Tom Oates, assistant professor of communication for Northern Illinois University

John Puterbaugh is one of the most gifted, dedicated and courageous young journalists I have ever met.

At around 3:00 p.m. on Feb. 14, 2008, John and I stood in my office with three other people and the door closed. While the details of the NIU shooting weren’t yet known, it was clear to everyone that this was a very serious and perhaps life-threatening situation. John’s face moved very quickly from fear and disorientation to a realization that, as student journalist, he had work to do.  He reached for his pen and notebook and said “I have to go out there.”  He left the room, made sure the incident was being covered, and returned to the Northern Star’s office to organize and direct the newsroom.

In the days that followed, the Star produced coverage reminded all who read it of journalism’s ability to serve the public in profoundly important and productive ways. John’s courage and his dedicated work demonstrate a deep respect for the difference a good paper can make, and NIU is a better place for his efforts and those of his colleagues at the Star.

Justin Weaver, managing editor for The Northern Star

Feb. 14 and the days after it showcased what all of us were truly about, both as journalists and as human beings. From the moment the shootings happened, up to the first press conference, through all the TV/radio/newspaper interviews, and leading and directing our entire staff during this time... John is an amazing leader.

He showed his journalistic excellence through our coverage; he showed his leadership through managing everyone during such a hectic time; and he showed his compassion during a period of unparalleled emotional distress. When we found out one of our own, Dan Parmenter, was one of the five killed, it was John who announced it to the newsroom. While people around him struggled with the weight and emotion of the situation, John persevered; because he did, we all did.

As I stated before, he has a tireless enthusiasm. I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that he's an absolute coffee addict, and therefore is constantly on a caffeine rush. He goes out of his way to be kind to everyone, has a great sense of humor, and never takes his bad day out on anyone. College newspapers, especially ones equivalent to ours in terms of size, circulation and stature, tend to have a fair share of egos, drama and politics. And, we did, once upon a time; but it all disappeared when John became editor-in-chief, because John just isn't that kind of person.

Jim Killam, adviser for The Northern Star

As leader of the Northern Star, John and his colleagues were the first journalists at the scene after our campus shootings. Their reporting -- especially in the first 24 hours -- supplied media worldwide with timely and accurate information. While covering the story, the Northern Star became part of the story because of its extraordinary work and because one of our own students was among the victims. John must have done 30 interviews with broadcast and print media from around the world. Before the Illinois College Press Association, he spoke eloquently about the tragedy and the Star’s role in covering it. Through this whole ordeal, John has represented the Northern Star and NIU with courage and professionalism.

Source | The Northern Star
Gov. Rod Blagojevich came to town Wednesday to announce grand plans for the fate of Cole Hall and the proposed development of a new building, to be called Memorial Hall.

Source | The Northern Star
There wasn't a dry surface in DeKalb Monday night after a severe thunderstorm assaulted DeKalb with nearly 5 inches of rain.

Source | The Northern Star
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