Michigan State University journalism professor Geri Alumit Zeldes and film team — ComArtSci grads Jason Howard, Aidan Binford and Ethan Hunter — have received first place in the News Special and Documentary category of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Detroit Excellence in Journalism Awards for their film Missing Paige – A Family’s Story. The documentary, which aired on WILX-TV in April 2024, explores one of Michigan’s longest-running missing persons cases and was recognized for its sensitive storytelling and investigative depth.
The award, presented by the Detroit chapter of SPJ — a professional organization dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and high ethical standards — celebrates outstanding reporting from across the state. An anonymous judge described the documentary as “a heartbreaking story told with care,” praising the team’s ability to build trust with Paige Renkoski’s family and effectively use archival materials.
The SPJ Detroit Excellence in Journalism Awards honor outstanding work by journalists across Michigan, recognizing stories that exemplify the highest standards of the profession.
“I tell my students that you don't know if a film or any creative product you create is good, but this is one measure that provides some validation. These awards are reviewed by your peers, and so it was really cool that we received feedback from the judges . . . It's fuel to keep us going,” Zeldes reflected.
Zeldes, an acclaimed journalist and documentary filmmaker, is known for work that amplifies underrepresented voices and explores complex social issues. She holds a Ph.D. in journalism from Michigan State University and brings more than two decades of experience in investigative storytelling. Her research and creative work often focus on marginalized communities, media representation, and the practice of journalism in multicultural contexts.
The winning film is the first installment in a planned three-part documentary series. It traces the story of Paige Renkoski, a 30-year-old substitute teacher from Okemos, Michigan, who disappeared in May 1990. Her car was found idling on the shoulder of I-96 with her personal belongings inside, but she was never seen again. The mystery of her disappearance has haunted the mid-Michigan community for more than three decades.
Through intimate interviews and archival materials, Zeldes centers the emotional toll of ambiguous loss experienced by Renkoski’s family. The documentary also draws attention to the thousands of unresolved missing persons cases in the United States, including more than 3,000 in Michigan alone.
“Missing Paige digs into decades of materials and emotions,” said Zeldes. “At each turn, we witness the pain of individuals traumatized by loss. My goal is to examine the evolving criminal and forensic science theories used to investigate cold cases.”
The film has already demonstrated impact beyond the screen. Following its broadcast and media coverage by The Lansing State Journal, new tips were submitted to investigators working on the Renkoski case.
Zeldes, who recently received a Humanities and Arts Research Program (HARP) Development Grant, is currently working on two additional segments. The following chapters will explore the cold case team investigating Renkoski’s disappearance and the journalists who have followed the story over the years.
“Instead of sensationalizing, we’re revealing what’s new in the investigation,” Zeldes added. “That could inspire other filmmakers to cover new information in their own works, which increases the potential for getting somewhere in these cold cases.”
The Livingston County cold case department is currently handling the case of Buster Robbins, who has been charged and imprisoned for the abduction, sexual assault, and homicide of a woman, Beverly Wivell, who was taken from the same park in Canton that Paige visited the day she disappeared. There are significant parallels between the two cases — both women’s purses, shoes, and wallets were found in their respective vehicles with the engines still running.
“I think that case will be a lot farther along when we finish the film. I anticipate that we'll probably report on the outcome of Beverly Wivell's court case, as well as any connections to Paige's case,” Zeldes predicted.