SPJ@CSU Treasurer Alexandra Sieh and Secretary
Madeline Novey talk with SPJ National President,
Kevin Smith at the Colorado SPJ Pro Chapter
celebration of 60 years of Colorado Pro Chapter
and 100 years of SPJ National on Oct. 22, 2009.
About Colorado Pro Chapter
The Colorado Pro Chapter achieves its goals by organizing monthly mixers, programming where experienced journalists teach their craft to others, forums where members of the press share their thoughts and an annual contest that recognizes excellence in the field.
Colorado Pro Chapter's mission is:
- To promote the association of journalists in Colorado.
- To further the ethics and ideals of the profession.
- To advance, develop and formally recognize higher standards of journalism.
- To stimulate social and intellectual exchange between members of the press.
- To raise public awareness of the profession.
- To promote the development of future journalists from the ranks of high school and college students.
- To promote the spirit of fellowship among journalists and civic responsibility to the community.
Chapter History
The SPJ Colorado chapter was founded in 1949, holding most of its meetings at the venerable Denver Press Club. The chapter was organized on Oct. 13 that year, principally through the efforts of William Kostka Sr., who presided over the first meeting, and Palmer Hoyt, then publisher of The Denver Post.
Both Hoyt and Kostka were recipients of the Society's Wells Key award in recognition of their service to the national organization. Hoyt served two terms as national president. Houstoun Waring, editor emeritus of the Littleton Independent and a longtime chapter member, was selected a Fellow of the Society in 1959.