by Molly Roe
Eileen Wirth, a 1968 journalism graduate of the CoJMC, recently received the 2019 Communicator of Achievement Award from the National Federation of Press Women.
She received the award during the organization’s annual conference, held this year in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, from June 27-29.
The Communicator of Achievement award is the highest honor bestowed by NFPW upon those members who have distinguished themselves within and beyond their field. The recipient, chosen from nominees selected by state affiliates from around the country, is recognized for exceptional achievement in the communications field, as well as service to NFPW and to the community.
After receiving her undergraduate degree, Wirth pursued a master’s degree in journalism from Nebraska. She also received a master’s degree in political science from the University of Minnesota. She came back to Nebraska to get her Ph.D. in political science.
Wirth spent her time at Nebraska writing for the Daily Nebraskan, then known as the “Rag,” and she realized she had a passion for journalism and reporting. She credits professor R. Neale Copple, then head of the J-School, with teaching her how to be a good writer and reporter.
“I took his depth reporting class and he was an amazing teacher,” she said. “He really gave me a lot of confidence in my ability to write and to research and to cover things in more than a superficial fashion.”
After graduation, Wirth spent some time working at the Omaha World-Herald, where she was among a relative handful of women news reporters. She later worked for the Union Pacific Railroad in public relations management. She eventually become a professor at Creighton University in Omaha, where she taught from 1991 and retired in 2016 and was the chairman of the journalism department for 19 of those years. She was the first woman chair of the department.
Throughout her career, Wirth has co-authored eight books and scores of articles. Most prominent among her books is “From Society Page to Front Page: Nebraska Women in Journalism,” published in 2013.
Wirth said the late Professor Wilma Crumley was her biggest mentor and guide throughout her education and career. Crumley was a professor of journalism, chair of the advertising department, associate dean and chair of the journalism graduate program at the CoJMC.
Wirth said Crumley was an amazing woman who had a huge impact on her life. Crumley inspired Wirth to pursue her master’s degrees, never allowing Wirth to settle for anything less than her best. After Wirth received her master’s, Crumley pushed her to further her education and get her Ph.D.
“She would never ever let me be satisfied with what I’d already accomplished,” Wirth said. “She taught me the importance of women aspiring to the highest levels they could.”
Wirth is currently working on a book about the history of Omaha women. She also volunteers as a trustee for the Nebraska State Historical Society, now known as History Nebraska.
Wirth was nominated for the Communicator of Achievement Award by the Nebraska Press Women, an affiliate group of the National Federation of Press Women. She has been a member of Nebraska Press Women since the ‘90s.
In addition to professional achievement, the Communicator of Achievement Award recognizes service to the community and to the National Federation of Press Women. Wirth was a staunch, early supporter of the Nebraska Women Journalists Hall of Fame and continues to write and advocate for strong, independent journalism.
Wirth said she is grateful for all the people who helped her on her journey. She said one of her most important achievements is her work advising and mentoring students.
“My goal has been to help other people, especially young people,” she said. “My goal was to help every student figure out who he or she was and what they were doing.”
Wirth’s advice for future journalists is to become a good writer and get a well-rounded education so you are knowledgeable about many different topics.
“You cannot go wrong by becoming a really, really good writer,” she said. “No matter what happens with technology, if you become a very good writer, that is a skill that will last you a lifetime.”
Wirth also stressed the importance of ethics and honesty in the profession, stating that people will always remember what you’ve done, both good and bad. Wirth said journalists should own up to their mistakes and be honest.
“The single most important possession you will ever have is your reputation,” she said.
The National Federation of Press Women represents professionals and students working across the communications spectrum in the United States. It offers community and connections to other professionals in 32 state affiliates and welcomes at-large members from areas without affiliates.
