UNM earned five awards from the 2007 New Mexico Press Women contest. UNM Today received first place in the four-color newsletter category. The award was presented to University Communication and Marketing staff Sari Krosinsky, Laurie Mellas, Jana Fothergill and Carolyn Gonzales.
In the category of feature stories, UNM student Chris Elliott received first place for “A Living Language: Navajo,” published in UNM Today. Elliott graduates May 12 with a bachelor’s degree in communication and journalism. In the same category, Laurie Mellas, senior communication representative, received an honorable mention for “Children First,” a profile of Angela Vachio published in Mirage.
Sherri Burr, professor of law, won first place in the speech category for “The Immortal Hattie McDaniel.” The speech was delivered for the U.S. Post Office unveiling of the 2006 Black Heritage postage stamp honoring McDaniel, the first African American to win an Academy award for acting.
Pamela Christie received the Zia Award recognizing a work of fiction by a New Mexico woman for “The King’s Lizard,” a historical mystery novel published by UNM Press.
New Mexico Press Women, an affiliate of the National Federation of Press Women, is an organization of professional journalists and communicators that promotes ethical standards, professional development and protection of First Amendment rights. All first place winners will be entered in the National Federation of Press Women contest.