Several students from The Daily Eastern News and a former director of student publications, took home awards this past weekend at the 33rd annual Illinois College Press Association Convention.

More than 300 people from 32 schools across the state attended ICPA at the Double Tree Hotel on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile.

John Ryan, the former director of Student Publications and editorial advisor for The Daily Eastern News, won the Meritorious Service Award for serving 29 years as an officer, including two terms as president, for ICPA.

Ryan said the Eastern journalism department served as the headquarters for ICPA when John David Reed, Ryan’s predecessor, and a few other people got it restarted in the early 80s.

Ryan said the reason why he and others had to be involved for many years was to make sure the organization kept moving forward.

“Eastern is instrumental in keeping it (ICPA) going,” Ryan said.

Ryan said he never stops working on something that he starts and wanted to make a long-term commitment to certain things.

Ryan said ICPA is great to have every year and acts as a way for students to see what is going on at other colleges.

“It’s a way to stay connected with the entire state,” Ryan said.

Although students may act like it’s not a big deal, Ryan said it is a big time deal because of the amount of successful alumni who attend and often speak at the convention.

Ryan said ICPA is not only a great way for students to see how their work is compared to other schools, it helps them start networking for the future.

“It’s a good group with a good purpose, and it’s fun seeing all the people,” Ryan said. “It’s a good experience.”

Students had the opportunity to submit work they did throughout the year and compete to see whose articles reign supreme.

Jehad Abbed, the former assistant news editor, placed second for his news story and Kevin Hall, the former assistant photo editor, placed third for his photo essay.

Blake Nash, the former assistant sports editor, placed third for headline writing and Jarad Jarmon, the former managing editor, placed third for his classified layouts.

Jason Howell, the online editor for The Daily Eastern News, placed third for both the online news site and his submitted general news photo and received an honorable mention for his sports photo.

Kaitlyn Siegert, the former managing editor, and Cayla Maurer, the former Verge editor, received an honorable mention for their entertainment supplement.

Stephanie Markham, the current Editor-in-Chief, also received an honorable mention for her editorial.

Analicia Haynes can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected]