Harvey C. Jacobs
1991
This speech was given at his induction into the Hall of Fame.
A man of many talents and achievements, Harvey Jacobs is Hoosier through and through who loves the Heartland of America.
At the age of 75 when most people are retired, Harvey continues to work as editor-in-chief of The Indianapolis News, a position he has held since 1974.
Much has occurred in his busy and useful life since he was born at Trafalgar, Indiana, on September 6, 1915.
He was reared on a farm during the Great Depression. He grew up believing in simple pleasures and that a person could accomplish whatever he wished if he worked hard enough and enjoyed the physical strength to do the job. “I have been lucky in that I have never had a job I didn’t enjoy to the fullest,” Harvey once said.
Well, he has had many jobs since being graduated from Franklin College with a degree in English and journalism. He also has received advanced degrees, including a doctorate in literature.
If we were to recite all of the many, important things Harvey has done, we would be here all night.
But some are worth mentioning. We will leave an account of the remainder to be read at leisure in the Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame archives here at DePauw University.
Harvey started his journalism career as a reporter, editorial writer and columnist for the former Franklin, Indiana, Evening Star.
In succession Harvey was director of public relations and head of the journalism department at Franklin College, assistant editor Rotarian Magazine, under secretary of Rotary International.
Also, founder and chairman of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communications at New Mexico State University and director of the Center for Broadcasting and International Relations at New Mexico State.
Many of his articles have been published widely. He has written several books, including “Hugging the Heartland.” He presently is writing a new book, a novel about the Great Depression of the 1930s.
A collection of essays, “Hugging the Heartland” explores the Middle American landscape. They describe how ordinary and not-so-ordinary heroes spring from our native soil and ruminates on preserving what’s good and changing what’s bad.
“The go to the heart of midwestern America and make us rejoice in its uplifting values,” said Helen Thomas, United Press-International White House correspondent.
Harvey also has devoted much time to professional and civic organizations. He has served on the boards of Indianapolis Fine Arts Council and Franklin College. He is a member of the prestigious Indiana Academy.
Many awards have been bestowed upon Harvey. One was being named Educator of the Year in New Mexico.
One colleague likes to cite Harvey’s compassion for the unfortunate. “He’s always helping people in some way,” the colleague wrote.
Another colleague, Indianapolis News editorial writer Russell Pulliam, said of Harvey:
• “Harvey Jacobs is an editor in the true sense of the word. Reporters who have seen their prose revised will understand the point.
”When some editors finish with our sparkling prose, it’s like a blindfolded barber who has attempted to cut some hair.
”But when Harvey edits, it’s different. When he is finished, I find myself saying so often, ‘That’s what I was trying to say in the first place.’
”That is the standard he has set at The News, and it is one very worthy of the honor of the Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame.”
And this from William Bryan Martin, president of Franklin College:
• “We at Franklin College are proud of Harvey as an alumnus, former faculty and staff member and as a member of our board of trustees for the honor he has brought to his alma mater.
”We are pleased to be associated with such an outstanding professional and highly commend him to you for this further honor in recognition of his life of commitment to excellence.”
Hall of Fame directors agree whole-heartedly with the president. Harvey Jacobs, a most worthy addition to the membership roll of the Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame. Congratulations.