This year NSNCEF dedicated its annual award to Jeff Zaslow. Zaslow, who died at 53 in an auto accident in Michigan, was a former board member of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists and addressed its annual conference nearly every year. Visit NSNC’s webpage to learn more about Zaslow and his support of NSNC.

The NSNCEF will award scholarships to three outstanding student newspaper columnists who write for U.S. college or university undergraduate newspapers. First prize is $1,000. Second prize is $500. Third prize is $250. In addition, the top winner will be the guest of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists at its 2012 conference in Macon, Ga., May 3-6.

Deadline for entering the 2012 contest is March 1, 2012. The contest is open to undergraduates (including seniors) who write bylined general interest, editorial page or Op-Ed page columns. Sports columns, movie reviews and other specialized columns are not eligible.

There is no entry fee to enter. One entry, consisting of three columns, for each student newspaper columnist is permitted. Magazine columnists are not eligible.

To enter NSNCEF’s competition or to view competition details visit NSNC’s webpage.

The convention is being held April 2-4 concurrently in the same hotel with the Newspaper Association of America’s annual MediaXChange. The two groups will come together for some joint programs, including two lunches and receptions, one of which will be a fun-filled, inspiring evening at the Newseum.

ASNE hopes to repeat its success in 2008 when presidential candidates like Barack Obama, John McCain and Hillary Clinton spoke. This year’s convention will embody its theme “What it Takes” by focusing on the leadership skills necessary to run a news organization in the digital age.

Special rates are being offered for rooms through the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. To learn more about the conference, head over to ASNE’s convention webpage.

Professional journalists and students alike are invited to take part in skill building workshops, sit in on panel discussions and learn how to best cover current health issues. A conversation with former President Jimmy Carter and first lady Rosalynn Carter will be among the highlights at Health Journalism 2012.

The Center for Excellence in Health Journalism is producing the conference. The cost to register is $150 for professional journalists (plus $60 to join AHCJ) or $99 for students. To learn more about Health Journalism 2012 or to register, visit AHCJ’s conference webpage.

The National Society of Newspaper Columnists takes pride in seeking entries of published columns in all media: newspapers, magazines, online and blogs written in column style, as well as multimedia formats including video.

Deadline is March 1. See details at http://www.columnists.com/?p=12550. The submission consists of three columns published or posted during 2011.

Why enter? To have a fair opportunity for:

• Pride and satisfaction from being judged (by professionals) as tops among your peers
• A plaque for your wall
• A line of accomplishment for your website, byline, resume — or, with three bucks, it’ll get you a fine coffee

Finalists also receive a substantial discount to the annual conference of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists, May 3–6 at in Macon, Ga., when the winners will be announced. Conference details at http://www.columnists.com/?cat=9. Finalists will be announced in early April.

Cavendar was vice president of client solutions for Synaptic Digital, and previously served as a vice president and news director at CBS television affiliates in Washington, Atlanta, Tampa and Nashville, Tenn. He also held board leadership roles at RTDNA/F for 20 years, serving as chairman, director, trustee and treasurer.

For more information and to read Cavendar’s first blog post as executive director, visit the RTDNA website.

For more information, visit the National Newspaper Association website.

For more information, please visit the EWA website.

For more information, visit the Journalism Center on Children and Families website.

This class is designed for anyone looking to edit professional-quality video with Final Cut Pro X and who prefers hands-on and interactive instruction to best explore its functionality.

For more information such as when to register or what you will need to do to sign up, visit the RJI website.

The Institute will bring journalism teachers from across the country together for a week of adviser-specific training and networking.

Sign up Early bird before May 15th, 2012 to get a special rate. Visit the Journalism Education Association website for more details.