Proxy accepts KU journalism award on behalf of TV personality Gwen Ifill

A Kansas University journalism alumnus accepted the 2016 William Allen White Foundation National Citation on behalf of television journalist Gwen Ifill Thursday afternoon.

Gerald Seib, the Washington, D.C., bureau chief for The Wall Street Journal, accepted the award and delivered the keynote address during the School of Journalism’s William Allen White Day celebration in the Kansas Union ballroom. Seib is a former winner of the national citation and a 1978 graduate of the KU School of Journalism.

Ifill, who was announced as the award winner in January, was unable to attend Thursday’s event.

Ifill is moderator and managing editor of “Washington Week” and co-anchor and managing editor of the “PBS NewsHour,” according to her PBS biography.

The William Allen White Foundation annually bestows the national citation to an American journalist who exemplifies William Allen White’s ideals in service to his profession and his community, according to the foundation. Winners are chosen by the foundation’s board of trustees.