Northwestern dean concedes mistake

The dean of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism told a meeting of alumni and students that he made a mistake when he quoted an anonymous student in a story he wrote for the alumni magazine.

John Lavine said Tuesday he should have immediately realized that he should never not name somebody or a student who gives a quoted comment.

"I really blew it," he said. "There is really no other way to say that."

Some Medill alumni said they worry Lavine's actions tainted the reputation of the school.

Lavine was cleared in February by the provost of making up quotes from unidentified students for use in the alumni magazine. In one of the quotes, Lavine cited a Medill junior praising a particular advertising class.

In a column for the student newspaper, The Daily Northwestern, student David Spett wrote that he questioned all 29 students in the advertising class and that all denied saying the quote, even when promised anonymity.

On Tuesday night, Lavine said Spett did exactly what he's supposed to do. But he claimed the student didn't like the new direction the school of journalism was undertaking by focusing more resources on the marketing and advertising programs.