For Immediate Release:
Dateline: Indianapolis,
IN
Tuesday, March 1, 2022
CONTACT: John Shertzer, SPJ Executive Director, 317-920-4781, jshertzer@spj.org
Jennifer Royer, SPJ Director of Communications and Marketing, 317-361-4134, jroyer@spj.org
INDIANAPOLIS — After more than 21 years, the Society of Professional Journalists and SPJ Foundation no longer call 3909 N. Meridian Street home. SPJ moved out of the building on Feb. 11.
Both boards of directors voted in November to sell the longtime headquarters in Indianapolis and in January a buyer was identified. The Damien Center, Indiana’s oldest and largest AIDS service organization, purchased the building.
“Once COVID-19 hit and staff began working remotely — and mostly have continued to do so for two years now — it became clear that SPJ can conduct most of its business from anywhere in the country,” said SPJ Executive Director John Shertzer. “Both boards agreed that rather than have the overhead, the cost of upkeep of an older building and managing a tenant on a second floor, now was the right time for SPJ to sell.”
Because SPJ and the SPJ Foundation shared ownership of the building, funds from the sale will be split evenly between the two. The funds will be invested and provide ongoing support to the missions of both entities.
SPJ Foundation President Irwin Gratz said, “3909 served us well for two decades. And, through the proceeds of the sale it will continue to support the educational efforts of the Foundation for years to come.”
Furnishings were sold and historical documents and photos were put into storage until they can be reunited with the rest of the SPJ archives housed at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, where SPJ was founded as Sigma Delta Chi in 1909.
National office staff will work mostly remote. Staff members have access to a co-working space at Industrious on Massachusetts Avenue in downtown Indianapolis, where in-person meetings can also be conducted. Headquarters’ new mailing address is P.O. Box 441748, Indianapolis, IN 46244, and staff may still be reached by phone at 317-927-8000.
Since its founding, SPJ has been headquartered in at least three different cities – Greencastle, Indiana; Chicago; and Indianapolis.
SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to informing citizens; works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists; and fights to protect First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press. Support excellent journalism and fight for your right to know. Become a member, give to the Legal Defense Fund or give to the SPJ Foundation.
The Society of Professional Journalists Foundation is a public foundation dedicated to ensuring that those who carry on the tradition of a free press are prepared for the challenge. The SPJ Foundation supports educational and professional needs of journalists and journalism students. Support excellent journalism and fight for your right to know. Give to the SPJ Foundation.
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