[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 34 (Thursday, March 23, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1665-S1666]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 JOHN AND MICHAEL DONOGHUE--FATHER & SON NEW ENGLAND PRESS ASSOCIATION 
                             HALL OF FAMERS

 Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, today I am pleased to recognize two 
outstanding Vermont journalists, both affiliated with my alma mater, 
St. Michael's College, and both recently elected to the New England 
Press Association Hall of Fame. This prestigious honor recognizes 
lifetime achievements in journalism. I am well acquainted with the work 
of both, and know that this recognition is well deserved.
  The late John D. Donoghue was the first Public Relations/Sports 
Information Director at St. Michael's, the first chairman of the 
Journalism Department there, was a music and arts critic for 35 years 
at the Burlington Free Press, and Executive Editor of the Vermont 
Catholic Tribune. During his

[[Page S1666]]

tenure as professor and journalist, John Donoghue worked through his 
association with the New England Press Association and Vermont Press 
Association to improve professionalism within the industry, and fought 
for the public's right to know. He was a trailblazer among journalists 
from my home state, and his legacy continues in Vermont, across the 
United States, and in the foreign press, through his students who have 
successfully pursued journalism careers.
  Michael Donoghue has served Vermonters for three decades as a 
journalist at the Burlington Free Press, and in the tradition of his 
father, teaches journalism at St. Michael's College. During Mike's 
tenure at the Free Press, he has been at the center of efforts to 
improve reporters' access to information, thus increasing Vermonters' 
access to their government. Mike helped lead the effort to allow 
cameras into Vermont courts, was a leader in efforts to improve the 
Vermont Public Records Law, has successfully fought to keep court 
records open, and recently was one of four Americans invited to Ireland 
to make presentations on Freedom of Information after that country 
adopted such a law. He is a past President of the Vermont Press 
Association, and active in several national journalism organizations. 
At the Burlington Free Press, he has proven to be among Vermont's most 
versatile reporters, covering everything from sports to politics to the 
court beat with expertise.
  In honor of this outstanding father and son duo, I ask that the 
article Dedication Runs in the Family for Donoghues, from the Saturday, 
February 12, issue of the New England Press Association Daily News, be 
printed in the Record.

               [From the NEPA Daily News, Feb. 12, 2000]

              Dedication Runs in the Family for Donoghues

                          (By Jaclyn Tammaro)

       They have always said ``like father like son,'' and NEPA 
     board member Mike Donoghue and his late father, John D. 
     Donoghue, are a perfect example.
       Both were honored by NEPA last night for their strong 
     commitment and contributions to community journalism.
       Mike Donoghue, who lives in Vermont, has written for the 
     Burlington Free Press for 30 years, covering a variety of 
     news. Recently, he began specializing in sports reporting.
       In what Donoghue calls his ``spare time,'' he teaches 
     journalism classes at St. Michael's College in Vermont. In 10 
     of the 15 years he has taught there, he has been a co-adviser 
     to the award-winning student newspaper, The Defender.
       Aside from his work with NEPA, the Burlington Free Press 
     and St. Michael's College, Donoghue has also served as an 
     officer of the Vermont Press Association for 20 years, mainly 
     pressing the issue of camera use in Vermont's courtrooms.
       The last 13 years, he has taken the position of volunteer 
     executive director. In this seat, he ran meetings and dealt 
     with newspaper comments.
       ``I've tried to improve professionalism in Vermont and move 
     it to the rest of New England'' Donoghue said.
       On a national level, Donoghue is state chairman of Project 
     Sunshine, a society for professional journalists. As 
     chairman, he has testified for the release of public records 
     and has tried to improve various laws.
       His job as journalism educator at St. Michael's College has 
     allowed him to become a member of the Journalism Education 
     Committee.
       A member of NEPA since 1996, Donoghue has served as 
     chairman of the Publications Committee, and has chaired the 
     legislative and membership services committees.
       ``NEPA is a vital organization,'' he said. ``Approximately 
     1,500 people come to Boston each winter to hear topnotch 
     speakers and to see the best work in six neighboring states 
     being honored. The convention is a tribute to the 
     organization and a highlight of New England journalism each 
     year.''
       Donoghue said he is strongly motivated by his wife, Ann 
     Marie. ``If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't be doing this,'' he 
     said.
       Donoghue shared some memories about the contributions of 
     his father, John D. Donoghue. A former NEPA board member, 
     John Donoghue was an arts and entertainment critic for the 
     Burlington Free Press for 35 years. He also worked as an 
     editor for the Vermont Catholic Tribune for four years, 
     before retiring.
       Involved in journalism education like his son, John 
     Donoghue served as the first chairman of journalism at St. 
     Michael's College.
       Both father and son have shown a strong dedication to the 
     field of journalism and their contributions have been 
     recognized by NEPA's Hall of Fame.

                          ____________________