Students recognized in state photo contest
Finding internships got easier for two CMU photojournalism students this weekend.
Jonathon Gruenke and John Remus III won awards Saturday night at the Michigan Press Photographer Association’s Photographer of the Year contest in Lansing.
Gruenke, an Allen Park senior, placed third in the College Photographer of the Year category. Remus, a California senior, placed third in the Editorial Illustration category.
Each photographer submitted a portfolio of one picture story and 10 singles for the contest.
Gruenke said he won because of his photo story about a 12-year-old girl, who is blind and autistic, and her experience growing up.
“My singles really were horrible,” Gruenke said. “One judge said he wouldn’t put any of them in the newspaper, but my photo story was really strong.”
Remus competed against professionals with his award-winning editorial illustration titled, “Where will Advertising Go?”
“It is one of my favorites,” Remus said. “It is a different, interesting take on advertising.”
Kent Miller, journalism instructor, said Remus is hard working and creative, and his award reflects that.
Remus took the picture for the illustration in Miller’s studio class.
CMU had the most entries for College Photographer of the Year, Miller said.
Steve Jessmore, temporary journalism faculty member and chief photographer at the Flint Journal, won four awards, including the top award, The Barry Edmonds Michigan Understanding Award.
Jessmore said the awards should give Gruenke and Remus confidence.
“They have started to crack that barrier of being a student and a professional,” said Jessmore, a CMU alumnus.
CMU alumnus J. Kyle Keener, of the Detroit Free Press, and Ken Stevens, of the Muskegon Chronicle, also won awards.
Gruenke said he is glad CMU was recognized.
“This proves we can compete with other schools, especially Michigan State, and shows professors should be recognized, especially Steve Jessmore,” Gruenke said.
