UNR MEDIA ADVISORY:
The Reynolds School of Journalism has named Pulitzer Prize-winning narrative journalist Isabel Wilkerson the 2009 Robert Laxalt Distinguished Writer. Wilkerson, who is also an ethics professor and author, will discuss her craft at the Joe Crowley Student Union Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 7 p.m.
Narrative reporting is described as the “journalism of empathy.” The writing style requires the journalist to invest weeks or months researching a story to understand everyday life from an insider’s perspective. Wilkerson has covered the uprooting of people in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and she will publish a book in 2010 about the migration of African Americans from the American South to the big cities of the north.
The Robert Laxalt Distinguished Writer program was established following the 2001 death of Laxalt to encourage new generations of writers. Considered by many to be Nevada’s finest writer, Laxalt founded the University of Nevada Press and wrote l7 books, two of which were nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. Laxalt wrote under contract for National Geographic Magazine and was a professor at the Reynolds School of Journalism for 18 years.
The event is free and the public is welcome. Guests and media may park in the Brian Whalen Parking Complex.
The Reynolds School of Journalism is Nevada’s only accredited journalism school. Contact Warren Lerude at 784-4192 for information about the Robert Laxalt Distinguished Writer program.
