by Molly Chapple
Calla Kessler, senior journalism major at the CoJMC, was recently named the winner of two major journalism awards.
Kessler, an Omaha Native, was named the 2018 Eyes of History® Student Still Photographer of the Year by the White House News Photographers Association (WHNPA). Kessler entered a general portfolio including her best photography work throughout her college career. Her entry can be viewed at http://ow.ly/uC2D30hXwh0.
Last semester, Kessler worked as a photography intern at the Washington Post. She was also an intern at the Omaha World-Herald in Spring 2017.
“It’s exciting to know my work will be seen by America’s leaders, and it feels good that my hard work has paid off,” Kessler said. “Moreover, it solidifies my place in the D.C. photo community, which consists of many vibrant, talented and giving individuals.”
The top winners of the still, video, multimedia and student contests will be honored at the annual Eyes of History® gala in June in Washington. The black-tie event celebrates all the winning photojournalists and the President of the United States attends. Nearly 1,000 guests, including government dignitaries and industry celebrities, attend.
The White House News Photographers Association is a 96-year-old nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the efforts of Washington’s professional photojournalists. The WHNPA aims to provide professional and educational outreach to its members and the community through scholarships, programming, an annual competition and a celebration of the industry at the annual Eyes of History® gala.
Kessler was also one of two recipients of a President’s Award from the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA). The President's Award is presented at the discretion of NPPA President Melissa Lyttle for special services to NPPA.
NPPA said Kessler received the honor because she brought harassment charges against a visiting lecturer, who was also a well-known photojournalist. According to University spokesperson Steve Smith, the professor is no longer employed by the University. NPPA said Kessler’s actions reflected “(an) unwavering commitment to the truth and fighting injustice in the industry.”
“Receiving the NPPA President’s Award is a high and meaningful honor to me,” Kessler said, adding that the harassment case was “emotionally and mentally trying.”
“It is scary to challenge authority,” she said. “This award, given to me by such a well-established professional organization, affirms my actions as morally right. It has given me great comfort to know my sacrifices have been appreciated and backed up by the NPPA.”
