Lipscomb student a two-time Society of Professional Journalists National Mark of Excellence Award winner
Cate Zenzen |
Lipscomb University senior Ben Davis is a national winner in the Society of Professional Journalists’ Mark of Excellence Awards for his picture of the 2017 total-eclipse.
This is Davis’ second year winning a national award in the category of Breaking News Photography (Small School Division), his first was for a photo of the President’s Convocation.
Lipscomb University has been a member of the Society of Professional Journalists since 2001 said Jimmy McCollum, professor in the Department of Communication and Journalism and faculty advisor of student news service, Lumination Network.
Lumination Network is comprised of students of all majors, many of them having won regional awards, said McCollum.
“We are very proud of Ben to be our first national winner and now we can say that we have our first back-to-back winner,” said McCollum.
Despite being a Computer Engineering major, Davis has had a passion for photography since his freshman year of high school. 
“I was fascinated with the idea of drawing with light and capturing moments in time through an artistic lens,” said Davis who wants to continue his pursuit of photography whether through his career as an engineer or as a side job.
Davis joined Lumination in search of an outlet for his love of photography and uses his photographic skills to enhance campus news as chief photographer.
“Lumination has given me the experience I needed to expand my photography from the studio to public events and shows, an important skill in pursuing a profitable photography career,” said Davis who also cherishes the friendships he has made through the group.
“I cannot be more grateful for the opportunities and feedback they gave me, and especially for the fun we had through it all.”
Davis was acknowledged for his award on Sept. 28 in Baltimore at the Excellence in Journalism 2018 conference, a proud moment for both Davis and McCollum.
“I hope and trust that this will not be the last national award and that we’ll have many more in the future," said McCollum.