Biola University’s student publications The Point magazine and The Chimes newspaper were recognized by the California College Media Association (CCMA) on February 28, 2009 as leading college news media.

According to the CCMA website, there were 1200 entries in more than 75 categories for student newspaper, magazine and online publications from 28 college publications in California. Biola’s Point Magazine and The Chimes newspaper won awards in four categories.

Only a few years old, The Point magazine, advised by professor Tamara Welter, received the first place award for General Excellence in Magazine for division E, beating out second and third place winners San Jose State University and San Francisco State.

Welter had confidence in her students all along.

“Biola students on staff with The Point magazine are not completing an assignment,” she said, “they're fulfilling a calling.” She commends their diligence and ability to tell stories about the community of Biola with strong conviction.

Kyle Gilbertson, features editor for The Chimes, was awarded first place in Best Arts & Entertainment feature story. The Chimes took home a certificate for third place in Best Feature Page Design, next to first place winner Fresno State and second place winner UC San Diego. The Chimes also received a certificate for third place in Best Sports Page Design.

Biola competed against universities such as UC San Diego, UCLA and San Francisco State. The awards ceremony took place in San Diego on February at the Associated Collegiate Press National Newspaper Convention.

Welter advises The Point magazine staff each semester as students design the magazine from start to finish using competitive “pitching.” This method creates the best reporting, design and photos based upon Biola community trends and current issues that students, faculty and staff are facing.

“The Chimes has matured over the last several years as a publication, growing from a simple tabloid size page design to two broadsheet sections - a design competitive with that of community and metro dailies nationally,” said Michael Longinow, chair of the department of journalism and advisor to The Chimes.

The student newspaper developed The Chimes Online last year (’07-’08) run by its own staff in collaboration with The Chimes print staff, therefore becoming a model of convergent storytelling for other Christian colleges and universities nationally.

Written by Ashley Shafer, Media Relations Intern, and Jenna Bartlo, Media Relations Coordinator.