Society of Professional Journalists, Austin Professional Chapter.

The activities of the Austin Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists/Sigma Delta Chi are represented from 1966 to 2002. The national organization, founded as Sigma Delta Chi in 1909, officially changed its name in 1988 to the Society of Professional Journalists. During the years represented in the papers, the Austin chapter energetically raised funds on behalf of several different causes, establishing the Dewitt Reddick First Amendment fund in 1979; the Stuart Long scholarship fund in 1978 to provide scholarships for undergraduate students committed to the study of journalism at the University of Texas, Austin; and the John Rogers Fund for investigative journalism in 1987. The group also donated funds to promote the study of journalism at the high school level in Austin, notably by presenting LBJ High School with media laboratory equipment, as well as providing money for students to travel to journalism conferences.

The Society of Professional Journalists/Sigma Delta Chi also sought to further a number of first amendment causes, such as the Texas Open Meetings Act, filing briefs of Amicus Curiae in cases heard before the Supreme Court of Texas and the Travis County Court. The Gridiron Show, an annual production spoofing notable news stories of the previous year, was a significant source of funds raised by the Society of Professional Journalists/Sigma Delta Chi.

Notable figures include Stuart Long, president from 1967-1968; and Lee Jones, president from 1980-1981 and treasurer from 1981-2002.

Presidents:

From the guide to the Society of Professional Journalists (Austin Professional Chapter) Records. AR. 2004. 022., 1966-2002., 1978-2000., (Austin History Center, Austin Public Library, 810 Guadalupe Street, Austin, Texas, 78701.)