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DJ Slater was one of the few students to win the Ann Devory scholarship!

 To read some of DJ Slater's earliest work at UW-Eau Claire's student newspaper, visit The Spectator at its Web site.

Journalist’s early success helps propel career

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Dennis John Slater, 24, is a 2005 graduate of  University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire,  with two degrees in journalism and history.

Before he had entered college he attended Franklin High School in the suburb of Milwaukee. At the beginning of his high school experience he wasn’t that all into other students or girls for that matter.

"I’m really wasn’t into girls, I was more of a shy person at that time,” Slater said . He was more into his writing because both his grandfather and father were journalists.

As the years went by in high school he started to notice that most of his writings were similar to rhyming.  So he tried a talent show at his school and put together rhythm’s (raps).

After the show was over his fellow classmate were amazed. A person who hadn’t made a name for himself just came up on stage and blasted them away with his word and style. Back then rapping was one of the newest and biggest things to see someone do and people rarely had the courage to go up on stage.

”It was a surreal experience, looking into the stands and seeing thousands of people cheering for you, just to feel the blood just pumping through me, it was exhilarating” Slater said.

After high school he went straight into college, majoring in journalism and minoring in history. He received a competitive scholarship from Ann Devroy, which supports future journalists who attend Eau Claire.

He finished college after four and a half year later.

“Ann Devroy set a high, yet brilliant standard in journalism, and I’m humbled to have been honored with the award named for her,” Slater said. “With the Devroy Fellowship, I’ve been able to make impressive strides in my young career, no matter how far I advance.

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