ST. LOUIS SECTION - ASCE
EXCELLENCE IN JOURNALISM AWARD RULES
The Excellence in Journalism Award is to honor journalists for outstanding articles that enhance
public understanding of the role and impact of civil engineering in designing solutions for clean
water, transportation, the environment, and other public works projects. Nominations will be
accepted for journalists and producers from English-language, general-interest regional and
national newspapers, radio and television stations, magazines, and electronic and Web-based
news outlets.
The news media wield tremendous impact on public opinion about civil engineers and civilengineering-related issues. For example, news coverage can influence vital infrastructure
legislation, licensing laws and building codes. Coverage also can affect talented young people’s
decisions to pursue careers in civil engineering.
Through this award, ASCE St. Louis Section hopes to encourage continued coverage of civil
engineering and related issues as a means of engaging the public in civil engineering initiatives
impacting their community.
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The award is judged by the Award Committee and approved by the ASCE St. Louis
Section Board of Direction. The awards will be presented at the St. Louis Section annual
dinner in September. If the recipient desires, the recipient will be endorsed by the St.
Louis Section for the national ASCE Excellence in Journalism Award.
The Awards Committee submits to the ASCE St. Louis Section Board of Direction for
final approval a recipient who is judged superior based on how well they a) fairly cover
all sides of the civil engineering project or issue; b) accurately describe the civil
engineering project or issue; c) effectively explain how the project or outcome of the
issue benefits the community or region; d) clearly show the civil engineer’s role; e)
include the most knowledgeable civil engineering experts; and f) advance public
knowledge and understanding of the civil engineering profession and its issues.
The award encourages participation by ASCE members in the form of nomination
submission. Award Committee members can also submit nominations, and journalists,
editors and producers may nominate themselves or their colleagues.
The award honors stories from general-interest, English-language, non-trade related
regional and national newspapers, magazines, electronic/Web-based news outlets, and
radio and television stations.
The story must appear between November 1, of the year prior to the award and May 31,
of the year the award is given.
If a story is co-authored or co-produced, at least one of the reporters must be a fulltime
journalist.
Nominations should include
a. A cover letter, signed by the nominator
b. Excellence in Journalism Award Entry Form
c. Other evidence of merit
d. A digital copy of the story the nomination is based on (transcript of audio
acceptable)
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All components of the application must be compiled into one PDF (plus audio/video file
if applicable, or link to where it can be downloaded) and emailed to the Awards
Committee Chairperson indicated below by June 1. You will receive confirmation of
receipt of the nomination. Please notify Awards Committee Chairperson if confirmation
is not received.
Nomination packages must be submitted by June 1 to:
Susan McCrary
St. Louis Section ASCE Awards Chair
smccrary@stlmsd.com
(314) 768-6306
St. Louis Section
Excellence in Journalism Award
Entry Form
Please submit a copy of this form with each entry, and print clearly in ink.
Title of entry: _________________________________________________________________________
Publication date(s): _____________________________________________________________________
News organization: _____________________________________________________________________
Mailing address: _________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
City: ____________________________________ State: _______ Zip code: _________________
Author name(s): _______________________________________________________________________
Phone: __________________________________ fax: __________________________________
Email: _________________________________________________________________________
Editor or publisher name: _______________________________________________________________
Phone: __________________________________ fax: __________________________________
Email: _________________________________________________________________________
IF NOT SELF NOMINATED PLEASE COMPLETE BELOW
Nominated by: _______________________________________________________________________
ASCE Member (circle one)?: YES NO
Mailing address: _________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
City: ____________________________________ State: _______ Zip code: _________________
Phone: __________________________________ fax: __________________________________
Email: _________________________________________________________________________
I hereby submit this entry for nomination in the ASCE Excellence in Journalism Award.
Print Name: __________________________________________________________________________
Signature: ___________________________________________________________________________
Date: _______________________________________________________________________________