Topic: College of Communication Information and Media

June 6, 2008

A Ball State student journalist has won a national award for his work in collegiate journalism.

Dave Studinski, a telecommunications graduate student, has been named one of the nation's top collegiate journalists by UWire, a national college student media wire service.

The organization announced the names of the 100 students from 66 schools May 21.

"I was taken aback by the amount of attention the list received the day it was released," Studinski said. "Every industry publication and blog was linking to the story, and I couldn't believe my name was among the 100 listed."

UWire selected its 100 top collegiate journalists from more than 500 nominees at 132 universities.

Vince Filak, assistant professor of journalism and adviser of Ball State's student newspaper, the Daily News, said he nominated Studinski for the award because of his dedication to collegiate journalism. Filak spoke with UWire representatives about Studinski at a New York convention and was told Studinski would be a good nominee.

"Dave had done an outstanding amount of work to help shape the Daily News in his time there," Filak said. "From the podcasts he helped put online, to our improved Web coverage, to our use of freedom of information requests to improve coverage, to our daily product, Dave was there for two years, pushing us to improve our product. I can't think of anyone who deserved this more."

The award has encouraged Studinski to remain up-to-date in advancing the media landscape, he said. 

"Ball State gave me the opportunity to be one of those forward-thinking innovators," Studinski said. "I'm extremely grateful for the experiences that I've had here."

A UWire panel chose Studinski, who is from Fort Wayne, Ind., based on his excellence in student media, commitment and potential to the industry.

Filak said the recognition is great for Studinski, the Daily News and Ball State.

Studinski is working on a master's degree in telecommunications with an emphasis on digital storytelling. He graduated from Ball State with a bachelor's degree in journalism. Studinski is a three-term president for the Indiana Collegiate Press Association and columnist and consultant for the Daily News. He was editor in chief of the Daily News during the 2005-06 and 2006-07 academic years.

Along with his graduate studies, he works as a coordinator of university relations for mtvU's College Media Network in New York City.

UWire (UWIRE.com) is a community driven service devoted to the needs of student journalists, and is operated by CBS College Sports Network, a CBS Company. UWire identifies and promotes the brightest collegiate content creators and delivers their work to a larger audience.

By Elaina Gemelas