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The annual Robert G. McGruder Distinguished Lecture and Awards Program recognizes the accomplishments of media professionals who encourage diversity. It is one of �鶹ӰԺ's most successful events celebrating diversity.

�鶹ӰԺ the Program

Robert G. “Bob” McGruder was a trail-blazing �鶹ӰԺ State journalist who listed a number of “firsts” on his resume: first black editor of the Daily �鶹ӰԺ Stater and first black reporter at The Plain Dealer both in 1963; first black president of the Associated Press Managing Editors group in 1995; and first black executive editor at the Detroit Free Press in 1996. He died in April 2002 at the age of 60, but his legacy continues.

In addition to a scholarship in his name at �鶹ӰԺ State, the School of Media and Journalism awards the Robert G. McGruder Distinguished Lecture and Award program. The event is co-sponsored each spring by �鶹ӰԺ State’s School of Media and Journalism and the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The award and lecture series serves as a reminder of the commitment Robert G. McGruder had for diversity. By honoring today’s media leaders who display the same fervent commitment, the award and lecture series also seeks to be an inspiration to students and media professionals. The school takes as guidelines for the award these words from McGruder: