Alumni Profile: Jim Boren

            In high school, The Fresno Bee editorial page editor, Jim Boren, already new he wanted to work in the newspaper business. It was his senior year and he heard that the journalism class was easy.

            “I got hooked on journalism, and found that this job isn’t easy, but it’s immensely rewarding,” Boren, 56, said. 

            The Fresno State alum graduated in 1972 with a degree in News-editorial and began his 35-year career at The Fresno Bee as the general assignment reporter. As a native of Fresno, Boren said one of the main reasons he stayed here was because of the many opportunities he had at The Fresno Bee

            These days Boren oversees production of the opinion pages and writes a column for the Vision section in the Sunday paper.

            Before the editorial page, Boren covered politics for 15 years. He said he has enjoyed both realms of journalism, but admits that he will always be a “political junkie.”     Because of Boren, the annual Rose Ann Vuich Award for Ethical Leadership was created in 1998. He wrote a column praising Senator Vuich, saying that her ethical ideas should be formally recognized. Several people came forward to embrace his idea and the award recognizes local elected officials who have met high ethical standards.

            Boren has continued to maintain a relationship with his alma mater throughout the years. He is on the Maddy Institute Board and speaks regularly to MCJ classes and helps the department when asked. He also funds a scholarship for the Kremen School of Education.