Phil Jurik (Class of 1983) is managing editor of the Chicago Tribune. He has been with the Tribune since 2003, having served as deputy metro editor, editor of the suburban news group, metro editor and director of content-news. Some of the biggest stories in recent Tribune history have been produced under his direction: the pandemic toll, the Laquan McDonald murder case, the migrant crisis, fallout from the murder of George Floyd, the University of Illinois admissions scandal, corruption in Harvey and other suburbs, lapses in policing predatory doctors, DCFS failures, universities' handling of sexual assaults, and mass murders in Aurora and Tinley Park. He edited two Pulitzer finalists, Headliner and other national award winners. “With steady leadership and unassailable ethics, Phil kept our staff focused on its mission despite turbulent times,” said Tribune Executive Editor Mitch Pugh. “And, in doing so, our newsroom has exposed corruption, helped change laws, sparked national conversations and righted countless wrongs.” Prior to joining the Tribune, he worked for The Knoxville Journal, the Lansing State Journal, Kansas City Star and the Daily Southtown. (Source: chicagotribune.com, nomination letter)