The Washington Post
Samford and the Washington Post have established the Timothy Sumner Robinson fellowship.
One Samford student will travel to Washington, D.C. each year for two weeks to experience an inside look at one of the nation’s most recognized newspapers.
The fellowship honors Robinson, a late Samford graduate. Robinson had a standout career with The Post, and he was the U.S. District Court reporter during the Watergate trials.
Senior journalism major Megan Voelkel, the first student selected for the fellowship in 2006, said the two weeks impacted her life.
“It was the most incredible experience both professionally and personally,” she said. “I always wanted to work for a magazine, but seeing the energy in the newsroom made me realize I want to go back.”
While at The Post, Voelkel conducted interviews, wrote articles, did some copy-editing and sat in on a budget meeting where the editors planned out the next day’s issue.
“Being the first year, I didn’t know what to expect and nobody at The Post knew exactly what I would be doing.” Voelkel said. “I was able to talk to several section editors about my goals for the two weeks. I wanted to emphasize writing to have a change at getting a clip, and I did.”
The nation’s capitol served as an educator to Voelkel. She shadowed deputy managing editor Milton Coleman on a slow news day as he groped for front-page content. The pair sat watching ESPN hoping for an update on Barbero, the racehorse who won the Kentucky Derby before having life-threatening surgery after breaking his leg.
Coleman received his update minutes before the first printing at 10:30 p.m., a close call that made an impression on Voelkel.
Robinson, whom the fellowship honors, died unexpectedly from cancer surgery complications in 2003. He was 58 years old.
In addition to the fellowship, an annual Timothy Robinson Lecture will bring in highly touted journalists to speak to Samford students.
Last year, Pulitzer prize-winning political columnist David Broder and Coleman visited Samford, meeting with journalism students, the Samford Crimson, and answering questions.
Broder delivered a speech entitled “The Press and Politics: The Current Mess.” He highlighted the effect of the Internet on the journalistic importance of timeliness, cautioning that speedy deadlines presented a glaring threat to journalistic care. He also said the press serves as a key role in monitoring the government