Byline Award

James E. Causey, Comm ’92
Milwaukee, Wis.

James Causey’s writing career began when he won an essay writing contest as a student at Jackie Robinson Middle School. He has spent decades honing his craft to become a highly successful reporter and columnist for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

As a Milwaukee native, James is committed to shedding light on issues that affect the Milwaukee community and working toward solutions to those problems. His role as a journalist allows him into spaces that few have access to. He relies on his faith for guidance during some of his especially tough interviews when people need an encouraging word, a hug or a hand squeeze — mainly, to know that someone cares.

James chose to attend Marquette because of its Educational Opportunity Program and because he could continue to work part time at the Milwaukee Sentinel while earning his degree. He embodies the Marquette mission by maintaining a high level of journalistic integrity, organizing and moderating community engagement events, and offering mentorship locally and nationally to young people who need positive role models.

One of these mentorship opportunities is as a senior fellow for USC Annenberg, where James works with young journalists from across the country on their health projects. He spends a week in California meeting these incoming fellows and helping coach them through their individual projects and to grow as journalists.

James knows that journalists can’t necessarily change people’s minds, but they can broaden perspectives. He says, “Success for me is when people read my work, and even if they don't agree with me, they will write and say they can see my point of view. When I can leave the reader with something to think about, when I can help humanize a person's story, that is success.”

Fun Facts:

Name a Marquette faculty or staff member who had an impact on you, and how.
Dr. Richard Lewis, my former writing specialist in the EOP program. He helped me learn how to write at a college level. He taught me the style of writing I needed to be successful in college. He took me under his wing and helped me hone my craft.

What is one of your favorite Marquette memories?
One of my favorite Marquette experiences was moving into Schroeder Hall with college roommate Robert Gayle, Arts ’92. Although we were acquaintances at John Marshall High School in Milwaukee, we bonded while roommates and now consider each other brothers. Since 1987 we have remained close friends.

Leave a congratulatory message for James!