William Paterson Journalism Professor Gains National Award

WAYNE, NJ — The William Paterson journalism program has garnered a number of awards in recent years, and the advisor of the student journalism program just won himself another as well.

Nicholas Hirshon was named as the recipient of the David L. Eshelman Outstanding Campus Adviser Award by the Society of Professional Journalists. It's the second time Hirshon has received the award.

Hirshon serves as a professor at the Wayne college, but also advises and co-founded the SPJ student chapter.

According to the organization, the Eshelman Award is presented annually to an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to the campus chapter for which he or she serves as SPJ adviser.

In 2020, the William Paterson chapter hosted nine "Reality Check" events, which Hirshon moderated, each one focusing on a different topic in journalism. The chapter had many guests who gave advice about items such as sports reporting, reporting during the pandemic, balancing creative writing and journalism and truth in journalism.

The chapter also hosted five workshops and discussions to promote journalism, and an interest meeting for potential new members. The local SPJ chapter also hosted an AP Style Workshop, Democratic Watch Party and a Valentine’s Day Fundraiser throughout 2020.

“Dr. Hirshon has been the root of acquiring all these professional journalists through his connections and [helped] build these connections with students and those journalists,” WPSPJ President John Conlow said.

“He has pushed these members to the limit to make sure that they are prepared for the journalism field with the help of the executive board. He deserves this award because this organization would not be where it is, especially during the pandemic, without his hard work and dedication to both students and other journalists.”

Hirshon will be honored with the award during the SPJ Journalism Conference in early September.

Related: William Paterson Student Journalists Garner Major Award

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