We don’t talk about journalism awards much — seriously, wouldn’t you rather read about cute animals? — but today the Society of Professional Journalists named this site one of the top three student Web sites in the country, and also named Derek Thompson as the best online student columnist.

Earlier this year, NBN took home eight regional SPJ awards for its opinion, news, feature, in-depth and sports reporting.

NBN is also currently one of five finalists for the National Online Pacemaker Awards, considered the top prize in college journalism. The winner is announced this fall.

Elsewhere in campus media this year: Regionally, fashion magazine Stitch earned second place for best student magazine from SPJ. NNN also won several regional SPJ awards for its broadcast reporting, in addition to SportsNight’s College Emmy. NNN also won Best Newscast from the Illinois News Broadcasters Association; WNUR News won first place for Radio Newscast and and Radio Hard Program. The Daily Northwestern won 11 awards at the Illinois College Press Association, including first place for best daily college newspaper.