Central Michigan University to induct five to Journalism Hall of Fame

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The Central Michigan University Journalism Hall of Fame will make room for five new members and one young journalist of the year this semester.

Inductees for 2010 include CMU alumni Cathaleen Curtiss, Dirk Milliman and Keith Naughton, former journalism professor John Palen and retired circuit court Judge Fred Mester. Young Journalist of the Year is Mark W. Smith.

The ninth annual hall of fame ceremony will take place at 8 p.m. Nov. 12, at the Comfort Inn Hotel & Conference Center, 2424 S. Mission St. Journalists are chosen on the basis of accomplishments in the field and contributions to the community.

“The hall of fame as has been very successful in bringing alumni and friends back to campus and Mount Pleasant over the years,” said department chairwoman Maria Marron. “I would love to see more students attend because they will be able to see their role models and learn a lot.”

Smith, a 2007 alumnus and former Central Michigan Life editor in chief, is Web editor and a technology writer for the Detroit Free Press.

“I am certainly very honored to be following in the footsteps of some colleagues I respect greatly and learned from,” Smith said.

He mentioned past young journalist winners —  Chris Gautz, Chad Livengood and Adam Graham — as his inspirations.

Smith advises young journalists not to worry about finding jobs in the changing industry.

Naughton even met his wife, Janet Hastings, at CM Life. She was the fourth female editor in chief in the 1980s.

Naughton never expected to be recognized in this way.

“I feel like I’m part of a rich history,” he said. “And back when we were toiling in the basement of Anspach, putting out a paper and doing all-nighters, I never imagined that would lead to this.”