Quinnipiac University – From left, Erin Kane, Nisha Gandhi, Kristen Riello, Julia Perkins, Hannah Schindler, Sarah Doiron, and Madison Fraitag, all staff members of the Chronicle.

Boston University

Harvard University

Bowdoin College – Students Nicole Wetsman and Matthew Gutschenritter, staff members of the Orient.

Steve Heaslip, chief photographer of the Cape Cod Times of Hyannis, Mass., holds his winning plaque, next to Linda Corcoran, managing editor of the Cape Cod Times, who nominated him for the award.

Marty Dobrow, professor of communications at Springfield (Mass.) College, with Ann Herzog, dean of the School of Arts, Science and Professional Studies at Springfield College, who nominated him for the award.

Eva Sollberger, senior media producer at Seven Days of Burlington Vt.

Josh Kovner of The Hartford (Conn.) Courant, center, with Lodge, and, at right, John Ferraro, editor of the Hartford Courant, who nominated Kovner for the award.

Ann Baldelli, general assignment reporter at The Day of New London, Conn.,and co-winner of the best watchdog or neighborhood reporting story, with Carlos Virgen, digital news director of the Day and co-winner of the best digital innovation award. Colin A Young, staff writer at the Day, was the co-winner with Baldelli of the best watchdog or neighborhood reporting story. John Reddy, copy desk chief at the Day, was co-winner with Virgen of the best digital innovation award.Young and Reddy did not attend the event.