Whitney Spivey, program assistant at the National Press Foundation

Jonathan participated in the National Press Foundation program “Next Generation 2008: An Introduction to Washington for College Journalists.” Jonathan was one of only 19 students from across the country to be selected to attend the program, held in February 2008. His application portrayed a passionate and ambitious young journalist, determined to make a difference in the world. His self-description was accurate, and during the four-day program, I found him to be incredibly gracious, humble, and most importantly, a gifted reporter eager to learn about journalism in our Nation’s capital.

Kim Zarkin, adviser for The Forum and professor at Westminster College

Jonny is a truly exceptional writer with great passion for journalism. We see only a few students who desire a career in print journalism. So when someone shows talent and passion, it is a welcome sight. Jonny is willing to take on more difficult, more "boring" stories. He can cover issues like the college's budget and make it interesting to his fellow students. Jonny also is willing to go that extra mile. Instead of simply writing about the mayoral election, he got interviews with the candidates.

Daniel Iverson, editor-in-chief for The Forum

One of Jonny’s biggest contributions as a staff writer for The Forum was expanding its coverage of — and its place within — the surrounding community. While previously the newspaper would focus on reporting about college-related topics, Jonny’s story ideas often extended beyond campus. Always the involved citizen, Jonny volunteered to cover the big topics: Salt Lake City’s 2007 mayoral election, the “Downtown Rising” urban redevelopment project, and even the upcoming U.S. presidential election. He also showed how journalism can bring about change, for example, by prompting the college president to reveal a tuition increase early because of a forthcoming article. Jonny is a motivator, and I can only expect he’ll continue helping others unlock their potential as the incoming editor.

Rebecca Johnston, professor at Westminster College

Jonny can cut to the heart of an issue and get people around him involved and interested. He has been recognized nationally for his contributions and interest in the field, and I expect great things of him.

Source | The Westminster Forum
Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson’s eight-year reign is coming to an end, and a new king of the city will be crowned Nov. 6. Two candidates — Democrat Ralph Becker and Republican Dave Buhler — arose from the Sept. 11 primary election to claim the title as Anderson leaves a controversial legacy behind.

Source | The Westminster Forum
A Salt Lake City environmentalist’s visit to Westminster has spawned a successful recycling program at one of the world’s top investment banks. Tyler Poulson, an operations analyst at Goldman Sachs’ Salt Lake City office, attended Westminster’s Film and Lecture Series last winter and left with a renewed vision for recycling in a corporate setting. (This story on page 10)

Source | The Westminster Forum
Ask Utahns to describe downtown Salt Lake City. A mix of vacant Main Street businesses coupled with a booming outdoor mall. The hub of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Home of the cheered and maligned Utah Jazz. A conglomeration of wide streets featuring scattered residential and business districts. Many views, one downtown.

Source | The Westminster Forum
Smiles, service and a helping hand: These are often provided by the people behind the scenes. These are the people who are depended on to make sure that Westminster students don’t go hungry when they are stranded on campus for spring break. They are the mother who cooks dinner, picks up and washes the dishes, and then cleans the kitchen. These are the workers at the Shaw Center cafeteria.