Sean Kirst
- Professor of Practice, Journalist-in-Residence Communication & Film Studies
Renowned throughout Upstate New York and across the nation for a career of more than a half-century in journalism, Kirst has created an enduring legacy by telling the stories of everyday people who withstand the depths and achieve the heights of human experience. Through his journalism and storytelling, Kirst captures the richness, diversity and complexity of Upstate New York and its urban and rural communities.
Kirst began his career in journalism in 1974 as a reporter for the Dunkirk Evening Observer. Among other outlets, he has written for City Newspaper in Rochester, The Syracuse Post-Standard, The Buffalo News and now The Central Current, a new nonprofit, no-paywall news site in Central New York.
Areas of Specialization
- Kirst frequently gives talks to journalism and writing students.
Awards and Honors
- Ernie Pyle Award for human interest writing
- Sigma Delta Chi national award for distinguished column writing
- National Coalition Against Domestic Violence Voices in Action Media award
- Community Wisdom Keeper, selected by FOCUS Greater Syracuse
- Syracuse Press Club Wall of Distinction
- Honorary degrees, Le Moyne College and Onondaga Community College
- Founder of international Tolkien Reading Day, as acknowledged by the Tolkien Society of England
Publications
- The Soul of Central New York
- Moonfixer: The Basketball Journey of Earl Lloyd
- The Ashes of Lou Gehrig
