Eileen Wirth, a 1968 University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Journalism & Mass Communications alumna, will be inducted into the Marian Andersen Nebraska Women Journalists Hall of Fame on Saturday, April 29, in North Platte. Wirth will be recognized during Nebraska Press Women’s 2017 spring convention noon luncheon.
Wirth, a rural Nebraska City native, is professor emerita of journalism at Creighton University, as well as a journalist, author, public relations professional and advocacy volunteer. Wirth, who majored in journalism and political science, broke down barriers to women as an Omaha World-Herald reporter, in Union Pacific Railroad public relations and in higher education.
Wirth’s 25-year tenure at Creighton University (1991-2016) included chairing the Journalism, Media and Computing department she created through mergers. Her ethics-based, history-laden approach to teaching provided grounding and perspective for thousands of students. Wirth’s books include “From Society Page to Front Page: Nebraska Women in Journalism” (2013) and a history of the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, to be published this spring.
Willa Cather, a University of Nebraska–Lincoln alumna, will be inducted posthumously. Cather is known for her fiction, including Pulitzer Prize-winning “One of Ours.” However, at University of Nebraska–Lincoln (1890-1895), Cather’s career as a journalist was forged. She edited the student newspaper and, as a student, helped teach journalism. Cather also wrote for the Lincoln Courier and Nebraska State Journal.
Wirth and Cather join 18 other members of the Nebraska Women Journalist’s Hall of Fame. For a complete list, go to http://nebraskapresswomen.org. Induction ceremonies, which are open to the public, will take place during the Nebraska Press Women luncheon at MidPlains Community College North Campus on Saturday, April 29. Luncheon reservations of $20 may be sent to Lori Potter/NPW, P.O. Box 1988, Kearney, NE 68848. The full conference registration is $50. Details are at http://nebraskapresswomen.org.
