The Collegian is pleased to announce that the California College Media Association has recognized both The Collegian Online and print edition for excellence.

The Collegian Online was awarded first place for Interactivity, first place for Best Use of Multimedia and first place for Overall Web Site Excellence.

Webmaster Bryan Harley is responsible for the recent redesign of The Collegian Web site. Harley said it felt really good to win the award. “It’s really great to know that we bested schools like UC Berkeley and USC,� he said.

“These awards are very significant,� Collegian Editor in Chief Kirstie Hettinga said. “I am so pleased with our accomplishments. This is especially great because our Web site is 100 percent student-generated. Other schools sometimes use a service like CollegePublisher; our site is unique.�

The Collegian competed with 22 other four-year colleges and universities in multiple categories.

Virginia Sellars-Erxleben, The Collegian Online’s adviser, said, “The Collegian Online showcases the myriad aspects of the new media. It incorporates the various sequences of mass communication and journalism, such as print journalism, photojournalism, advertising, media production, digital media and more.�

The print edition of The Collegian also received several awards in the weekly category. The CCMA classifies papers that print less than four times per week as a weekly paper.

Former Art Director Angela Lorona was awarded first place for her infographic for California̢۪s general election. Lorona̢۪s work also appeared on the Dec. 6 basketball insert, which was awarded third place for best special insert. The insert was the work of Collegian Sports Editor Darrell Copeland III. Copeland also won second place for Best Headline Portfolio.

Copeland said, “It feels good to be recognized for the hard work that went into producing not only the award-winning issues but every issue that we put out for the students. Hopefully, people will recognize the quality of talent that is here now and those who have been here in the past who began a rich tradition that we strive to continue.�

Copeland’s sports headlines included “Singing the oranges and blues,� referring to a Bulldogs football loss to Boise State, and “Sherley you can’t be serious� for a profile of former Bulldogs free safety Josh Sherley.

Former Photo Editor Andrew Riggs, who was recently recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists, had his work in both sports and feature photograph honored by the CCMA. Riggs’ feature photo of Fresno State dance instructor Wayne Hurley won third place. A football photo from Fresno State’s win over New Mexico State was awarded second place. “It’s cool to continue to be recognized,� Riggs said.

Hettinga said she was very pleased with how much The Collegian has accomplished this year. “In the past year we have earned nine awards, after a drought of a couple years. I think we are continuing to push what people expect from a college paper.�