College of Media at Illinois

Reeder Named Forrest Bassford Award Finalist

Ellen Reeder, a sophomore in agricultural communications at the University of Illinois, is a finalist for the Forrest Bassford Award.

As a finalist, Reeder receives a $750 travel scholarship to the Agricultural Media Summit, August 5-8, in Albuquerque, N.M., where she will compete against three other finalists for the award.

"It's truly an honor to represent the University of Illinois as a finalist for the Forrest Bassford Award,” Reeder said.  “It is so rewarding to be chosen to attend the Agricultural Media Summit in Albuquerque and to compete as a finalist.”

Reeder submitted an application in February to the award selection committee.  She was evaluated on campus involvement, scholarships and awards she received, her employment record, an essay she wrote on why she wants to be involved in agricultural communications and a sample press release.

“I’m very excited for Ellen,” Katie Abrams, professor in agricultural communications, said.  “She’s a sophomore in the major and is already competing at a senior level with students from around the country.”

Last year, U of I student, Jill Johnson, won the Forrest Bassford Award.  This was the first time a U of I student had received the award in 21 years.

“I am really looking forward to this opportunity to represent my school and share my passion for agriculture,” Reeder said.

The Forrest Bassford Award was named after the Livestock Publications Council founding member in 1992.  LPC is a professional improvement organization with more than 200 members from across the United States and was founded in 1974.  This is the 27th year for the student award program.