William R. Neikirk
1998
Native of Irvine, Ky.; journalism graduate, University of Kentucky, 1960; editor, Kentucky Kernel. Started as a sports reporter, Lexington Herald before joining the Associated Press, working first in Louisville, then Lexington and next in Frankfort as capital correspondent. Covered Combs administration and bitter Breathitt-Chandler campaign. Moved to Baton Rouge and then to Washington as economic correspondent. Joined the Chicago Tribune in 1974 covering the economy and politics and served two stints as White House correspondent. Was a Pulitzer Prize runner-up for his 1979 series on world trade. Wrote nationally syndicated column on economics. Author of two books, Volker, Portrait of the Money Man, and The Work Revolution. Winner of numerous national awards, including two John Hancock Business Writing Awards, Loeb Business Writing Award, Raymond Clapper Memorial Award and Merriman Smith Award.