Identifier

UA 35.15

Dates

1976-1978, 1987

Extent

0.21 linear feet (1 small document case)

Abstract

The Society of Professional Journalists is a broad-based journalism organization, dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior. This collection is composed of the scrapbooks documenting activities of the society. These scrapbooks consist mainly of correspondence, examples of their publications, special projects and clippings.

Historical Note

The South Dakota State University Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists was started on campus in 1937. The Society of Professional Journalists is a broad-based journalism organization, dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior. Founded in 1901 as Sigma Delta Chi, this society promotes the free flow of information vital to a well-informed citizenry; works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists; and protects First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press. In the mid-1970's, the SDSU Chapter of Sigma Delta Chi lost its sponsor to the National Society of Professional Journalists. It existed on campus until the 1980s.

Between 1940 and the mid-1970's, this society published The Bum and The Junior Bum. The Bum was the official program for Jackrabbit football and printed primarily for Hobo Day. The Junior Bum was eventually added as the official program for Jackrabbit basketball. Proceeds from the sale of these publications funded the society's annual trip to the Sigma Delta Chi national convention.

In the mid-1970's, the SDSU Chapter of Sigma Delta Chi lost its sponsor to the National Society of Professional Journalists. As a result, the publishing of The Bum and The Junior Bum was no longer a financial benefit for the society. The Jackrabbit Sports Information Service, a service provided by the Athletic Department, took over the responsibility of publishing these programs. The Bum is filed with the Jackrabbit Sports Information Services records [UA 46.2].

Content Notes

This collection is composed of scrapbooks documenting activities of the society. These scrapbooks were found in very poor condition and were dismantled for preservation purposes. Photocopies were made of most material with items in good condition being preserved.

The scrapbooks consist mainly of correspondence, examples of the society's publications, special projects and clippings.

SDSU Archives and Special Collections

Follow this link for more information:

https://www.sdstate.edu/sdsu-archives-and-special-collections/university-archives

Language

English

Publisher

South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections, Hilton M. Briggs Library, Brookings, South Dakota.

Rights

Copyright restrictions apply in different ways to different materials. Many of the documents and other historical materials in the Archives are in the public domain and may be reproduced and used in any way. There are other materials in the Archive carrying a copyright interest and must be used according to the provisions of Title 17 of the U.S. Code. The Archive issues a warning concerning copyright restrictions to every researcher who requests copies of documents. Although the copyright law is under constant redefinition in the courts, it is ultimately the responsibility of the researcher to properly use copyrighted material.

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