An SIUC senior, described by his professor as a rare breed of student,’ was recently recognized by the Radio Television News Director’s Association as an outstanding student broadcast journalist.

Chad Gordon, senior in radio-TV from Villa Grove, traveled to New Orleans Sept. 6 to pick up a scholarship check from the Radio Television News Director’s Association for $1000.

I had a real good time, Gordon said. They took care of all my expenses for five days and four nights. It’s nice to win scholarship money, but to pay all my expenses while I check out the French Quarter on Bourbon Street, now that’s alright.

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Gordon said he was able to secure an autograph and shake hands with Peter Jennings and see Oprah Winfrey speak at a lucheon.

I met a lot of people who have done real well in the broadcasting, Gordon said. It was nice to know that they are real people.

Gordon was selected as one of eight outstanding student broadcast journalists in the nation, after submitting an application last spring.

I had to send a current resume tape, which shows my broadcasting work, and a letter of recommendation, Gordon said.

Ken Keller, a radio-TV professor, wrote the recommendation and said that Chad’s talent won him the competitive scholarship.

Chad is that rare breed of student that stands out in the crowd, said Ken Keller, radio-TV professor. Radio and Television News Director’s Association recognized that in rewarding him with this scholarship.

Gordon said his resume includes work at WIDB and WSIU-FM for three years.

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I did Night Reports as a freshman, and worked as a reporter during my sophomore year, Gordon said. Me and a friend created Sports Weekly for channel eight during that year.

Gordon currently spends 40 hours a week working as the only student reporter for WPSD in Paducah, and another 20 to 30 hours working at WSIU, in addition to taking classes.

It may seem like a lot of work, but I look at things this wayyou spend a big amount of money to go to college, so why not take advantage of everything while you’re here? Gordon said.

Gordon said that his good public speaking skills and interest in the fast-paced action of broadcasting inspired him to pursue it as a career. Keller said he has been an active student in radio-TV since his first year on campus.

Since he was a freshman, Chad has demonstrated an interest and drive in pursuing the field of broadcast journalism, Keller said. He is always well ahead of everyone else in enterprising his own opportunities in radio-TV.