ACP names ‘best of the best’

Pacemaker competition recognizes nine finalists for yearbook excellence

Feb. 3, 2025

MINNEAPOLIS — The nation’s top collegiate yearbooks were recognized today by Associated Collegiate Press, which announced nine finalists in its annual Pacemaker Awards competition.

The yearbooks will be honored and the Pacemaker winners announced during Saturday’s awards ceremony at the ACP Spring National College Media Conference,  March 6-8, 2025, in Long Beach, at the Hyatt Regency Long Beach.

“The Pacemaker is the association’s preeminent award,” Laura Widmer, executive director, said. “ACP is honored to recognize the best of the best with Pacemaker honors.”

The ACP Pacemaker Award, one of the oldest awards for collegiate journalism, has a rich tradition. The association began presenting the prestigious award to collegiate newspapers soon after the organization was founded in 1921. Through the years, yearbooks, magazines and online sites were added to the competition.

“These yearbooks deliver engaging verbal and visual stories, showcasing superior photojournalism, writing and design,” said Gary Lundgren, associate director and coordinator of the Pacemaker competitions.

Yearbooks produced during the 2023-24 school year competed directly against each other. A team of three nationally recognized judges selected the finalists and Pacemaker winners.

Please join us at the National College Media Conference in Long Beach March 6-8. Register online.

This convention provides a unique opportunity to network with industry professionals, learn from seasoned journalists, and gain valuable insights into the ever-evolving world of media and journalism.

Spring Pacemaker finalists
Yearbook
Online
Business

Ouachitonian
Ouachita Baptist University
Arkadelphia, Arkansas
Editors-in-chief: Addie Chumley, Erin Key
Adviser: Deborah Root

Petit Jean
Harding University
Searcy, Arkansas
Editor-in chief: Julianne Baker
Adviser: April Fatula

The Tower
Loyola Marymount University
Los Angeles, California
Editor-in-chief: Joey Ellingson
Advisers: Kevin O’Keeffe, Tom Nelson

Ibis
University of Miami
Miami, Florida
Editor-in-chief: Carolina Camus
Adviser: Randy Stano

Michiganensian
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Editor in chief: Mishal Charania

Tower
Northwest Missouri State University
Maryville, Missouri
Editor-in-chief: Cassie Ford
Adviser: Steven Chappell

Aggieland
Texas A&M University
College Station, Texas
Editors-in-chief: Emily Escobedo, Hannah Harrison, Cara Hudson, Julius Sjolie
Adviser: Spencer O’Daniel

Baylor Roundup
Baylor University
Waco, Texas
Editor-in-chief: Ashleigh Anema
Advisers: Doug Pils, Julie Reed

Calyx
Washington and Lee University
Lexington, Virginia
Editor-in-chief: Bella Hodge
Adviser: Laura Ulmer