A memorial service was held Sunday, Oct. 10 at the Student Center Auditorium to remember the late William Recktenwald, professor at SIUC and longtime SISPA supporter.

Among several who spoke, SISPA director Cathy Wall shared stories of Recktenwald’s interactions with students and advisers at the SISPA Winter Conference and SIUC Summer Journalism camps which were offered several years ago.

After sharing the Friend of Journalism award that he had won last spring, Wall revealed that the SISPA board would offer a new award in Recktenwald’s name at this year’s conference.

The award, patterned after the one he received, will recognize those who work in tandem with advisers and students to support healthy student journalism among SISPA students and advisers. A nomination form can be found under the “Awards” tab on the SISPA homepage.