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Maryland Creates Center For Sports Journalism

COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) -- The University of Maryland has created an on-campus sports journalism center named for late Washington Post sports writer and columnist Shirley Povich.

The Shirley Povich Center for Sports Journalism will focus on research and debate in the public discussion of sports and society.

"Most important, the center will serve as a launching pad for students to learn, actively participate in and develop the journalistic skills they need to meet the challenges facing them as the next generation of sports journalists," said George Solomon, the former Washington Post assistant managing editor for sports.

Solomon will become the center's director.

Povich died in 1998 at age 92. He worked for the Post for 75 years. The center is made possible by a $1 million challenge gift from Povich's children.

The Philip Merrill College of Journalism announced the creation of the Povich Center on Monday.

"The Shirley Povich Center will become a major force in the College's role as a leader among the nation's elite journalism institutions," said Kevin Klose, dean of the Merrill College.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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