As part of an ongoing series of nightly events, MIPA’s office announced a press conference with former MIPA instructor Julie Seraphinoff-Price.
Price, who retired after 25 years as a journalism educator at Haslett High School, now works as the managing editor for East Lansing’s only independent, nonprofit news source.
According to a release by MIPA’s office, Price had her work recognized by MIPA, the Journalism Education Association (JEA), the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) and the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA).
In addition to teaching hundreds of students at HHS, Price served as an instructor at previous MIPA Workshops, most recently teaching “Photojournalism: Beyond the Basics.”
During her time as an instructor, Price enjoyed spending time with campers.
“My favorite part of MIPA… was the time I spent with young people who were all passionate about journalism and telling the stories of our world,” Price said in an email to Upstart. “I loved tromping around campus with my photo students and watching them become photojournalists.”
Connecting with other instructors also contributed to Price’s decision to teach at the camp for around 28 years.
“The time spent chatting with them about every topic under the sun – fonts, writing, books, what is going on in the world, our families, our challenges as journalism teachers – rejuvenated me every year and kept me going in my career. They are my people,” she said.
Before becoming a teacher, Price obtained a degree in journalism from MSU. She worked as a professional journalist for a few years, writing and editing for papers including the Lansing State Journal, California Delta Newspapers, Contra Costa Times, the Portland Review and Observer and now at East Lansing Info.
According to East Lansing Info’s website, the organization provides “free, local, non-partisan, accurate news and information about East Lansing, Michigan.”
It reports on subjects varying from city government, schools, business, economy and development, events and sports. Additionally, it frequently does investigative reporting through the Freedom of Information Act.
It describes itself as a “non-profit, citizen-run, nonpartisan, local news cooperative of the people, by the people, and for the people” and is registered as a 501(c)(3).
East Lansing Info employs reporters of all ages, from high school to retirees, and of many skill levels. It is primarily funded by donations, as well as some funds from the Institute for Nonprofit News (INN), and is also a member of Local Independent Online News (LION).
Price said she was looking forward to the press conference, which will be held from 7-9pm at the Eli Broad Business College’s North Building, in room N100.
“I love newspapers and always have. I believe in the power of keeping our citizens informed with the truth and I believe the youth of our country are our only hope. Student journalists will play a big role in achieving our hopes and saving us,” she said.
Disclaimer: Adán Quan writes and reports for East Lansing Info, and serves on the board of directors