Washington State University alumni Tom Holmberg, Tiffany Paup Sanders and Liz Pritchard will be honored by the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication as 2024 Hall of Achievement Award recipients at the 48th Murrow Symposium held April 3-4.
The Hall of Achievement honors and recognizes outstanding achievements of select graduates. This year, Glenn Johnson will receive the inaugural service award that recognizes individuals who have made a meaningful and deep contribution to the Murrow Community, creating a legacy of impact and inspiration.
Tom Holmberg
Tom Holmberg is a distinguished figure in Spokane’s media scene. With a career spanning over four decades at KHQ-TV and SWX-TV, he’s made significant contributions to local news and sports coverage. Beginning at KHQ in 1983, Holmberg rose through the ranks, showcasing his talents as a director, producer, and manager. In 2007, he assumed the role of executive producer at SWX, broadening his scope to regional sports and weather programming. Holmberg’s impact extends beyond the studio, with his pivotal role in directing Gonzaga men’s basketball games, a tribute to his legacy in Spokane’s sports culture. His dedication and expertise have left an indelible mark on the community’s media landscape.
Tiffany Paup Sanders
Tiffany Paup Sanders is currently the corporate affairs manager and spokesperson for the Fred Meyer and QFC Divisions of Kroger. Before joining the grocery business, Sanders’ broadcasting career spanned over 15 years in Seattle, Tucson, and the Tri-Cities as a chief weather meteorologist and news reporter. She joined Fred Meyer and QFC in 2020 and now represents and advocates for 42,000 associates in 191 Fred Meyer & QFC Stores across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska. Sanders directs all corporate communications, media and community relations, and philanthropy programs. In 2023, she was named one of the Top Women in Grocery by Progressive Grocer Magazine for her continued achievements as an influential female in the North American retail food industry.
Liz Pritchard
Liz Pritchard is a media industry veteran who retired from a remarkable 40-year career in media sales as vice president of sales training and development at Fox Television Stations Sales, New York. Renowned for her expertise, she crafted and steered top-tier sales training programs, developing high-performing executives and managers within the Fox Corporation fold. She held pivotal roles at KCPQ Television in Seattle and prominent appointments in Chicago with ABC/Disney and CBS Television. Pritchard expanded her global prowess during a mid-career break in London, delving into art history, finance, and international business expansion. Her commitment to education is displayed through her service on the WSU Foundation Board and the Murrow College Professional Advisory Board.
Glenn Johnson
Glenn Johnson‘s legacy at WSU is profound. For 35 years, he shaped minds and futures as a distinguished professor at the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication, leaving a lasting mark on generations of students. Even after retiring as professor emeritus in 2014, his mentorship persisted as a guide to aspiring communicators. Johnson’s honors include the prestigious Edward L. Bliss Distinguished Broadcast Journalism Educator award and induction into the Silver Circle by the Seattle chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. He’s also earned recognition from the WSU Alumni Association and Foundation for his exceptional service. Beyond academia, he has been the public address announcer for Cougar football and men’s basketball since 1980. Known as the “Voice of the Cougs” and creator of the iconic “Cougar First Down” call, his enduring impact on Cougar athletics and community spirit is unparalleled. He recently retired after 20 years of service as the longest-serving mayor since Pullman was founded in 1888.
The award ceremony will be held during the 48th Murrow Symposium during the lunch program on Wednesday, April 3. In addition to the Hall of Achievement award ceremony, Murrow Symposium events including workshops and panel discussions will take place both virtually and in person. More information, including how to sign up to attend or participate, can be found on the Murrow Symposium website.
