Graduates of the third Citizen Journalism Academy include, back row, from left, Jerry Elliot, Swamy Siddaramappa, David Klamet and Jayson Simpson; second row from back, Ronda Miller, David Lignell, Liz Stuewe and Cara Freie; third row, Mary Lee Norris, Jane Imber, Ginny Rigney and Pavinee Chinachoti; fourth row, Pattie Johnston, Kristen Jensen, Alia Ahmed and Bea Dewing; fifth row, Jessie Kwatamdia, Hannah Vick, Mila Mimica and Ling-Lung Chen; and front row, Susan Drummond, Rachel Keller, Marlo Angell, Kathleen Ingraham and Matt Fowler.

A new band of citizen journalists has emerged in Lawrence.

Sponsored by The World Company and the School of Journalism at Kansas University, the third Citizen Journalism Academy graduated 24 fellows Oct. 29 at the News Center, 645 N.H.

Participants selected for the academy represented Serbia, Taiwan, India, Thailand, Africa and the United States. The graduates included students, attorneys, scientists, educators, consultants and business professionals. While diverse in their backgrounds, all shared an interest in journalism.

Fellow Swamy Siddaramappa, a postdoctoral researcher at Kansas University, characterized the academy’s diversity as “a convergence of divergent minds.”

Cody Howard, news director at 6News and CJA coordinator, said the class is an opportunity to see how journalism works.

“Participants get an inside look at what makes news, how it’s presented and how to deal with ethical dilemmas,” Howard said.

The fellows attended five consecutive Monday evening sessions and learned from professionals about writing, photography, videography and blogging in a multimedia approach to journalism known as convergence.

“Coming from an interdisciplinary art like filmmaking, I really love how print, media and online reporting are interwoven at The World Company,” fellow Marlo Angell said.

Fellow Alia Ahmed, a social worker, agrees, “The current multimedia approach to journalism : is now very interactive. It gives ordinary citizens an opportunity to participate like never before.”

Assignments, such as interviewing a local public official, helped to anchor newfound skills, fellows said. In addition, participants learned how to organize interviews, evaluate ethical questions and participate in news meetings.

“I was impressed by their openness on the dilemmas that a reporter or editor can face,” said fellow David Klamet, a software engineer.

“The weekly assignments : gave me a much greater sense of community,” said fellow Ling-Lung Chen, an anthropologist and translator of Buddhist texts.

Ralph Gage, chief operating officer of The World Company, addressed why the academies are conducted.

“First, it’s fun,” Gage said. “We meet a lot of bright people who challenge us with their questions and amaze us with their abilities. Second, it’s a way of opening a window to journalism. And third, it gives us insights and entree into parts of our community that otherwise we would not have. There are no obligations for those who complete the academy, but there are opportunities.”

Fellows Ling-Lung Chen, David Klamet, David Lignell and Ronda Miller were elected to a CJA Advisory Board, which will be involved in planning the next academy, scheduled for fall 2008.