Harrison Ullmann
Encyclopedia
Harrison J. Ullmann was a journalist in Indiana and a political commentator. Ullmann was editor of NUVO Newsweekly
, an Indianapolis
alternative newspaper, from 1992 until shortly before his death in 2000. Ullmann was known for his provocative style and acerbic wit that was often aimed at Indiana
politicians.
Harrison had...
Ullmann had a long career as a newspaper reporter, columnist, editor and even spent a decade as the director of public relations for Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
. Once leaving the university, Ullmann began writing an opinion column for NUVO. The sometimes controversial column ranged in subject from humorous observations to serious investigations into the local power structure. After writing the column for several years, he was recruited by publisher Kevin McKinney to become the newslweekly's editor. While leading the paper's editorial staff, the paper grew in circulation from 20,000 to 50,000.
In 2003 Ullmann was recognized many times for his reporting and advocacy by such organizations as the Indiana State Teacher's Association, the Indiana State Medical Association and the American Civil Liberties Union
. On April 12, 200 he was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash
by Governor Frank O'Bannon
, the highest honor the state can award. Ullmann was inducted into the Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame in 2003.
According to fellow Hoosier journalist, Brian Howey, "Harrison had an incredible ability to passionately connect with his audience through his columns and stories. They were anything from touching to hilarious, to scathing. During his last seven years, he became the conscience of Indianapolis as he wrote about education, public policy, politics and culture."
Nuvo Newsweekly
NUVO is an alternative weekly newspaper and news website serving the Indianapolis, Indiana metropolitan area. Locally owned and operated, it features news, music, film and theatre reviews, and also has sections for classifieds and other advertisements...
, an Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Indianapolis is the capital of the U.S. state of Indiana, and the county seat of Marion County, Indiana. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population is 839,489. It is by far Indiana's largest city and, as of the 2010 U.S...
alternative newspaper, from 1992 until shortly before his death in 2000. Ullmann was known for his provocative style and acerbic wit that was often aimed at Indiana
Indiana
Indiana is a US state, admitted to the United States as the 19th on December 11, 1816. It is located in the Midwestern United States and Great Lakes Region. With 6,483,802 residents, the state is ranked 15th in population and 16th in population density. Indiana is ranked 38th in land area and is...
politicians.
Harrison had...
"the journalistic courage to take on the power structure, tell the king he had no clothes, unmask deceitfulness and self-righteousness, and raise important questions about conflicts of interest and unintended consequences of public policies," former Indianapolis Mayor William Hudnut said, "Every community needs at least one Harrison Ullmann, preferably more.
Ullmann had a long career as a newspaper reporter, columnist, editor and even spent a decade as the director of public relations for Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis is an urban campus of Indiana University and Purdue University in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. Indiana University is the managing partner...
. Once leaving the university, Ullmann began writing an opinion column for NUVO. The sometimes controversial column ranged in subject from humorous observations to serious investigations into the local power structure. After writing the column for several years, he was recruited by publisher Kevin McKinney to become the newslweekly's editor. While leading the paper's editorial staff, the paper grew in circulation from 20,000 to 50,000.
In 2003 Ullmann was recognized many times for his reporting and advocacy by such organizations as the Indiana State Teacher's Association, the Indiana State Medical Association and the American Civil Liberties Union
American Civil Liberties Union
The American Civil Liberties Union is a U.S. non-profit organization whose stated mission is "to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to every person in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United States." It works through litigation, legislation, and...
. On April 12, 200 he was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash
Sagamore of the Wabash
The Sagamore of the Wabash is an honorary award created by the state of Indiana during the term of Governor Ralph F. Gates . A tri-state meeting was to be held in Louisville with officials from Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. Aides to Gates learned that the governor of Kentucky was preparing...
by Governor Frank O'Bannon
Frank O'Bannon
Frank Lewis O'Bannon was an American politician who was the 47th Governor of Indiana from 1997 until his death in 2003.-Background:...
, the highest honor the state can award. Ullmann was inducted into the Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame in 2003.
According to fellow Hoosier journalist, Brian Howey, "Harrison had an incredible ability to passionately connect with his audience through his columns and stories. They were anything from touching to hilarious, to scathing. During his last seven years, he became the conscience of Indianapolis as he wrote about education, public policy, politics and culture."