Former editors and staff congratulate, support Campus Echo

Dear Campus Echo Staff,

On behalf of all of the former staffers of The Campus Echo, we wanted to express our joy and offer hearty congratulations to you on your recent accomplishments and domination in the National HBCU Student News Media Conference Excellence in Journalism Contest awards.

Earning 16 awards, including six first place prizes, should also serve as an amazing source of pride for all of you as well.

We all have watched over the years as The Campus Echo has grown and matured into one of the best college newspapers – print and online -- in the nation. And that is not an easy task as we all know of instances, particularly at HBCUs, where quality and objective journalism is not respected, accepted or encouraged.

The Campus Echo has a long tradition of excellence. "Since the 1950's, The Campus Echo has won journalism awards for its coverage of civil and human rights issues, as well as outstanding coverage of campus news," says Dr. Lenwood Davis, class of 1960, and a former Campus Echo Editor. "You are now part of an "elite group of Eagles" who understand that working on The Campus Echo is truly a labor of love. We former staffers just ask that you continue to soar high in truth and service!"

Yes, we certainly understand the hard work and dedication that it takes for you to produce such an amazing product. We all remember the long hours, the cold pizza, the missed deadlines, the stolen papers, followed by the sheer joy of accomplishment and a job well done.

Your paper, our paper, has gone on to produce some of the best and brightest journalists in the country, who as you can see below, have gone on to do great things. We all look forward to you all joining us soon in the professional ranks.

Thanks again for keeping The Campus Echo relevant, consistent and quite frankly, the best source of news for and about North Carolina Central University.

Sincerely,

Ernie Suggs - Editor, 87-89 -Political Reporter, Atlanta Journal-Constitution; Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University Board Member

Demorris A. Lee - Section Editor 88-90 - Multimedia journalist, St. Petersburg Times,

Rashaun Rucker - Photo Editor 00-03 - Assistant Director of Photo and Video, Detroit Free Press

Mike Williams - Editor, 02-03 - Managing Editor, triangle.com

Wyllisa Bennett - Editor, 86-87 - Celebrity publicist, Los Angeles

Rony Camille - Editor, 06-07 - Media Program Director, Webmaster, Town of Tyngsborough, Mass.

Saria Canady - Staff writer, 01-04 - Website editor, Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Geoffrey Cooper - Editor, 08-09 - Political reporter, Rocky Mount (N.C.) Telegram

Sheena Johnson Cooper - Sports Editor, 04-05 - Director of Communications & Marketing, Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce

Lovemore Masakadza - Editor, 03-04 - Program Coordinator, Mecklenburg County Health Department

Dalia Davies - A&E Editor, 03-04 - Television Producer, New York City

Danielle Johnson-Webb - Reporter 01-04

Tatia Davis - Editor, 89-90 - Educator, Durham Public Schools

Aaron Daye - Photo Editor 03-05 Founder & Creative Director, Gorillaz Ink Design Group

Herbert Delancey - Photographer - 87-88 - Correspondent Photojournalist - Black Sports The Magazine

Deneesha Edwards - Editor in Chief, 05-06 - Reporter, The Lexington Dispatch

Gerard L. Farrow - A&E Editor, 01-04 - Founder, Impression House Media & Marketing, Inc.

S. James Guitard - Political News Editor, 88-89 - National Bestselling Author

Roderick Heath - Photo Editor 04-06

A.J. Jackson - Managing Editor, 89-90

Jessica Johnson - Editor, 91-92 Columnist, Athens-Banner-Herald; Assistant Professor of English at Central State University

Terry Alston Jones - Staff Writer 87-88

Dr. Donald Mason - Sports Editor 87-89 - Administrator, DeKalb County Schools

Ebony McQueen - Staff Writer, 04-07 - Senior Media Planner-Optimedia

Dezmona Mizelle-Howard - Editor, 92-94 - Attorney - United States Patent and Trademark Office

Tracy Y. Roberts - Reporter, 84-86 - Information Pages Coordinator, Verizon

G. Marcellus Taylor - Business Manager, 85-86 - Oce' Business Services

Carlton Koonce - Editor, 09-10

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Note from Ashley Griffin, Editor-in-Chief:

When I glanced at my Blackberry this morning after taking a break from studying for my stats test, I hadn't anticipated receiving such a remarkable show of support.

Although this has been a controversial year in all, I am so thankful that there are former alumnus who understand and support the Campus Echo. 

Seeing this e-mail lets us at the Campus Echo know we are doing the right thing – even when others may think differently.

I am so thankful for everyone's support, I am honored to have served as the 2010-2011 Editor-in-Chief of the Campus Echo.  Thank you for acknowledging and understanding our effort and work.  Seeing this e-mail reaffirms the tradition of excellence at the Campus Echo.

Note from Campus Echo adviser:

As is clear from Mr. Suggs letter, producing the N.C. Central University Campus Echo has been a labor of love across many generations. It is especially rewarding to hear your voices of support at a time when many are questioning our recent decision to run an especially controversial 1st Person Narrative of one student high school experiences. I have had the honor of working with many of you who have signed the above letter. It's wonderful to hear from you once again my friends. 

I would add one important thing: During my 11 years advising at N.C. Central University, the University has established a tradition of taking the high road regarding the free student press. This high road has been taken even when the Echo wrote news stories that some might hoped had been left untold. I credit this ethos of supporting our free student press to former Chancellor Julius Chambers. This tradition continued during chancellorship of James Ammons and has continued today during the chancellorship of Charlie Nelms. I want to thank all the former Echo staffers and the University for their support of a free student press. -- Bruce dePyssler, Campus Echo adviser