
Press Association last month. Competitors were from all over the state of
California.
"I knew this issue made an important contribution to the city of
La Verne, we ran out of copies," said Dr. George Keeler chief adviser.
There were 2,200 copies of the magazine published and only 200 remain
for archives.
"This issue was well written and well edited, but touched a positive
nerve in the community," said Dr. Keeler.
One of the most popular stories was about El Merendero, a local Mexican
restaurant. The article, "An Old Fashion Recipe for Success,"
was written by editor in chief Martha I. Fernandez.
She had to conduct the entire interview in Spanish and then translate
it for the publication because the owner Willie Lopez did not speak much
English. Lopez died the day after the magazine came out.
Other staff writers for the spring 1997 issue are former student Brandi
E. Baumeister, alumna Jody P. Bethel, seniors Christopher Braunstein, Johnny
Hagerman, Enedina Perez, Judy Polanco and Christie Reed.
Senior Veero Der-Karabetian was the photography editor. Other photographers
are former students Echelle Avelar and Rhidian Maehl, junior Summer Herndon,
senior Michael P. Bailey, and alumni Jaime Bigornia, Amy M. Boyle, Starr
Carroll and Shelby Wertz.
"Society of Professional Journalists is the most prestigious journalism
organization in the United States," said Dr. Keeler. "I claim
this as one of the most prestigious awards the magazine has won this year,
based on its regional field of competition."
