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 Society of Professional Journalists
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Society of Professional Journalists
Weber State University’s chapter of The Society of Professional Journalists promotes involvement in all aspects of journalism -- newspapers, magazines, radio, television and Internet. WSU’s chapter has been named as the Outstanding Chapter in Region 9 three times in the last 10 years. WSU journalism students have also won numerous SPJ awards, both on the regional and national levels, competing against college journalists at all of the major universities. In 2000, Leo Tyson Dirr won first place in the nation for general news reporting. In 2001, Lisa Roskelley, Wes Hanna and Angie Welling won first place in the nation for editorial writing. In 2002, Tanna Barry, Jill Halbasch and Linda Cammack won first place in the spot news category.

The national chapter of SPJ was founded in 1909 as Sigma Delta Chi and is the largest and most broad-based organization for journalists in the world. The Society is a not-for-profit voluntary association with a membership of more than 14,000 professionals and students engaged in every area of journalism. For more than 100 years, SPJ has been dedicated to encouraging a climate in which journalism can be practiced more freely and fully, stimulating high standards and ethical behavior in the practice of journalism, and perpetuating a free press.

You can join SPJ for just $35 a year. Here’s what is in it for you:
  • Become a member of the largest organization for journalists in the world.
  • Receive QUILL magazine, a respected and sought-after source for journalists. 
  • Network with professional journalists and educators who can help you land that first job.
  • Subscribe to the Jobs-for-Journalists hot line to help you find out who has openings. 
  • Be a part of a grassroots effort to gain access to government documents and proceedings.
  • Have access to free legal advice regarding libel and First Amendment freedoms. 
  • Get catalogs for cool journalistic memorabilia and gifts. 
  • Attend on-campus meetings at least once a month to discuss timely issues in journalism.
  • Travel to regional and national conventions. 
  • Have something to put on your resume when you graduate. 
  • Help WSU keep its national charter (we need at least 12 active members). 
  • Get a card for your wallet to show friends you are a “professional journalist.”
For more information, e-mail faculty advisor Sheree Josephson at sjosephson@weber.edu. A wealth of information can be found at spj.org.

Weber State University
Ogden, Utah 84408