Three generations of journalists attended this year's University of Memphis Alumni Association banquet. The past, present and future of journalism were on hand to honor this year's recipients of awards for outstanding contributions to journalism.
This year's recipients were Robert H. Eoff, Gloria Trotter and Judith McCown.
Eoff and Trotter both received the Charles E. Thornton Award, which is named for Charles Thornton, a reporter killed in the 1980s while covering a rebel uprising in Afghanistan.
Eoff and Trotter join fellow Thornton recipients Ron Spielberger of The University of Memphis and local television news anchor Claudia Barr. "The purpose of these banquets is to bring focus to outstanding careers to the alumni. We are proud of all of the recipients of the awards," said Ron Spielberger, U of M associate professor of journalism.
Dr. Shirley Raines, president of The University of Memphis, was on hand to congratulate the recipients.
"I am very proud of them. They reflect well on The University of Memphis as role models," said Raines.
Eoff, who was recently named president of the New York Times Broadcast Group, worked in journalism during his college days, but got his start in TV. As a student, he worked in the basement of the Peabody Hotel for WREC-TV (precursor to WREG-TV). From there he went to Fort Smith, Ark. where he became president and general manager of KFSM-TV.
Eoff returned to Memphis, Tenn. in 1995 as president and general manager of WREG-TV. Co-worker and television news anchor Jerry Tate was on hand to present the Thornton Award to Eoff.
"This is pretty awesome. I am very lucky considering that I didn't start out in journalism," said Eoff.
Trotter, a U of M Alumna, began her journalism career at WOPI Radio in Bristol, Tenn. and served as a press aide to United States Representative William Wampler in 1967. While living in Memphis, Trotter was a cast member of the Gridiron Show. Trotter is currently editor and publisher of Countywide News in Oklahoma. Marti Kuhn, president of Gridiron Show, Inc., presented Trotter with her award.
"Recognizing me recognizes community journalists everywhere," Trotter said during her acceptance speech.
McCown received the Herbert Lee Williams Award, which was named after Dr. Herbert Lee Williams, the founding chair of The University of Memphis journalism department.
McCown is the first female to receive the Williams Award. She is the third William Award recipient to be honored since 2002. She was given the Williams Award for her outstanding contributions to journalism.
McCown has served as a president of the Memphis Advertising Federation and The University of Memphis's Journalism Alumni Chapter as well as serving as an advisory board member to The University of Memphis's College of Communication and Fine Arts.
Joe Calloway, president of The Calloway Group presented McCown with her award.
"It's great. I feel very fortunate to have The University of Memphis in my life," said McCown while talking about being the editor of The Tiger Rag (now The Daily Helmsman).
Proceeds from the banquet went to The University of Memphis's enrichment fund. Banquet attendees were invited to join the alumni Association.
