WCPO: Award-winning UC journalist earned fellowship while struggling with homelessness

E-media student wins national “student journalist of the year” award for work with PBS

By Angela Koenig

University of Cincinnati sophomore Mary Williams keeps her PBS Student Journalist of the Year award stashed in its original box in her dorm room. She takes it out for special occasions.

“I want to keep it safe,” she told WCPO’s Kristyn Hartman. “My name on that award represents the people who helped me and my whole community.”

Watch the WCPO coverage 
Read more about Mary’s journey 

Related Stories

2

UC co-op offers a glimpse into the future

March 12, 2026

UC engineering student Savannah Dickens wore many hats at companies during her co-op rotations. She will graduate this spring and a has a job lined up with Davey Resource Group in Akron, Ohio.

3

Cincinnati’s top-ranking murals impact more than city aesthetics

March 11, 2026

Cincinnati recently ranked as the nation’s runner-up for best street art. Spectrum News turned to Hyesun Jeong, assistant professor of urban design in the University of Cincinnati’s School of Art at the College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP), for insights on the tangible impact of these murals.