EIU Media Relations

Sun-Times' Britt to be Inducted into EIU Journalism Alumni Hall of Fame

The Eastern Illinois University journalism department will induct the ninth member into its Alumni Hall of Fame on Monday, Nov. 13.

Jeff Britt, a 1988 graduate who has been copy-desk chief at the Chicago Sun-Times since 1999, will be recognized in a 3 p.m. ceremony/reception in Buzzard Hall, Room 2504.

The Alumni Hall of Fame was established in 2001 to recognize alumni of journalism department/student media programs for their loyal support and contributions to the department’s reputation and mission, said James Tidwell, department chair.

John Ryan, professor of journalism and chair of the department’s Outreach Committee that made the selection, said Britt was selected because of his service and loyalty to the department.

“Every summer for at least the last six years, Jeff has assisted with the minority high school workshop,” Ryan said. “He spends several days each summer working with students and serving as a mentor, showing them how to produce a newspaper.

“In addition, he has served as a keynote speaker and guest speaker for the Illinois Community College Journalism Association on numerous occasions at conferences the journalism department has hosted.

"Jeff has always been willing to give of his time and talents to his alma mater. He has had a distinguished career and is an excellent representative of the journalism department and Student Publications."

From 1988-90, Britt worked as a copy editor for the Decatur Herald & Review, then held the same position for two years at the Evansville (Ind.) Courier. He worked for four years as a copy editor for The Milwaukee Journal/Journal-Sentinel.

Before moving to the Sun-Times, Britt worked at the Atlanta Constitution from 1996-99, the last two years as copy-desk chief.

“Jeff Britt is the consummate copy editor,” Tidwell said. “He’s a voracious consumer of news and a student of English language and usage. He’s going to speak to several classes while he’s on campus. I hope he’ll be able to impart to our students what it takes to succeed as a copy editor.”