2024 Excellence in Journalism and Hall of Fame dinner

Starts: December 4, 2024 at 6:00 pm
Ends: December 4, 2024 at 9:00 pm

At Connecticut SPJ, we are excited for the coming year but we acknowledge that a new administration may pose some difficulties for journalists.

That’s why we’re inviting all journalists in the state to come, mingle and break bread with colleagues and peers at our dinner on Wednesday, December 4th at 6 p.m.

Casa Mia at the Hawthorne 2421 Berlin Turnpike Berlin, CT 06037

Buy your tickets here – the cost is $30 for SPJ members and $35 for non-members.

Individual members who are buying tickets for yourself, please email spjconnecticut@gmail.com for the members-only discount code.

You can likely request reimbursement from your employer, if you have one. Most CT news orgs have offered reimbursement in the past.

Let’s not just celebrate the accomplishments of our Hall of Fame Inductees and award winners but let’s also connect with each other and share experiences and thoughts on 2025 and beyond.

Solidarity is always important but it may become essential to continuing to do the work that benefits our communities and holds power to account.

If you can’t come to the dinner, consider purchasing a ticket for a student.

Hope to see you on December 4th!

2024 Hall of Fame Inductees

Owen Canfield (1934-2019)

Seven-time Connecticut Sportswriter of the Year Sports Columnist, The Hartford Courant Columnist, The Register Citizen

Jacqueline Smith

Ombudsman, Stars and Stripes Former columnist and editorial page editor with Hearst Connecticut Media Group

James H. Smith

Former reporter, city editor and sports editor at The Hartford Courant Former editor of The Connecticut Post Former president of the Connecticut Council on Freedom of Information

We will also be honoring these contest winners:

STEPHEN A. COLLINS PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD

Jenna Carlesso and Dave Altimari Connecticut Mirror

THEODORE DRISCOLL AWARD FOR INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING

Dave Altimari, Jenna Carlesso and Katy Golvala Connecticut Mirror

FIRST AMENDMENT AWARD

Jacqueline Rabe Thomas, Joshua Eaton and Brian Lockhart Hearst Connecticut Media