Corey Ross, an Iowa State senior in journalism and mass communication, is the 1995 recipient of the Don Jackson Award for excellence in writing or reporting.

The $1,000 award is presented each year to an ISU journalism and mass communications major. It commemorates Jackson, a late ISU alumnus best known for his prize-winning George Washington writings.

Ross, who is graduating in December, has entered the competition in past years but did not win.

“It makes it nice to win on my last chance,” he said. “You put all the hard work into it and it’s nice to finally have someone recognize it.”

Debra Gibson, one of the judges, said Ross has a good writing technique and a colorful style. “More than anything he is a good storyteller,” she said.

Ross worked 1 1/2 years as sports editor of the Iowa State Daily and one year at the Ames Daily Tribune and Cyclone Illustrated.

He currently works part-time as a sports writer for the Des Moines Register, covering high school sports and ISU events.

Ross, chosen from a field of 12 other ISU students, was presented with the award at a reception Saturday.