The Sunflower, Wichita State University's student-run newspaper, took home the gold at this year's Kansas Collegiate Media conference in downtown Wichita.

The Sunflower earned 36 awards, including a gold medal in the overall category for four-year college newspapers, at the annual conference, which was attended by several universities.

Managing Editor Shelby Reynolds was named journalist of the year in the four-year newspaper division at the event. Additionally, members of The Sunflower staff took home 34 individual awards in several categories, including 10 first place awards, four second place, 10 third place and 10 honorable mentions.

“I am extremely proud of our staff,” said TJ Rigg, The Sunflower’s editor-in-chief. “The staff has done a tremendous job this year, and these awards prove that.”

Assistant Professor Jessica Bertapelle is the interim faculty advisor for the newspaper. Elliott School of Communication’s Associate Professor Dan Close served as The Sunflower’s faculty advisor in the fall.

“We at The Sunflower are thrilled with the results from KCM,” Bertapelle said. “The students have worked hard all year long, and it’s great to see their efforts recognized. I’ve worked with journalism students here, in Texas and in Missouri, and I can tell you that this is truly a special group. They are every bit deserving of this honor.”

The Sunflower publishes newspapers for the WSU community on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during the fall and spring semesters, and is located in the basement of Elliott Hall, Room 019. Visit The Sunflower’s website at thesunflower.com.