2008 Woodie Awards
Detroit News columnist Foster honored with journalism award
Encourages students to work through tough times
By: Sarah Schuch
Issue date: 4/4/08 Section: News
Central Michigan University alumnus Terry Foster encouraged journalism students to stand strong in their profession and change alongside the work.
Foster, sports columnist for the Detroit News, spoke Wednesday to about 100 people at the eighth annual Journalism Awards Luncheon.
Foster was named the Outstanding Alumnus of the Year award at the banquet, which also recognized 15 students who received scholarships.
"What you guys are about to encounter will be rough," Foster said. "It's all about survival. If you can get through the rough times, do it."
Foster emphasized the fast pace change of the journalism field.
All Foster wanted to do was report, write and see his byline in the newspaper. To hold the paper in his hands was the greatest, he said.
"Ink no longer runs through my veins; computer chips do," Foster said.
Journalists now have to do more than just write and report - they have to multitask, Foster said.
Foster is a print journalist, but also regularly blogs, hosts a sports talk radio show and podcasts.
Ken McDonald, a CMU journalism instructor, said he hopes students will be inspired by Foster's professional career.
"(The luncheon) is a way to step back and recognize some of our top students," said Tim Boudreau, assistant professor of journalism. "It's an opportunity to brag a little bit as a department."
This year the luncheon was made a little more student-friendly, Boudreau said. Last year, it took place in the evening at The Embers. It was made during the day so more students could attend, and because it took place in the University Center's Rotunda, tickets were half the price this year.
"All the students deserved recognition," said Angela Hernandez, Allen Park sophomore and 2006 Lem Tucker Scholar. "It demonstrates the strength of our journalism department."
Foster, who graduated with a journalism degree in 1981, wrote at Central Michigan Life for three and a half years. He said it paved the path for him and the journalism business.
"I knew I wanted to get into journalism, but CM Life confirmed that," Foster said. "It lit the fire for the passion."
Foster said his on-the-job training never stops.
The next step now is for professors to rethink how students are taught without forgetting the basics, he said.
news@cm-life.com
Foster, sports columnist for the Detroit News, spoke Wednesday to about 100 people at the eighth annual Journalism Awards Luncheon.
Foster was named the Outstanding Alumnus of the Year award at the banquet, which also recognized 15 students who received scholarships.
"What you guys are about to encounter will be rough," Foster said. "It's all about survival. If you can get through the rough times, do it."
Foster emphasized the fast pace change of the journalism field.
All Foster wanted to do was report, write and see his byline in the newspaper. To hold the paper in his hands was the greatest, he said.
"Ink no longer runs through my veins; computer chips do," Foster said.
Journalists now have to do more than just write and report - they have to multitask, Foster said.
Foster is a print journalist, but also regularly blogs, hosts a sports talk radio show and podcasts.
Ken McDonald, a CMU journalism instructor, said he hopes students will be inspired by Foster's professional career.
"(The luncheon) is a way to step back and recognize some of our top students," said Tim Boudreau, assistant professor of journalism. "It's an opportunity to brag a little bit as a department."
This year the luncheon was made a little more student-friendly, Boudreau said. Last year, it took place in the evening at The Embers. It was made during the day so more students could attend, and because it took place in the University Center's Rotunda, tickets were half the price this year.
"All the students deserved recognition," said Angela Hernandez, Allen Park sophomore and 2006 Lem Tucker Scholar. "It demonstrates the strength of our journalism department."
Foster, who graduated with a journalism degree in 1981, wrote at Central Michigan Life for three and a half years. He said it paved the path for him and the journalism business.
"I knew I wanted to get into journalism, but CM Life confirmed that," Foster said. "It lit the fire for the passion."
Foster said his on-the-job training never stops.
The next step now is for professors to rethink how students are taught without forgetting the basics, he said.
news@cm-life.com
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