“Champions of Journalism: Central Michigan Life’s Latest Victory In a world where the line between what’s real and what’s reported is increasingly blurred, student media outlets play a vital role in shaping public discourse and holding institutions accountable. For the Central Michigan University community, one name has long been synonymous with excellence in journalism: Central Michigan Life. The Chippewa Weekly’s flagship publication has been a beacon of quality and integrity, consistently producing outstanding content that resonates with students, faculty, and alumni alike. With this year’s Student Media Business Pacemaker award, Central Michigan Life has solidified its position as a leader in student media, cementing its legacy as a driving force behind the university’s vibrant journalism scene. In this article, we’ll delve into the significance of this achievement and explore what makes Central Michigan Life a champion of journalism.”
The Business and Advertising Staff’s Achievements
Individual Awards and Recognition
Central Michigan Life’s business and advertising staff earned 21 national awards, including the prestigious Student Media Business Pacemaker. Two student leaders, Olivia Garcia and Brittany Stevens, were recognized as the top in the country in their respective roles.
- Best Advertising Graphic Designer (first place): Brittany Stevens
- Best Advertising Representative (first place): Olivia Garcia
- Print Advertisement (second place): Mickie Dausey
- Print Advertisement (fourth place): Stephanie Phung
- Video Advertisement (fifth place): Olivia Garcia
- Video Advertisement (honorable mention): Olivia Garcia
- Audio Advertisement (second place): Olivia Garcia
- Audio Advertisement (fourth place): Mickie Dausey
- Media Kit (second place): Rachel Kidder, Olivia Garcia, Mickie Dausey, Brittany Stevens, and Zoey Lawrence
- Audience Engagement Event (fourth place): Rachel Kidder and Olivia Garcia
- Social Media Campaign (first place): Brittany Stevens
Team Effort and Leadership
Assistant Director of Student Media Kathy Simon praised the team’s hard work and leadership, saying, “It is a great honor to have our program recognized among the best in the nation. Everyone on this team has worked hard and pushed each other to provide creative solutions for our clients. It is incredibly rewarding to have that work also recognized with other outstanding university student media.”
“In addition to these honors, our team also attended sessions with other students on improving their skills in multi-media design, strategy, and analytics,” Simon said. “They are excited to implement these new ideas with their clients in 2025 and beyond.”
Implications and Analysis
Impact on Central Michigan University and the Collegiate Media Community
The Student Media Business Pacemaker award signifies the excellence in student-led advertising, marketing, public relations, and agency work. This recognition places CM Life’s advertising agency team among the top four in the nation.
The award not only recognizes the hard work and dedication of the CM Life team but also highlights the importance of student media in today’s media landscape.
“The business and marketing side of student media is critical in today’s media world – it is very important for ACP to recognize this important aspect of journalism,” said Gary Lundgren, Associate Director of the Associated Collegiate Press.
Lessons Learned and Best Practices
Reflecting on the team’s experiences and lessons learned from the submission process, Simon emphasized the importance of teamwork and collaboration. “Our team set two goals this year: producing work that was successful for our clients and having those ideas recognized at a national level. Needless to say, they killed both goals.”
The team’s success is a testament to the value of innovative thinking, creativity, and dedication to excellence in student media.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Central Michigan Life’s recent win of the Student Media Business Pacemaker is a testament to the publication’s unwavering commitment to excellence in student journalism. As discussed in this article, the Pacemaker award is the highest honor in student media, recognizing the best of the best in advertising, online media, and magazine categories. Central Michigan Life’s achievement is a culmination of the team’s hard work, dedication, and innovative approach to storytelling, which has not only elevated the publication’s reputation but also set a new standard for student media nationwide.
The significance of this award extends beyond the university’s walls, as it highlights the importance of student journalism in shaping the next generation of media professionals. By fostering a culture of creativity, experimentation, and risk-taking, Central Michigan Life is not only producing top-notch content but also empowering students to become industry leaders. As the media landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial that student publications like Central Michigan Life remain at the forefront of innovation, pushing boundaries and exploring new ways to engage their audience.
