School of Mass Communications junior Lucy Dieckhaus took home the second place prize for the Associated Collegiate Press “Story of the Year” competition on October 26th.

Her coverage last year of the Loyola University Student Government Association was featured in The Maroon, Loyola’s student newspaper.  The series was one of 10 nominees for the annual award.

Dieckhaus, a junior from Rockford, Ill., is the current news editor of The Maroon and plans to become a television reporter after graduation.

“My time at The Maroon has been a unique experience that I will always carry with me,” said Dieckhaus. “I have spent time working with skilled journalists and an extremely knowledgeable advisor allowing my skills and confidence to increase. I would not be the journalist I am today if I had not stepped into The Maroon newsroom, two years ago.”

Student Media advisor Michael Giusti ’00, MBA, ’12, calls Dieckhaus a tremendous reporter.

“She really does represent the top of her class, and it didn't surprise me one bit to see her get the nomination for best news story from such a prestigious organization,” Giusti said.

Dieckhaus competed against students from journalism schools like University of California Los Angeles, Indiana University, Louisiana State University, and Syracuse University.

“Loyola journalism students like Lucy compete well on a national stage,” said Sonya F. Duhé, Ph.D., Loyola professor and director of the School of Mass Communication. “We've got a dynamic Mass Communication program and we're extremely proud of Lucy and the entire Maroon team.”

The Associated Collegiate Press  announced the winner during its annual College Media Convention in New Orleans.

This honor is just the latest in a string of successes for Loyola’s Student Media.  This year students won 16 awards from regional and national press organizations.