Courier Goes To Chicago

This past weekend, four staff members of the Monmouth College Courier were invited to attend the Illinois Press Association Awards ceremony in Chicago, Illinois. Among the attendees were Lena Wickens (‘23), Jacy Goodnight (‘23), Emilie Cain (‘24), and Mia Martino (‘25), along with Courier advisor Professor Chris Goble. The staff stayed in the Hilton DoubleTree hotel on the Magnificent Mile where the convention was held. On Friday, February 17, they attended a roundtable discussion on editing, as well as a lecture on establishing better DEI initiatives for the Courier and representation in the newsroom. Friday evening was concluded with a speech from keynote speaker and political reporter, Hannah Meisel, and a website workshop with a faculty member from Northeastern Illinois University.

After some sightseeing and shopping on Chicago’s famous Michigan Avenue, the staff returned to the hotel to prepare for Saturday’s award ceremony. The award ceremony was accompanied by a catered three-course luncheon, immediately followed by the presentation of the awards. “My experience at ICPA was amazing,” said Courier Editor in Chief, Lena Wickens. “While interacting with multiple news professionals and other journalism students, I was able to learn new ways to not only change the Courier, but to more effectively interact with my staff. I look forward to putting what I learned to the test.”

Mia Martino - Staff Writer