UA journalism students establish chapter of National Association of Hispanic Journalists

University of Arizona journalism students on Jan. 24 elected officers, set meeting times and explained their motivation for joining a group that will become the fifth student chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.

NAHJ, established in 1984, is dedicated to the recognition and professional advancement of Hispanics in the news industry, says its Web site. Only four other universities around the country host chapters. They are Brooklyn College, Florida International University, Syracuse University, and the University of Missouri-Columbia.

The inaugural meeting of the UA student chapter drew nearly 20 students, faculty and campus administrators.

"This is a great moment for the department," said Jacqueline Sharkey, department head, in welcoming students. An anonymous UA donor is paying chapter dues for any student who wishes to join the NAHJ student chapter.

At the meeting, students elected five officers: Victoria Tinajero and Nathan Robert Olivarez-Giles, co-presidents; Matthew Scot Andazola, vice president; Ernesto Abel Romero, secretary; and Lorena Barraza, treasurer.

"It's nice to look around and see other people who look like you," said Olivarez-Giles. "We all know what it's like to be the only brown person in the room. If our [NAHJ] presence makes one less person drop out of school, it's worth it."

Students had differing motivations for joining the group. Some admitted membership is a resume-booster. Others had more personal reasons.

"I don't think there's a voice for Hispanics in our community," said student Ricardo Almada. "I want to change that."

Added student Ernesto Romero: "It's nice to have something we can call our own."

Membership in the NAHJ University of Arizona Student Chapter is open to any students and faculty members at the university. For more information, contact Jeannine Relly, assistant professor of practice in the journalism department, at 621-7556.

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