Miami University has long been a part of my story. My mother fell in love with the campus during a trip from Indiana in the 1920s. She chose Indiana University for her studies, but Miami always held a special place in her heart. Her passion for Miami resonated with me, and I visited Oxford during my junior year in high school.
The final piece of the puzzle came from a mentor at the Chicago Tribune. He encouraged me to attend a small liberal arts school. He said, “At a big university, you’ll learn journalism, but you won’t get to lead the student paper. That experience is crucial.” His words stayed with me.
So, in August 1957, I arrived at Miami and dove into the world of student journalism. I was in the offices of The Miami Student every day. I loved it. I graduated with a degree in government, inspired by the belief that politics needs creativity.
After graduation, I went to Syracuse University for a master’s in journalism. Winning a fellowship from the New York State Society of Newspaper Editors opened doors for me, leading me to The Associated Press in Buffalo, and eventually to Albany, where I covered state government.
After four years in Albany, I shifted paths. Teaching journalism seemed like a rewarding direction. I landed at Michigan State University, where my experience and education were valued. In 1973, I moved to Manhattan and built a 24-year freelance career, writing for national publications and teaching at local colleges.
Eventually, I moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico. There, I continued writing news features for The Santa Fe New Mexican, the oldest newspaper west of the Rockies. My partner, Roslyn Pulitzer, a talented photographer, pursued her passion in fine art photography, gaining recognition in local galleries.
My admiration for Miami University inspired me to give back when I graduated in 1961. After Roslyn passed away in 2020, I reflected on my journey and wanted to create a lasting impact. So, I worked with the university’s gift-planning team to set up a bequest that honors my experiences and Roslyn’s legacy.
This legacy will support The Miami Student, ensuring it remains a vibrant training ground for young journalists. It will provide hands-on learning opportunities and establish scholarships for journalism students, named after Roslyn K. Pulitzer. This way, her spirit lives on, inspiring future storytellers.
By investing in journalism education, I hope to nurture the values of truth and courage in the next generation of reporters. I’m proud to contribute to the institution that shaped my path and look forward to seeing how future students will continue to make a difference.
Journalist Kay Lockridge has spent nearly 75 years reporting on significant news events and sharing her knowledge with future journalists. Her work has appeared in various newspapers and magazines, and she has had the pleasure of teaching students at institutions like Michigan State University. For more insights into journalism education and its impact, you can read the American Association of Colleges and Universities reports on the importance of liberal arts in developing critical thinking skills.
Check out this related article: Racers Dominate Bradley: Celebrate Murray State’s 14th Consecutive MVC Victory!
Source link