Patriot Talon, Adviser at UTT Recognized for Excellence in Journalism

TYLER — Students on the Patriot Talon staff at The University of Texas at Tyler received 33 awards at the 2015 Texas Intercollegiate Press Association Convention, Dr. Dennis Cali, UT Tyler Department of Communication chair, announced. The annual convention is an opportunity for student journalists to compete in on-site competitions and be recognized for work from previous publications. The Talon staff received “Best of Show” in Div. II, one of five divisions. The staff also received “Best Website Navigation” and an honorable mention for “Best Online Interactivity” in Div. II as well as third place in “Overall Excellence” in Div. III.

In addition, Talon adviser Kevin Dilley was named the 2015 Charles T. “Chuck” Choate Memorial Adviser of the Year. TIPA annually selects an adviser to receive this honor, and advisers must have at least three years of service at a TIPA member institution to be considered. “I’m very honored to be chosen for this recognition,” said Dilley, who also serves as a senior lecturer within the department. “I share this award with Bonnie Davis, who put together the nomination and who does such a great job as the Talon business coordinator that I am able to focus more on advising. Also, this award really belongs to the students who do excellent journalism and in the end make me look good.”