University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication students took top honors in the prestigious Associated Collegiate Press Individual Awards competition in the categories of Photo Excellence and Design of the Year.

Luis Salazar, a graduate student in the J-school’s magazine master’s program, won first place for Photo Excellence in Picture Story for his cover story, “America in Black and White,” in the 2003 Flux magazine, nationally recognized as one of the finest student publications. Adam Amato, photo editor for the Emerald and an anthropology major, won second place for Photo Excellence in News Picture.

In the category of Design of the Year, Andrea Compton, a prejournalism major, and Emily Lemmer, ’03, won first place for Yearbook/Magazine, and Sean Haggerty won first place in Infographic/Illustration, both for articles appearing in 2003 Flux.

“I am proud that our students are continuing the heritage of excellent photojournalism that began at UO in the 1960s,” says Julianne Newton, associate professor of visual communications. “Awards such as these result from a synergy of student talent, energy and accomplishment, faculty dedication and institutional traditions.”

ACP, a division of the National Scholastic Press Association, received more than 1,000 entries from all over the United States, including such established photojournalism programs as North Carolina, Syracuse and San Francisco State for the 2003 competition.

“The awards are an indicator of our students’ talent and commitment and of the high quality of teaching and mentoring in the J-school,” says Dean Tim Gleason.