a little about
ETSU's Society of
Professional Journalists,
the George W. Kelly Chapter

ETSU's SPJ/Sigma Delta Chi (SDX) chapter was chartered in the 1970s. At that time, the chapter was advised by Dr. Jack Mooney, who is now JAPR division head, and later, by George W. Kelly, longtime editorial editor of the Johnson City Press.
 

The 1978 ETSU SPJ membership photo outside Rogers-Stout Hall. This is from adviser Dr. Mooney's scrapbook. Isn't it groovy?

After Mr. Kelly passed away in 1995, Dr. Jerry Hilliard became adviser to the chapter, and the ETSU group chose to rename itself as the George W. Kelly Chapter of Society of Professional Journalists. The ETSU chapter has been honored numerous times by the national SPJ for its programming.
 

Check out an Initiation Ceremony from the late 1970s. A very solemn occasion. You could only join SPJ if sent a special "invitation."

Now, in the new millenium, ETSU's SPJ is still introducing student journalists to the old pros and seeking new ways to make SPJ useful to students. Last year, ETSU's SPJ held forums, featuring regional and local reporters and editors, as well as discussions on the job market, anthrax scare, magazine writing and Journalism vs. PR.

Philanthropies included: working with broadcasting students to tape messages to the firefighters in New York and troops overseas and collecting toys for the Salvation Army Angel Tree.
 

IN MEMORIAM ~ G.W. Kelly (right) journalist, mentor, catalyst & beloved  friend