DETROIT — Ben Burns, a legend in Michigan journalism, lost his life to acute myeloid leukemia on Sep.7; he was 72.  Burns made major contributions to the industry, and is being remembered for working relentlessly to promote diversity in newsrooms, and serving as an invaluable mentor to journalism students and colleagues.

Among one of Burns biggest contributions to the profession was WSU’s Institute for Media Diversity, which he founded in 1985. It was previously referred to as the Journalism Institute for Minorities.

Burns was head of Wayne State University’s journalism program, and left the position this summer in the wake of his battle with cancer. He also served as the executive editor of The Detroit News from 1983-88. Among one of Burns’ biggest contributions to the profession was WSU’s Institute for Media Diversity, which he founded in the mid-1980s, it was previously referred to as the Journalism Institute for Minorities. The Institute celebrated its 25th anniversary last year. Some of its alumni have gone on to pursue high profile careers at the Detroit Free Press, The Detroit News, Chicago Tribune, New York Times and Wall Street Journal. The Institute will live on as a reflection of Burns life and work. 

Former WSU Journalism Student Nargis Rahman says while the Institute helped students launch careers in journalism and get internships, it also offered students a family oriented support system to turn to with their personal problems. “It was very family oriented…the Program’s Director, Alicia Nails, was always there to offer us support when we needed it,” said Rahman. Members of the Institute go on a retreat each summer, and meet periodically. It also provides academic support to ensure students excel in school. The prestigious program requires members to maintain a 3.0 grade-point average, and complete one internship every semester. Members also compete for notable scholarships. “If it wasn’t for the Institute for Media Diversity I wouldn’t have gone into journalism,” said Rahman. She remembers contemplating not pursuing a career in journalism, and says it was the Institute that helped her realize the value and importance of the profession. Rahman says while she never had Burns as a professor, she knew she could always turn to him for guidance. 

“I always knew he was there for us. He went out of his way to help the Institute and students. The Institute wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him. He wanted to make sure minorities made it in journalism,” Rahman said. 

Most people who had Burns as a professor can remember him continuously working to instill self-confidence in them, and preaching the importance of it. He would often make his students repeat the phrase, “I am somebody” a number of times throughout the semester. He was a passionate and caring instructor who nurtured his students. Burns was always willing to go out of his way to make sure students succeeded whether he was their professor or not. “Professor Burns has impacted me and my journalism career. He taught me a lot about what to expect on the job and taught me how to be prepared for it. He had a true passion for journalism, and his students, and helped me to obtain that same passion,” Teri Jones, a former student said. Every year the Institute holds an annual awards ceremony, where it honors   distinguishing figures in journalism who are minorities.  In 2009 Osama Siblani, publisher of The Arab American News, was honored with the “In the Spirit of Diversity” award by Burns.  The “Helen Thomas Spirit of Diversity Award” also used to be  distributed at the ceremony.

Distinguished WSU Journalism Professor, Jack Lessenberry, a longtime colleague of Burns, was named interim director of WSU’s journalism department. Burns is also a member of the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame. He is survived by his wife Beverly, four children and six grandchildren. Burns and Beverly were named one of Detroit’s power couples by Crain’s Detroit Business.  Burns was also editor and publisher of The Macomb Daily in Mt. Clemens and The Daily Tribune in Royal Oak. He also held posts at the Lansing State Journal as its managing editor, and at the Miami Herald as an editor. Burns also started the site Grossepointetoday.com, and was a contributing columnist. The site was launched in 2009. “He had such a big heart, and was so kind, that’s why no one ever hesitated turning to him for help,” Jones said. “There’s no  doubt that WSU journalism alumni around the country will remember him as one of the school’s greatest contributors and professors.”