One of NAU's own has typed his way to national recognition.

Former Lumberjack columnist Thomas Keating was awarded the Society for Professional Journalists Mark of Excellence national first-place award in editorial writing for a series of political commentaries he published in the student newspaper last fall.

Keating, whose editorials focused on issues like the separation between church and state and young people's apathy toward voting, said that writing for The Lumberjack gave him the opportunity to open people's minds.

"The real special thing about this honor is it's a testament to anyone who wants to be heard," he said.

Annette McGivney, journalism professor in the School of Communication and Keating's former advisor, said she is especially proud to see a former student gain national recognition for his hard work and views Keating's award as proof of the benefits of writing for student media and a reflection of the school's commitment to student advancement.

"Published work, along with any awards they win, really seems to make a difference in helping graduates get good jobs," McGivney said. "We're giving them an education that will benefit them in the real world."

For most of his college career, Keating worked for The Lumberjack as a sports reporter, sports editor and then as managing editor before he graduated in December with a degree in journalism. He also wrote a weekly sports column. Keating is currently working as a freelance writer in Phoenix.

Former Lumberjack photographer Amy Martin also was selected as one of three national finalists in the General News Photography category for her image "Proposed immigration laws ignite fiery protests." Martin graduated in December with a degree in photography.

National winners and finalists will be recognized in October at the Mark of Excellence Luncheon, which takes place during the society's 2007 National Journalism Conference in Washington, D.C.