Paul A. Funk Recognition Awards

  Neal R. Merchen
  John C. van Es
  Donald G. White


ACES Alumni Association Award of Merit

  Rebecca C. Doyle
  Harold D. Guither
  Judith K. Hevrdejs
  Ronald R. Warfield

Faculty Awards for Excellence

  Lila O. Vodkin
  Brent A. McBride
  Philip Buriak
  Jasna D. Jovanovic
  Marshal McGlamery
  Aaron T. Ebata

Karl E. Gardner Undergrad Adviser Award

  Thomas Fermanian

Clyde & Downey Spitler Teaching Award

  William Sullivan III

Service Recognition Award

  Edward W. Stoller

Professional Staff Awards for Excellence

  Edward N. Ballard
  Paul W. Benson
  Julie Fesenmaier
  James E. Painter

Staff Award for Excellence

  Linda L. Barenthin
  Carol K. Johnson
  Edward E. Springer

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last updated 6/25/99
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Award of Merit
Judith K. Hevrdejs

     

Judith K. Hevrdejs is an award-winning journalist with more than 20 years of experience, including five years with the Mexico City News in Balderas, Mexico. She has reported on personalities, food, travel, consumer issues, and entertainment for a variety of consumer and trade publications, television, and radio. Hevrdejs is also accomplished in developing, launching, producing, and editing highly creative projects for newspapers, magazines, books, and public relations firms.

Hevrdejs graduated from the University of Illinois in 1973 with a degree in home economics journalism. Her studies here have led to many exciting practical applications of her education.

Currently, Hevrdejs co-writes a six-day-a-week celebrity/people column titled "INC." for the Chicago Tribune, as well as editing wire-service material for a news briefs column. Her career with the Tribune began in 1982 as a staff reporter for their food section, specializing in consumer news. Hevrdejs’s other positions have included feature reporting; developing story ideas, photos, and layouts for the food, fashion, travel, and entertainment sections; launching—then editing—a zoned, weekly feature section; and developing, writing, photographing, and editing stories for consumer and destination pieces for the weekly travel section.

Among Hevrdejs’s many talents is her mastery of the Spanish language. She has used this ability as a volunteer with Casa Notre Dame, working with Central American refugees who were survivors of political torture. Her compassionate presence and conversation helped them to continue their healing process. Hevrdejs also helped set up the agency’s computer program, tutored the guests in English, and served on the board of directors.

Hevrdejs’s impact on others has been evident throughout her life. As a member and junior leader of 4-H, she set an example of excellence and encouraged others to "make the best better." She has given presentations about today’s journalism to students and adults, informing them about how reporters approach the gathering, interpreting, and presenting of the news. "I want to be like her," has been the response from many students after hearing her talk about her career and life experiences.