{"id":158017,"date":"2026-04-20T12:17:59","date_gmt":"2026-04-20T17:17:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thelocalvoice.net\/oxford\/?p=158017"},"modified":"2026-04-20T12:18:34","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T17:18:34","slug":"ole-miss-honors-sharyn-alfonsi-with-2026-silver-em-award","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thelocalvoice.net\/oxford\/ole-miss-honors-sharyn-alfonsi-with-2026-silver-em-award\/","title":{"rendered":"Ole Miss Honors Sharyn Alfonsi with 2026 Silver Em Award"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Celebrated broadcast journalist recognized for reporting excellence, lasting impact<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The University of Mississippi School of Journalism and New Media<\/strong> honored Sharyn Alfonsi<\/strong> with the 2026 Samuel Talbert Silver Em Award<\/strong>, recognizing her distinguished career in journalism and her contributions to the profession.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dean Andrea Hickerson<\/strong> presented the award to Alfonsi, an award-winning correspondent for\u00a0CBS News<\/strong><\/a>‘ “60 Minutes<\/strong>,” during a ceremony Tuesday, April 14, at The Inn at Ole Miss<\/strong>. The 1994\u00a0Ole Miss<\/a>\u00a0graduate has built a national reputation for investigative reporting and in-depth storytelling, covering major global and domestic issues throughout her career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a>
Andrea Hickerson (right), dean of the University of Mississippi School of Journalism and New Media, presents the 2026 Samuel Talbert Silver Em Award to CBS News correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi, a 1994 Ole Miss graduate. Alfonsi was selected for the honor for her ‘commitment to truth, accountability and storytelling at the highest level.’ Photo by MacKenzie Ross\/School of Journalism and New Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The award, named for an early department chair and pioneer in journalism education, has been presented since 1958 to journalists who have made a lasting impact on the field, particularly those with Mississippi ties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hickerson noted Alfonsi’s influence and legacy, highlighting how her work reflects the profession’s highest standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a>
CBS News correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi (center) shares insights and stories with journalism students at the University of Mississippi on Wednesday (April 15). Alfonsi, a 1994 Ole Miss graduate, was awarded the 2026 Samuel Talbert Silver Em Award, an annual award to outstanding journalists with Mississippi ties. Photo by Mary Knight\/University Development<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

“Sharyn’s work represents the very best of what journalism can be,” Hickerson said. “Her commitment to truth, accountability and storytelling at the highest level serves as an inspiration to our students and reflects the values we strive to instill every day at the School of Journalism and New Media<\/a>.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alfonsi, who has reported from conflict zones, investigated critical public policy issues and interviewed world leaders, reflected on her time at Ole Miss and the role the university played in shaping her career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Standing here at Ole Miss, I’m reminded that being a rebel isn’t just about a mascot or a Saturday afternoon,” Alfonsi said. “It’s about being a little bit defiant. Ole Miss shaped how I listen, how I question and, honestly, how I show up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Coming back to say it matters, keep going, to the brilliant next generation of journalists might be the best assignment I’ve ever had.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ceremony brought together students, faculty, alumni and members of the journalism community, many of whom cited Alfonsi’s career as a model for aspiring journalists. Her visit also included time with students, offering insights into the evolving media landscape and the importance of maintaining public trust in journalism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sharyn Alfonsi delivers the Commencement address for the University of Mississippi School of Journalism and New Media in May 2013. Photo by Nathan Latil\/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Her return to campus also was meaningful because it was her first visit to the school since delivering the Commencement address to journalism graduates in 2013<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“To come back to Ole Miss and be recognized by the place that gave me my start is incredibly humbling,” Alfonsi said. “Receiving the Silver Em isn’t just a professional milestone; it feels like a homecoming in the truest sense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“There is a specific kind of magic in Oxford that stays with you no matter where the job takes you.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By MacKenzie Ross<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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