Collegian receives high rating
by Diana De Leon
managing editor

   The Collegian, TCC’s student-produced newspaper, won the highest rating given by the Associated Collegiate Press: an All American rating with five marks of distinction. The honor reflects work for last semester.
   “Our All American with five marks of distinction validates the work and effort that our students put into the publication,” Eddye Gallagher, director of student publications, said.
   The All American honor covers different aspects of the newspaper, including coverage, content, writing and editing.
   Journalism majors, photojournalists and cartoonists from all four campuses work on The Collegian, and work is done by students.
   “All of us have been working very hard on our issues, and I think the award reflects that very well,” Connie Yu, fall 2003 managing editor, said.
   “This honor shows that we do have a professional and informative paper on campus that offers comprehensive coverage on what’s going on here. We are very proud of what we’ve done, and I think TCC students should be too,” she said.
   Production and computer assistants also help with the process of putting out a weekly newspaper.
   The mark of distinction is given for one or more examples of exemplary work in a specific category.
   “We continually get All American ratings, but getting five marks of distinction is as good as it gets,” Diane Turner, adviser and journalism instructor, said.
   The Collegian received one mark of distinction for coverage of campus events districtwide and for feature stories.
   “You thoroughly cover lectures and workshops on your various campuses,” judges said. “Excellent job of covering news.”
   Marks of distinction also were given for use of photos, art and graphics as well as photo content and technical quality along with information graphics.
   “Lots of good photos really enhance this paper,” judges said. “Excellent job.”
   Another mark was given for layout and design as well as leadership.
   This section covers the entire look of the newspaper, placement of articles, photos and advertisements as well as headlines and artwork.
   “Pages are clear, easy to follow and eye appealing,” judges said. “Well designed and easy to follow.”
   The Collegian received praise in all categories in the evaluation.
   “A high ranking from the ACP is a hallmark for student journalists,” Gallagher said.
   The ACP is the oldest and largest national membership organization for student publications in the United States.
   “This rating service is a good indicator of how well we measure up to other community colleges in the nation,” Turner said.
   The Collegian has previously won ACP’s top award, the Pacemaker, as well as awards from the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association and the Texas Community College Journalism Association.
   “Diane Turner and I are extremely proud of our students,” Gallagher said.