Media and the Mean Green

UNT celebrates alumni and industry professionals

By Eva D. Coleman Lifestyle & Culture Editor

From giants to emerging professionals, the University of North Texas (UNT) Mayborn School of Journalism celebrated alumni and industry greats in part one of their

Celebrate Mayborn series of events on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023 in Denton, Texas.

Once part of an extended program that presented scholarships to students, UNT Mayborn dean and professor Andrea Miller announced the separation of the pro- grams to adequately honor recipients in a special way. The Student Scholarship Gala will take place April 20, 2023 with plans to award a quarter of a million dollars in scholarships and honor their 2003 and 2022 National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) student chapters of the year.

UNT President Neal Smatresk provided opening remarks, marveling at the amount of journalism and media professionals the Mayborn School has produced. He expressed pride in alumni doing great things around the globe.

Industry icons and alumni celebrated this evening included NABJ Hall of Famer Neil Foote who received the C.E. Shuford Award, and The Dallas Morning News Executive Editor and NABJ member Katrice Hardy as a recipient of the Distinguished Professional Achievement Award.

CBS News producer Cydne Robinson was celebrated among the Rising Star Award Winners, and National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) Hall of Famer Rebecca Aguilar was one of two recipients of the Super Alum Award. Congratulations to all for their commitment to the journalism and media industry.

A complete list of winners is below:

• Mayborn Medallion Award Winner

• Liz Carter & Scripps Howard Foundation

• C.E. Shuford Award Winner

• Neil Foote

Distinguished Professional Achievement Award Winners

• Nicole Paquette

• Gilbert Bailon

• Katrice Hardy

Rising Star Award Winners

• Hailey Sutton

• Daniela Ibarra

• Cydne Robinson

Super Alum Award Winners

• Rebecca Aguilar

• Jo Ann Livingston