IRE Award
Columbia students win national IRE award
By Morgan Mack
While many college students fall into an academic grind of attending classes, doing homework and taking exams, two Columbia College journalism students were able to take their education to a whole new level. Allison Riggio, 23, Hunter Clauss, 25, have proved there’s no limit for student journalists.
Riggio and Clauss have received a highly coveted Investigative Reporters and Editors national award for their investigative reporting last year of nepotism practiced by six Chicago aldermen. There are 15 categories in the IRE contest, and the organization reported receiving 530 entries.
“I’m thrilled with the outcome of our work, and I’m honored that it is being recognized with such a notable award,” said Riggio, who graduated last year with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, news reporting and writing concentration.
The research started during an investigative reporting class during fall 2006, taught by Professor Suzanne McBride, director of the journalism professor’s news reporting and writing concentration. The class of 12 got the ball rolling, doing most of the background research.
When the class ended, McBride wanted students to pursue this issue, hoping to get it published. Riggio and Clauss jumped on board, and the following spring they completed the investigation during an independent study with McBride. They wrote a series of articles that was published on both the Chicago Talks online news site, and the Beachwood Reporter blog.
“It’s not easy, but it’s the hardball of journalism,” Clauss said of investigative reporting.
During the investigative process, Riggio explained, it wasn’t always easy getting city officials to talk.
“As a student journalist, it’s hard enough getting sources to talk. Not only is it often difficult to be taken seriously, but we were challenging the ethics of elected officials’ hiring practices,” Riggio said.
Clauss agreed, and stressed that nepotism is important to uncover in city government because it affects anyone paying taxes in Chicago. The information was buried in public documents that are available to anyone.
“There were stories buried in these mundane documents. You just have to put the dots together,” he said.
McBride said she is really proud of the students’ work, and sees similar potential in other students.
“That’s what’s so great about Columbia. The students have really great ideas and great skills,” McBride said.
Clauss’ concentration is in magazine writing and editing, but he registered for investigative reporting to expand beyond the familiar -- a key strategy that he recommends for other students.
“I would encourage students to really break out of their shell and do things they might not normally do,” he said.
By Morgan Mack
While many college students fall into an academic grind of attending classes, doing homework and taking exams, two Columbia College journalism students were able to take their education to a whole new level. Allison Riggio, 23, Hunter Clauss, 25, have proved there’s no limit for student journalists.
Riggio and Clauss have received a highly coveted Investigative Reporters and Editors national award for their investigative reporting last year of nepotism practiced by six Chicago aldermen. There are 15 categories in the IRE contest, and the organization reported receiving 530 entries.
“I’m thrilled with the outcome of our work, and I’m honored that it is being recognized with such a notable award,” said Riggio, who graduated last year with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, news reporting and writing concentration.
The research started during an investigative reporting class during fall 2006, taught by Professor Suzanne McBride, director of the journalism professor’s news reporting and writing concentration. The class of 12 got the ball rolling, doing most of the background research.
When the class ended, McBride wanted students to pursue this issue, hoping to get it published. Riggio and Clauss jumped on board, and the following spring they completed the investigation during an independent study with McBride. They wrote a series of articles that was published on both the Chicago Talks online news site, and the Beachwood Reporter blog.
“It’s not easy, but it’s the hardball of journalism,” Clauss said of investigative reporting.
During the investigative process, Riggio explained, it wasn’t always easy getting city officials to talk.
“As a student journalist, it’s hard enough getting sources to talk. Not only is it often difficult to be taken seriously, but we were challenging the ethics of elected officials’ hiring practices,” Riggio said.
Clauss agreed, and stressed that nepotism is important to uncover in city government because it affects anyone paying taxes in Chicago. The information was buried in public documents that are available to anyone.
“There were stories buried in these mundane documents. You just have to put the dots together,” he said.
McBride said she is really proud of the students’ work, and sees similar potential in other students.
“That’s what’s so great about Columbia. The students have really great ideas and great skills,” McBride said.
Clauss’ concentration is in magazine writing and editing, but he registered for investigative reporting to expand beyond the familiar -- a key strategy that he recommends for other students.
“I would encourage students to really break out of their shell and do things they might not normally do,” he said.