Michael Chute, professor of communication arts for Union University

When the EF-4 tornado devastated Union University on Feb. 5, Brittany Howerton, as managing editor of the Cardinal & Cream, led a team of reporters, photojournalists and videographers to cover the aftermath.

In the storm, 80 percent of the university's dorms were destroyed, including Brittany's room. As the campus lay in shambles, Brittany led the staff to move beyond their own problems and concerns and focus on telling the story. We set up a make-shift newsroom in Penick Academic Center, which was also damaged by the tornado, and the facility had no heat. Students worked in coats and gloves in the frigid newsroom, making periodic treks out to the devastated areas to cover the news events. Brittany wrote stories on visits to the site by Michael Chertoff, secretary of Homeland Security, FEMA Director David Paulson and Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen. She went to the Jackson-Madison County Hospital to interview those most seriously injured in the tornado to write stories on their progress. She told students' stories of survival and how the storm had affected their lives. On a couple of occasions, she also became a spokesperson for media outlets as one who was an eyewitness to the events. And, when students returned to campus two weeks later, Brittany wrote the main story on classes resuming.

Through this coverage, Brittany exemplified the very best of journalism in that she put her own struggles aside and worked tirelessly to inform a nation clamoring for information about the storm and its effects. Her stories helped put a human face on a natural disaster that made national headlines.

Bruce Edwards, youth ministry specialist for the Tennessee Baptist Convention

I am sure if you could spend just five minutes with Brittany, you would agree with me that she is an incredible person. She has energy, conviction, charisma and charm. All of these qualities reflect on who she is in her journalistic efforts.

Source | The Cardinal and Cream
Union University senior Brittany Howerton, the managing editor of The Cardinal and Cream, reports about the tornado that destroyed 80 percent of the small Baptist school’s dorms and injured more than 50 students.

Source | The Cardinal and Cream
Only two weeks after a devastating tornado ripped through Union University, students and faculty returned to their classes Feb. 20 amid optimism in a revised schedule and, in some cases, relocated classrooms and offices.

Source | The Cardinal and Cream
SU.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff and Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen visited Union University Thursday to review damage caused by Tuesday’s tornado and deliver words of hope and encouragement to listening ears.

Source | The Cardinal and Cream
I sat for hours thinking about what to write. After an experience like the tornado that hit Union University, a thousand things could be said.