May 3, 2006-The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) has named the Daily Utah Chronicle at the University of Utah “Best All-Around Daily Student Newspaper” in the Region 9 Mark of Excellence Awards for the 2005 calendar year. SPJ region 9 is comprised of four states: Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico. This year, collegiate journalists submitted more than 3,100 entries in 43 categories across SPJ’s 12 regions.

The Chronicle picked up first place SPJ awards in two other categories. U student Tony Poulson took the top prize for Editorial Cartooning and Lindsey Sine took the top prize in General Column Writing for her article “Socio-Political Problems.”

The honorees were awarded certificates on April 29 at the Region 9 Conference held at the Denver Press Club. First place regional winners advanced to the national round of judging which began in early April

The Society of Professional Journalists is the nation”s most broad-based journalism organization, dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior.

For additional information on the Mark of Excellence Awards or the Society, please contact Heather Porter at 317-927-8000 ext. 204 or hporter@spj.org.