The WestWord, a Walla Walla University Department of Communication student-produced magazine, won the Best Student PR/Marketing/Social Media award at the 2023 Society of Adventist Communicators (SAC) convention in Springfield, Massachusetts.

“This award is an affirmation that we are doing good work and are teaching students to do good work,” said Lynelle Ellis, director of the Center for Media Ministry and associate professor of communication. 

Created in an upper division class on publication design and editing, the Westword features student-written news and feature stories about the department. The layout and design of the publication was achieved through a partnership with a team of WWU graphic design students. Following publication, the WestWord is sent to department alumni and used in recruitment.

Two communication department faculty and four students traveled to Springfield on Oct. 19 to attend the annual convention and accept the award. Funding for the trip was provided by the North Pacific Union Conference and Adventist Health. Ellis said, “We are so grateful to the NPUC and Adventist Health for giving us a scholarship grant to be able to take students.”

The annual SAC convention offers an opportunity for students, alumni, and communication professionals from institutions and organizations around the country to gather for workshops, media tours, and networking. “A highlight for me was meeting people in my field and being able to have my questions answered by professionals,” said Lauren Vizcarra, senior strategic communication major. 

To read current and past issues of the Westword, email the department at commlang@wallawalla.edu.

Posted Nov. 9, 2023