Elmore, Holmes Honored at SSU Press Institute


Charles J. Elmore (left), is pictured with Louis J. Corsetti, and Reginald Franklin, 2009 director, Southern Regional Press Institute
Charles J. Elmore (left), is pictured with Louis J. Corsetti, and Reginald Franklin, 2009 director, Southern Regional Press Institute

Charles J. Elmore, professor emeritus of humanities, and Novella Cross Holmes, associate professor of mass communications were both honored during the 58th Annual Southern Regional Press Institute(SRPI) held on Friday, February 28 at Savannah State University. Elmore received the inaugural Louis J. Corsetti Award for Excellence in Journalism for his work in the field of mass communications and journalism. Elmore, a graduate of Savannah State, went on to teach at the institution for more than 35 years, until his retirement in 2007.

Under his leadership, Savannah State University’s department of mass communications was accredited in May 2007 by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC) joining the University of Georgia in Athens as the only other mass communication programs in the state of Georgia with that accreditation.

He has also made a name for himself as a respected scholar and a leading voice on the history of Savannah. He has penned over eight books and has written in over fifty refereed and non refereed journals. Elmore has also served as director of the institute from 1974-1975, and from 1980-1986.

Corsetti, for whom the award is named, has served as a consultant with the Southern Regional Press Institute since 1963, missing only one year of his nearly fifty years of service to the Press Institute. Corsetti was the first white consultant of the institute. He retired from West Liberty State College in Wheeling, West Virginia, and now resides in Griffin, Ga.

Holmes received the Wilton C. Scott Award for Excellence in Scholastic Journalism for her dedication and work as an advisor to the Tiger’s Roar, which fashions its self as the independent student voice of Savannah State University. Holmes has servesd in this capacity for many years. She has served the university for thirty years, and has served as director of the SRPI for nearly twenty years.

Under her direction, the SRPI has been transformed into one of the finest scholastic press associations in America. Under her aegis, funding to the press institute increased, the Luetta Colvin Milledge and Louise Lautier Owens Awards and Press Institute Luncheon were established and the Louis R. Lautier Memorial Award for Career Achievement was established.

Holmes has also served as a contributor with the Savannah Morning News.

Wilton Scott served as director of public relations from 1947-1972, and was the first director of the SRPI.

During his tenure at Savannah State, Scott received many honors for his journalism work including the Gold Medallion for Meritorious Service in the Community from the University of Michigan, and the Wall Street Journal Award.

Holmes was noticably absent at this year’s SRPI, as she is presently out on medical leave.

The institute was entrusted to the capable Professor Reginald Franklin, associate professor of mass communications, and the members of the mass communications department, as well as countless others who work tirelessly every year to ensure the institute is a success.

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