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Hadley: Cripe 'ink positive' as career spans 37 years A Google Search of the quote “I’ve got ink in my veins” provides a lengthy list of writers and journalists who have made such a claim. Probably few could back it up with a ink positive blood test…but Dennis Cripe might be the exception. Isaac Cripe, Dennis’s grandfather began his career as teacher and then superintendent of schools in the Delphi school system, but in 1921 he purchased the Williamsport Review-Republican and served as publisher until 1940 when his son Herbert, Dennis’s father, became editor and publisher. Herbert expanded the operation and his life when he hired a linotype operator who later became his wife. Altogether, the Cripe couple produced the local newspaper for over 50 years in addition to two sons, Doug Cripe whose photography assignment led to a career as a professional photographer and Dennis, who wrote sports for the family paper before working for student newspapers at Vincennes University and Ball State University. Be sure to check the IHSPA Web site for a 1954 issue of the Review-Republican that includes a Cripe family photo on the paper’s 100th anniversary. Like his grandfather whose career included education and journalism, Dennis observed the work of his professors and advisers as he pursued his journalism degree and was inspired to combine the two as he choose scholastic journalism as his corner of the profession. As he completes his 37th year in education, Dennis has only taught at three places: Ben Davis High School for 14 years, I.U.P.U.I for 7 years, and Franklin College, 16 and counting. But he has reinvented himself continually to stay in touch with current trends in education and technology to teach a variety of courses: basic journalism, mass media, yearbook and newspaper publication, reporting, publication design, photography, editing, desktop publishing, teaching methods, supervision of school publications, and interactive media design. From his teen years with linotype through pagination and desktop publishing to convergence Dennis has been one of those who accepts change early, embraces it, and then teaches it to others. To give advisers additional opportunities to become better at their craft and make sure that no one believes that “those who can’t do teach” Dennis used his position as Executive Director of the Indiana High School Press Association to develop a program in coordination with the Hoosier State Press Association that provides paid internships for advisers each summer. Since the program began in 1992, 20 Indiana newspapers and The Louisville Courier Journal have worked with IHSPA and HSPA to offer 90 of these professional opportunities for Indiana journalism teachers. It has been a win-win program. Teachers are compensated while they gain practical experience, and the newspapers gain valuable summer assistance. Success of the program is obvious when editors shamelessly try to lure their newfound treasures away from the classroom for permanent positions on the paper. Two print internships already have been assigned for this summer in addition to a new photography internship at The Indianapolis Star and possibilities for a broadcast internship. Although the adviser internship program is one of Dennis’s favorite projects as teacher, professor, adviser and Executive Director of the Indiana High School Press Association, I could name many other awards he, his students and publications have earned. However, such a list would not adequately reflect his contribution to journalism. And unfortunately, there isn’t a standardized test that can measure the positive influence Dennis Cripe has had with his students, colleagues, journalism organizations, programs, and scholastic journalism in general. But those of us who are here today to honor his induction into the Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame represent literally hundreds of others who have benefited from his journalism expertise and his willingness to share it in the most effective ways to educate and empower others as journalists, teachers, and informed citizens.
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Hadley