Journalism alumni from around the state and region are invited to the annual West Virginia University School of Journalism Alumni Association banquet Saturday, March 29, at EricksonAlumniCenter. A social hour begins at 6 p.m., followed by a 7 p.m. banquet and program.

Rounding out annual Journalism Week activities on campus, the banquet will mirror the theme”Ethics and Responsibility in the Media.”

To that end, the group will honor chairman and CEO of Widmeyer Communications, Scott Widmeyer (Class of 1974), as the 2002-03 P.I. Reed Achievement Award recipient for his outstanding contributions to the journalism profession. Widmeyer is the 46th Reed award winner.

He has a 25-year record of providing strategic thinking to scores of decision-makers from presidents and governors to CEOs and union leaders. From working as a newspaper reporter in the 1970s to running major media operations for national political campaigns, Widmeyer knows how to garner press coverage for his clients. His track record of successes around reforming education, health care, campaign finances, technology, trade and other public policy matters illustrate his impact as a change agent on cutting-edge issues.

Clients turn regularly to Widmeyer for advice on economic development matters, marketing strategies, coalition building and crisis management.

Widmeyer founded the Washington, D.C.-based firm in 1988, after holding major communications positions with five national leaders �€former President Jimmy Carter, former Vice President Walter Mondale, U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller, former politician Geraldine Ferraro and the late president of the American Federation of Teachers, Albert Shanker.

He serves on the boards of the March of Dimes, GLAAD and the Victory Fund and is active in the Greater Washington Board of Trade, the National Press Club and the Sky Club of New York.

Widmeyer received a bachelors degree in journalism from WVU in 1974 and was editor and managing editor of the campus daily newspaper. He has given back to his alma mater by establishing two scholarship funds to benefit African-Americans and first-generation West Virginians who are seeking degrees in journalism.

Another award, the”Friend of the School Award,”will go posthumously to Frank Kearns, former WVU professor of broadcast journalism and award-winning broadcaster, and his wife Sarah Kearns, for their dedication to the University. This is the fourth year for this award, sponsored by The Shinnston News and HarrisonCounty Journal.

A new award, the Martin Hall Cornerstone Award, will honor two graduates and long-time volunteers at the school: Joyce Bower (Class of 1966), who served faithfully as secretary/treasurer of the SOJ Alumni Association for many years and is an employee of the WVU Extension Service, and Tim Terman (Classes of 1987, BSJ ; 1996 MSJ ), Communications Director at WVU ’s College of Business and Economics, who twice served as president of the North Central Chapter of the SOJAA and is editor of the newsletter.

In other business, SOJ Dean Christine Martin will also update alumni on activities and initiatives over the past year and introduce the Schools outstanding students and teachers. Alumni who are supporting programming efforts at the school as”life members”also will be acknowledged.

Cost of the buffet-style banquet is $25. To reserve a spot, send name, address and graduating class information with a check (made payable to WVU Journalism Alumni Association) by March 14 to: Ronda Gregory, Treasurer, 1374 Bennett Drive, Morgantown, WV26508 .