Four reporters from The Daily Northwestern were named the 2024 Illinois Journalists of the Year for their investigation of hazing within Northwestern’s football program. This year marks the first time student journalists have been chosen since the award began in 1972.

Senior staffers Alyce Brown and Divya Bhardwaj, Print Managing Editor Nicole Markus and In Focus Editor Cole Reynolds were awarded the distinction for their reporting, which garnered national attention. The Northern Illinois University Department of Communication selects the recipients for the award in conjunction with the Northern Illinois News Association.

Markus, The Daily’s summer editor-in-chief during the investigation, said she is grateful for the award in a statement.  

“It is such an honor to all four of us, especially since this is the first time student journalists have been honored with the award,” Markus said. “Student journalism is important every day of the year, whether covering a national story or an everyday campus event.” 

The student journalists were honored at the Donald R. Grubb Journalism Banquet at NIU on Friday.

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