Neuharth Award to be presented

Newspaper columnist and Internet sensation Marilyn Hagerty will receive the Al Neuharth Award for Excellence in the Media Oct. 4.

Hagerty, a University of South Dakota alumna who was Neuharth’s first editor at The Volante, has spent the last 50 years as a columnist for the Grand Forks Herald in Grand Forks, N.D.

She drew widespread media attention when her review of a newly-opened Olive Garden went viral, drawing the attention of food personality Anthony Bourdain and appearing on the “Today” show and Anderson Cooper’s syndicated talk show.

The award, which recognizes lifetime achievement,  will be presented at 7 p.m. Oct. 4 in Aalfs Auditorium in Slagle Hall. The event is free and open to the public, with general seating on a first-come, first-serve basis. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. for general seating.

Hagerty is the 26th honoree of the Al Neuharth Award since the program began in 1989. Past recipients include Katie Couric, Cokie Roberts, Walter Cronkite and Bob Schieffer.