NEWS
Storey Lecture Series starts at Tech
A lecture series in honor of a Ruston native who passed away after a 40-year career in journalism has been established at The Louisiana Tech University Foundation.
The department of journalism’s Mary Margaret Storey Lecture Series will honor an award-winning journalist who worked for several area print and electronic media.
The main purpose of the Lecture Series will be to have national, regional and area representatives in the field of journalism come on campus and serve as speakers to provide their expertise to students
pursuing a career in the profession.
O.K. “Buddy” Davis, sports editor at The Ruston Daily Leader, where Storey previously worked, first came up with the idea for the lecture series.
“Shortly after Mary Margaret’s passing, I began thinking of several means by which something could be done to continue her legacy and keep her memory alive for what she had meant to the city, area and people she loved so much,” Davis said. “The idea that kept coming back to me was to do something concerning the field of journalism, which she loved so much. Mary Margaret was a tremendous communicator of words.”
Davis said he approached Dr. Reginald Owens, head of the journalism department, about his thoughts, and Owens suggested a lecture series.
“Right then, I thought that this was the perfect way of honoring Mary Margaret,” Davis said. “Through a lecture series, the department of journalism will have a way of bringing in speakers and having them pass along their expertise to these aspiring journalists. Corre Stegall of university advancement was tremendous in assisting us with this idea and helping make it become a reality.”
Owens said the faculty, staff and students in the journalism department were excited about the new lecture series.
“The Louisiana Tech University journalism department is, indeed, honored to be chosen as the recipient of the Mary Margaret Storey Lecture Series,” said Owens. “This honor is a tremendous tribute not only to a highly esteemed community leader, but to a nationally recognized journalist.”
Storey served as a news reporter and host for a public affairs program at Shreveport’s KTBS-TV in the 1970s before joining The Ruston Daily Leader’s team. In May 2009, she was chosen as the recipient of the Louisiana Press Women-sponsored Margaret McDonald Journalism Contest sweepstakes winner with a total of five first place awards and a third place award.
At the time of her death in February 2010, she served as the vice-president of the LPW and was a member of the National Federation of Press Women. Storey also contributed stories to DeltaStyle magazine which focused on individuals and events in north central and northeast Louisiana.
Contributions for the Lecture Series are being accepted and checks can be made out in care of the Louisiana Tech University Foundation with a special notation for the funds to be used for the Mary Margaret Storey Lecture Series. Monies can be sent to the Foundation at P.O. Box 3183, Ruston,
Louisiana, 71272 and additional information is available by calling 318-255-7950.