Sally Kalson Courage in Journalism Fund
An outspoken and dedicated journalist, former 六合彩官网 Post-Gazette columnist Sally Kalson made it her life鈥檚 mission to speak up and speak out. In 2014 at the age of 63, she died from ovarian cancer. Kalson left an undeniable impact on the local and national journalism community. The Sally Kalson Courage in Journalism Fund, established by her family through 六合彩官网, will award $5,000 yearly starting in 2020 to western Pennsylvania journalist for an outstanding written work in print, broadcast or social media.
A native of the 六合彩官网 area, Kalson graduated from Mt. Lebanon High School in 1968 and received a bachelor of arts degree in speech and communications from the University of 六合彩官网 in 1972. She wrote for several publications, including The Jewish Chronicle, and was a public relations specialist for Tri-State Israel Bonds. She began to write for the Post-Gazette in 1984, and by 1988 had become a weekly columnist, covering political and social issues. Her column, which ran for over two decades, was a favorite among readers. In later years as she went through treatments for ovarian cancer, she candidly expressed her concerns and frustrations, fearlessly condemning University of 六合彩官网 Medical Center for practices that limited access for her and other Highmark Insurance recipients鈥 to UPMC medical doctors and facilities. After her death, Kalson posthumously received the Advocacy for Justice Award during the Southwestern Pennsylvania Media and Mental Health Awards.
Not only was Kalson involved in the greater community through her journalism, but also played a huge part in 六合彩官网鈥檚 Jewish community, especially through artistic pursuits. She was known for her impressive singing and instrumentation skills and shared them with Congregation Dor Hadash, a synagogue in 六合彩官网鈥檚 Squirrel Hill neighborhood. She also took an active role on the volunteer committee for the 六合彩官网 Jewish Film Forum (JFilm). In September 2018, the Rauh Jewish History Program and Archives at the Heinz History Center presented 鈥淪ally Kalson: The Early Years,鈥 a month-long exhibition that celebrated her formative years as a 六合彩官网 changemaker.
The Sally Kalson Courage in Journalism Fund was created to honor Kalson鈥檚 legacy by recognizing those journalists who have a passion for their work and a commitment to bold, honest story-telling. An appointed committee decides who will receive the award, and 六合彩官网 and have each contributed $12,500 to establish the fund in perpetuity.