The “student voice of Lewis University,” The Flyer, continued its award-winning tradition Feb. 20 when the publication’s editors accepted three awards at the Illinois College Press Association Newspaper Convention at the Doubletree Hotel in Chicago. Awards were received in the categories of sports column writing, in-depth reporting and general excellence.

Alex Gasick, assistant sports editor, received a third place award for his sports column “An open letter to my professors: It’s college basketball season, baby!” Gasick’s column was published in The Flyer’s Nov. 16, 2009, issue. The humorous article warned professors that the writer would be distracted for four months because college basketball is too enjoyable to avoid.

Brandon Wall of Lemont, the Fall 2009 editor in chief, was presented with a third place award for in-depth reporting for his article “Commercializing conservation: Going green.” The piece consisted of three parts and was published in the March 27, 2009, issue. Wall’s article explored the business practice of “greenwashing,” the art of spinning products to appear more environmentally friendly than they might really be.

The Flyer editorial staff was recognized by the ICPA with a General Excellence award. Adam Olszeski, the Spring 2010 print editor in chief, accepted the honorable mention award on behalf of the entire staff.

Kathy Farren, editor of the Kendall County Record and ICPA judge, evaluated The Flyer for this prestigious award. “The Flyer is a real contender in a tough category,” said Farren. In addition, Farren complimented The Flyer for its “nice graphics and design.”

The Flyer reports news and provides a forum for the discussion of issues relevant to the Lewis University community through a biweekly print medium and its online counterpart www.thelewisflyer.com. Its editorial staff consists of 16 students, who publish the newspaper in a manner consistent with the Lasallian mission of Lewis University and the accepted norms of American journalism.

With Lisa O’Toole as their advisor, current student staff members of The Flyer include: Adam Olszeski of Pflugerville, Texas, Leslie Bolin of Homer Glen, Nicole Zwartz of New Lenox, Hayley Smorczeski of Lockport, Tonya Peterson of Plainfield, Jenny Prokop of Mokena, Carlo Calma of Romeoville, Tamika Thompson of Oak Park, Natalie Schutz of Dixon, Matt Kral of Homer Glen, Jason Beneventi of Orland Park , Alex Gasick of Woodridge, Megan Glick of Elmhurst, Sal Ursino of Park Ridge and Kristen Maloney of Naperville.

A Catholic university sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Lewis offers nearly 80 undergraduate majors and programs of study, accelerated degree completion options for working adults, various aviation programs and 22 graduate programs in nine fields. The ninth largest private, not-for-profit university in Illinois is being honored for the sixth consecutive year by The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report.