Philip Merrill College of Journalism | University of Maryland

Maryland Faculty Member Wins SPJ Distinguished Teaching Award

For Immediate Release Oct. 3, 2003

TAMPA, Fla. -– Sue Kopen Katcef, a faculty member at the University of Maryland’s Philip Merrill College of Journalism, has won the Society of Professional Journalist’s Distinguished Teaching in Journalism Award.

Kopen Katcef has taught broadcast news writing, reporting and production at the College in 1999. She is part of the teaching team that assists with Maryland Newsline, an award-winning nightly television newscast produced by advanced broadcast journalism students. She also is adviser to the SPJ campus chapter and last year won the society’s award as the top chapter adviser nationally.

Before joining the College, Kopen Katcef was a reporter and anchor for one of the country's leading radio news departments, WBAL in Baltimore. She also has worked as a television reporter at Baltimore's WJZ and Maryland Public Television.

Kopen Katcef has belonged to the Society of Professional Journalists since 1974, when she joined as a student at the University of Maryland. She serves on the boards of both the D.C. and Maryland professional chapters.

“It’s gratifying to have SPJ formally recognize the commitment we see in Sue every day,” said Dean Thomas Kunkel. “It’s been remarkable to watch her work with our broadcast students, and their involvement in SPJ only heightens their enthusiasm and sense of professionalism.”

Patricia Hartman, a junior journalism major and SPJ chapter co-president this year, said Kopen Katcef is “passionate about teaching, about journalism and about her family. She balances all three on a daily basis and never seems to drop the ball. In all the time I've known her, Sue has been completely dedicated to her students and to making them better journalists.”

The annual award “recognizes outstanding teaching ability, contributions to journalism, journalism education and contributions toward maintaining the highest standards of the profession.” The award was announced Sept. 13 at SPJ’s national convention in Tampa.

Jim Highland, SPJ national vice president for campus chapter affairs, called Kopen Katcef “a truly outstanding journalism teacher and scholar who cares for her students. … There was not another teacher in the country that could closely accomplish what Sue has done in the past year.”

Kopen Katcef is the first Maryland winner in the award’s 37-year history.

“I was overwhelmed by this honor,” Kopen Katcef said. “I know what an incredible difference a good teacher can make--I've certainly been the beneficiary of several along the way. This is, in part, a tribute to them since they set me on the path."

For more information contact: Christopher Callahan, (301) 405-2432