UA Journalism presenting Zenger award to Mexican journalist Carmen Aristegui

For her brave dedication uncovering government corruption in Mexico, CNN en Espanol journalist Carmen Aristegui will receive this year’s John Peter and Anna Catherine Zenger Award for Press Freedom. 

The prestigious award is given by the University of Arizona School of Journalism to journalists who fight not only for press freedom, but also the people’s right to know.

The Zenger award has been given to many leading journalists, such as last year’s winner, New York Times Executive Editor Dean Baquet, and previous legends like CBS’s Walter Cronkite and The Washington Post’s Katharine Graham.  

“It is journalists like her that inspire other journalists to not lose hope and keep fighting against strong odds even against the threat of death,” said UA School of Journalism director David Cuillier.

Aristegui has reported on countless injustices and controversies involving Mexico’s elite, assisting in the launch of MexicoLeaks and more. She remains committed even through having her and her 15-year-old son’s phones targeted with government spyware.

Aristegui will be honored at the Student Union’s North Ballroom on October 12. Cuillier hopes that Aristegui’s son will be able to attend the event as well.  

Tickets are now available for the event on the UA Foundations website.

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Schwalbe named next director of School of Journalism

The University of Arizona’s School of Journalism has named its second female director in its nearly 70-year history.

Carol Schwalbe, associate professor of journalism, was named to the position in late May, and will assume the role from outgoing director, David Cuillier, on July 1.

“I’m excited about the opportunities that we have ahead,” Schwalbe said in an interview. 

Schwalbe, a former editor at National Geographic magazine, is an associate professor and director of graduate studies for the school. She teaches science and environmental journalism, reporting and editing. 

In her new role as director, Schwalbe said that she has her own vision for the school, including preliminary plans to set up micro-campuses in different locations in South America.

“It would be an opportunity for students there to take our journalism classes and they would actually get a university of Arizona degree,” Schwalbe said, noting however that the plans were “still in the talking stage.”

Ultimately, Schwalbe wanted incoming and continuing students alike to know that she would bring the same passion she brought to teaching to her new role.

“You can feel comfortable coming and talking to me even if they don’t have any issues or any problems, even if it’s just a meet group, that would be great too,” Schwalbe said.

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