![\"rolnicki-obit.jpg\"](\"http:\/\/studentpressblogs.org\/nspa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/12\/rolnicki-obit.jpg\")
Thomas E. Rolnicki, former executive director of the National Scholastic Press Association, died Dec. 20. He was 60.<\/p>\n(Now updated with funeral\/memorial information and obituary link: see below.)<\/p>\n
Thomas E. Rolnicki, former executive director of the National Scholastic Press Association, died Dec. 20. He was 60.<\/p>\n
Rolnicki was NSPA’s executive director from 1980 until 2006. In his capacity as director, he wrote and edited several publications for NSPA and its college branch, the Associated Collegiate Press. He was a co-author of the journalism textbook “Scholastic Journalism.” During his career, he spoke at journalism conventions and workshops throughout the United States and internationally. He received the Carl Towley Award and Medal of Merit awards from the Journalism Education Association, the Gold Key from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, and a Newspaper Fund Merit Award. <\/p>\n
Immediately prior to joining NSPA, Rolnicki was editor of publications for the Office of Admissions at the University of Minnesota. He also was director of JEA’s Summer Seminar for teachers and other professionals. Rolnicki had taught journalism courses and directed summer journalism workshops at Iowa State University, where he also served as technical, editorial and business adviser for publications. <\/p>\n
He had also taught journalism, English and photography and was adviser to student publications at two high schools, one in Iowa and one in Wisconsin. Rolnicki had served JEA as vice president and as Midwest regional director, and he had been treasurer of the Iowa School Press Association. <\/p>\n
Rolnicki received his master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from Iowa State University. He received a B.S. degree in journalism and secondary education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. <\/p>\n
He was a native of Wausau, Wis., where funeral services are pending.<\/p>\n
UPDATE:<\/b> Visitation will be 9:30-11:30 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 2, 2010, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 700 W. Bridge Street in Wausau, Wis., 54401. A funeral mass will follow at 11:30 a.m. at the church.<\/p>\n
The family is requesting memorial gifts be made in Rolnicki’s name to the Student Press Law Center. Condolences can be mailed to the family at the church or to his mother, Polly Rolnicki, 817 N. First Ave., Wausau, Wis., 54401.<\/p>\n