ASPA News
A newsletter for media advisers and students Vol. 23, Issue 2 • Fall/Winter 2010
Sports Illustrated reporter Lars Anderson to headline State Convention in February
ASPA’s State for journalism Convention Feb. 25to remain in our 26 on the University high school and of Alabama campus middle school will feature keynote curriculum, even speaker Lars Anderson, though some the Sports Illustrated schools cut the motorsports reporter. media classes Anderson, who also first in these covers college football economic times. for the magazine, said “It’s takes he enjoys talking to a long time to young people to get hone writing them excited about and reporting pursuing a career in sensibilities, and journalism. the sooner you Anderson “With all the bleak start the sooner news about the demise you’ll be able to of newspapers and magazines make an impact in your community being so prevalent, I want young with your work,” Anderson said. people to know that there are “I still believe journalism is one of still very rewarding, exciting, the most important – and noble – enriching careers in journalism that professions today.” aren’t going away anytime soon,” Anderson did not work at his Anderson said. high school newspaper at Lincoln Anderson said it is important Southeast in Lincoln, Nebraska,
because her wanted to be a lawyer at that time. “I’m glad I changed my mind and went into writing,” he said During his senior year at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, Anderson was the sports editor of the Manitou Messenger. That experience helped him get into the Graduate School of Journalism at Columbia University. Of the hundreds of stories he has covered, Anderson lists a recent feature he wrote on Cam Newton, the Auburn starting quarterback, as one of his favorites. “I also once went wild hog hunting in Texas with a few NFL players that turned into a really fun, light piece,” he said, as well as “a piece on the Tulane women’s soccer team in the days after Hurricane Katrina that I found very moving.” Anderson will speak at 5 p.m. Feb. 25 as the closing keynote speaker for the first day of State
For more information on Anderson, or to see articles he has written, visit our Facebook page or our website at aspa.ua.edu.
Dr. Jennifer Greer, UA Journalism Department Chair, jdgreer@ua.edu
Meredith Cummings, ASPA Director, mccummings1@ua.edu
Marie Parsons, Director Emeritus
2009-10 ASPA Officers President, Erin Coggins (Sparkman) Past President, Katy Burnside (Pelham) Vice President, Holly Michaels (Scottsboro) Secretary, Neena Davis (Huntsville)
Online registration for State Convention, onsite and carry-in competitions is available at www.aspa.ua.edu.
ASPA News is published by the University of Alabama Department of Journalism