Honors

In addition to recognition of excellence in Wisconsin journalism through its annual media contest,
the Milwaukee Press Club awards other special honors each year.

Sacred Cat

The Sacred Cat Award is named after the club mascot Anubis, the mummified cat, and recognizes excellence in journalism at the national level. It is presented each spring at the Gridiron banquet, which also honors winners of the club's Excellence in Wisconsin Journalism competition and a Headliner award winner. The Sacred Cat award has been given annually since 1973, with broadcast journalist Peter Arnett receiving the inaugural award and some of the country's greatest journalists and media leaders receiving it since then. The Press Club's board of governors and the Gridiron Committee collaborate in the selection of a Sacred Cat.

Sacred Cat Honorees

Headliner

Since 1957 the Milwaukee Press Club has honored Wisconsin leaders each year with its Headliner award. The list of winners is a who's who of Wisconsin greats – from the worlds of politics, business, sports, religion, entertainment and the media. The Headliner award is presented each spring at the Gridiron banquet, which also honors winners of the club's Excellence in Wisconsin Journalism competition and a Sacred Cat. The Press Club's board of governors and the Gridiron Committee collaborate in the selection of a Headliner.

Headliner Honorees

Knights of the Golden Quill

This is a Milwaukee Press Club membership designation reserved for a select few. The honor is rarely bestowed, and is done so on nomination of the Press Club's Past Presidents Council with approval from the Press Club board of governors. Knights are invested during the club's annual meeting in September. It is bestowed upon members of the journalism profession and allied fields, and occasionally to others, in recognition of selfless deeds, untiring leadership and exemplary civic leadership.

Knights of the Golden Quill Honorees

Knights of Bohemia

Similar to the Knights of the Golden Quill, this honor is rarely bestowed. Unlike the Golden Quill, this circle of knights is comprised of community leaders not affiliated with the media.

Knights of Bohemia Honorees

Hall of Fame

The Milwaukee Press Club established the Milwaukee Media Hall of Fame in 1975 to honor the men and women who shaped journalism here. The club's Past President's Council nominates the inductees, with those nominations going to the club's board of governors for approval. In 1988, the club added a posthumous honor. It is now customary to annually induct five living and five deceased journalists into the hall. The inductions are made during a fall banquet.

Hall of Fame Honorees

Distinguished Service

The rarest of club honors is the Distinguished Service medal, presented by the Past President's Council to a club member who has shown extraordinary dedication to the club.

To date, four persons have been granted the medal:
Kenneth Roesslein, Roger Stafford, Tom Traband and David Niles.