Journalism and Public Relations Hall of Fame

The Journalism and Public Relations Hall of Fame, established in 1979, honors alumni who graduated from the BGSU Journalism and Public Relations program and who have significantly contributed to journalism and public relations through their excellence, innovation, and leadership. This recognition celebrates the diverse nature of our alumni’s accomplishments and contributions in the fields of journalism and public relations. Recipients demonstrate exceptional performance and contributions that have helped shape the media industry, elevated ethical standards, and inspired the next generation of professionals.

One award is presented at the School of Media and Communication annual awards ceremony, usually in April.

If you wish to nominate someone for the Journalism and Public Relations Hall of Fame, please fill out and submit this Journalism and Public Relations Hall of Fame Nomination Form.

Journalism and Public Relations Hall of Fame Inductees:

2025                Diane Larson ( bio )
2024                 Duane Pohlman
2023                 Phil Masturzo  
2022                 Jill Kouri
2021                 Scott Clark
2019                 Jared Wadley, PR, University of Michigan
2018                 Bob Bortel, director of student media, BGSU
2017                 Scott Brown
2016                 Betsy Kling
2015                 Jim Sluzewski
2014                 Jan Larson McLaughlin
2013                 Christopher Hawley
2012                 Larry Weiss
2011                  Richard Hendrickson
2010                 Mary Coffman
2009                 Norm Van Ness
2008                 Dick Maxwell
2007                 Mizell Stewart
2006                 Brock Bierman
2005                 Wilma Smith & Martha Vetter
2004                 David C. Miller
2003                 Roger Buehrer
2002                 Stephen R. Hartman
2000                 Janet C. Leach, Benjamin J. Marrison,  and Eva Parzaile
1999                  Nick DelCalzo
1997                  Larry L. Coffman          
1996                  Katherine L. Hatton
1995                  Marcia J. Nighswander & Vernon E. Henry
1993                  Ann M. Shepherd & Brian L. Steffens 
1991                   Thomas W. Walton           
1990                  Robert W. Bone
1989                  Jerry Wolfrom & Leon Bibb
1987                  James Underwood
1986                  Craig Covault
1985                  Rod Hansen
1984                  Henry Jacques
1983                  William Day
1982                  Richard Edwards
1981                  John Dyer
1980                 Bradley Greenberg
1979                 James Gordon