UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Three journalism students from Penn State's Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications were recognized for their work with the Daily Collegian at the Salute to Excellence Awards on Aug. 6. Their articles, published last year, won all three awards in the undergraduate print newspaper category at the National Association of Black Journalists – National Association of Hispanic Journalists Convention & Career Fair.
The event was held in Las Vegas, but the collegiate categories were awarded virtually.
Junior Ella Castronuovo won for news reporting for her article, "2nd ‘More Rivers To Cross’ report reveals racism, lack of diversity at Penn State." The story covers a survey produced by an independent group of faculty members and provided to Black faculty at Penn State asking about their history and experience on its campuses.
Recent graduate Danny Gotwals won for feature reporting for his article, "Penn State alumna creates oral history project to ‘share and preserve’ experiences of Black alumni." This article spotlights a young alumna who is building a collection of interviews with Black alumni to record their thoughts on their Penn State experience.
Junior Maxwell Ralph won for sports reporting for his article, "Penn State football running back Noah Cain’s fight through adversity rallies hurricane-damaged hometown." The story chronicles Cain’s injury that sidelined him for a season, and his dealing with a national tragedy in his hometown while returning to the field the following year.
According to the event’s website, the Salute to Excellence Awards “honors journalism and communications that best cover the Black experience or address issues affecting the worldwide Black community. Entries are judged on content, creativity, innovation, use of the medium, and relevance to the Black community.”