MURPHYSBORO - Murphysboro officials expressed pride and jubilation at having their city selected to be the focus of a Southern Illinois University Carbondale journalism workshop.

A group of between 30 and 40 students will document a weekend in the city's life through still photography, video and audio this October. Subsequently, their work will be posted on a Web site and displayed in a gallery format.

City and tourism officials said the project will bring attention to the town, but being able to become part of an educational experience for the students is just as important.

"(The) number one (benefit) is exactly that, the educational aspect - that Murphysboro can be involved in an effort where you take students who are eager to learn and expose them to real-world situations," said Barbara Dallas, a tourism commissioner and the city coordinator for the project. "To be a part of that is very, very rewarding."

Dallas has been working with SIUC associate professor Mark Dolan and his graduate students to uncover the possible stories to be told in Murphysboro. They have been meeting with representatives of the school district, municipal agencies and civic organizations to discuss possibilities.

"Every meeting we came out of, not only were we pumped up, but they were, too," Dallas said. "I already see a sense of community pride that wasn't there before. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that this will strengthen our community."

Mayor Ron Williams said the resulting photo collections and Web site will become key tools in the city's efforts to promote economic development.

"It's a real plus for the city of Murphysboro," he said, noting it will help attract people to the city to live and open businesses. "It's going to touch a lot of people. The people in town are excited about it."

Mike Jones, chairman of the Murphysboro Tourism Commission and director of Gen. John A. Logan Museum, agreed with Williams and Dallas.

"It's a chance to put yourself out in front of everybody and show the heart of the community," he said. "Anytime you get a chance to showcase yourself to the larger community, that's what's going to matter to tourism."

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