Society for Collegiate Journalists

The Society for Collegiate Journalists (SCJ) is an American honor society for student journalists. It was created in 1975 through the merger of Pi Delta Epsilon and Alpha Phi Gamma.

History
The Society for Collegiate Journalists was formed on June 1, 1975, as a merger between the two journalism honor societies, Pi Delta Epsilon and Alpha Phi Gamma. Pi Delta Epsilon was established in 1909. Alpha Phi Gamma was established in 1919. It held its first national meeting at the David Lipscomb College in Nashville, Tennessee in 1977.

The society expanded across the United States and includes around 100 chapters. As of 2024, SCJ has approximately 1,200 members. Its national headquarters in location in Storm Lake, Iowa.

Symbols
The seal of the Society of Collegiate Journalists incorporated elements of its predecessors. It is a circle surrounded by the words “SOCIETY OF COLLEGIATE JOURNALISTS FOUNDED A.D. 1909" Inside the circle is an inkwell with crossed quills above.

The society's colors are black and white, symbolizing journalism's heritage of print media. It uses maroon and silver for banners and its Medal of Merit. Graduating members may wear honor cords which are red.

Its publication is called The Reporter.

Activities
At the national level, the SCJ runs a biennial national convention and an annual student journalist contest with judges who are professionals in the field. It also publishes an online journal, The Collegiate Journalist, and a newsletter, The Reporter.

SCJ presents the Medal of Merit Certificate, the Presidential Citation, the Ingelhart First Amendment Award, the McDonald Award for the outstanding chapter, the SCJ Barlow Student Journalist of the Year Award, the Outstanding New Advisor Award, and the Outstanding New Chapter Award. The Student Journalist of the Year Award winner receives a scholarship and Ingelhart Award receives a cash prize.

At the local level, chapters host workshops, speakers, and seminars related to journalism.

Chapters
SCJ has around 100 active chapters in the United States. Its chapters use their original charter date, from the predecessor organizations. Inactive institutions are in italics.