Nominations Sought for Ernie Deane Award

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Nominations will be accepted until March 22 for the 18^th annual Ernie Deane Award for valor in journalism. The award recognizes Arkansas journalists or writers whose works best exemplify the spirit, style and courage of its namesake.

Ernie Deane, a 1934 University of Arkansas graduate in journalism, served as the information officer for Gen. George Patton during World War II and was the head of public relations with the Office of Chief Counsel for War Crimes at Nuremberg. A journalist with the former Arkansas Gazette for many years, Deane originated the Arkansas Traveler column in 1956 and later taught journalism at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.

Deane championed many public causes against what he called the “lunacy” of politicians and bureaucrats. One of his most famous crusades was saving Old Main, the historical landmark on the University of Arkansas campus, from demolition. His former students, who are now editors, news directors and public relations professionals across the country, took up the battle cry and rallied to the cause. The building has since been restored and remains a landmark on the campus.

The “Ernie” award was founded by Deane’s former students and colleagues following his death in 1991. Nominations are judged by a committee of professionals who were students of Deane. The award will be presented at a special event in the fall at the Lemke Department of Journalism, where Deane taught.

“Ernie Deane believed strongly in the public good and never backed away from a fight if he felt that the public good was threatened,” said award committee chair Larry Foley. “He taught his students that to be honest, to have courage and to stand up for what you believe in are the most important traits a journalist can have.”

Past recipients of the Ernie Deane Award include Bob McCord (1993), Swampy Graves and Ray Kimball (1994), Richard Allin (1995), Bob Douglas (1996), George Fisher (1997), Betty and Cone Magie (1998), Ernie Dumas (1999), J.E. Dunlap (2000), Jim Pitcock (2001), Orville Henry (2002), Jim Morriss (2003), Carol Griffey (2004), John W. Troutt Jr. and Charlotte Schexnayder (2005), Steve Barnes (2006), Roy Reed (2007), Amy Schlesing (2008) and Max Brantley (2009).

Nominations for the 2009 Ernie Deane Award can be sent to Larry Foley at the Department of Journalism, 116 Kimpel Hall, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701 or by e-mail to lfoley@uark.edu.