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The School of Communications celebrated its annual awards ceremony on May 7 in Turner Theatre, recognizing outstanding student achievement from the 2025–26 academic year with a program that was equal parts heartfelt, humorous and reflective. Faculty and staff presenters shared stories of once wide-eyed first-year students growing into confident young professionals, sprinkled in playful anecdotes and even delivered an unexpected lesson about rabbit eyelids – moments that reflected the close-knit spirit of the school community.

From a pool of nearly 1,100, more than 35 exceptional students were honored for their academic excellence, leadership in campus media and student organizations, and impressive performance in competitive internships. Additionally, the school presented its second Excellence in Community Engagement Award, recognizing a student who has thoughtfully engaged with the local community.

“This ceremony is one of the highlights of the year because we turn the spotlight on our students — the very lifeblood of our school,” said Kenn Gaither, dean of the School of Communications, during his opening remarks. “Today is really about our students — students who will become alumni tomorrow and join the many before them achieving great success in their chosen careers.”

Ceremony photos are available on the school’s

Outstanding Senior Award recipients

These six awards recognize graduating seniors who have gone above and beyond – demonstrating exceptional talent, deep expertise in their fields, and a lasting impact on both the School of Communications and their areas of study through personal and professional achievements.

• , Cinema and Television Arts Award. Presented by Bryan Baker.
• , Communication Design Award. Presented by Ben Hannam.
• , Journalism Award. Presented by Anthony Hatcher.
• , Media Analytics Award. Presented by Alex Traugutt.
• , Sport Management Award. Presented by Shaina Dabbs.
• , Strategic Communications Award. Presented by Shanetta Pendleton.

Student Scholarships

The scholarships and honorees are listed as they were presented at the May 7 ceremony.

Times-News Publishing Co., Inc. Scholarship
Marissa Fluno ’28

Awarded to one journalism student in the School of Communications who is planning on a career in print journalism and has demonstrated leadership, scholarship, service to the community, and exemplary character traits. Presented by Shanetta Pendleton.

Anthony & Olga Duke Communications Scholarship
Sara Kershow ’29

Awarded to students pursuing majors in the School of Communications on the basis of merit. Presented by Keith Barber.

A.J. Fletcher Award
Katharyn MacDonald ’27 and Taylor Radney ’28

This award honors outstanding students majoring in strategic or broadcast communications who demonstrate a wide-ranging interest in the field, service to the community, and leadership on campus or in their lives. Presented by Sydney Nicolla and Jessalynn Strauss.

Excellence in Community Engagement Award
Mackie Motley ’26

Awarded to one student in the School of Communications who has engaged deeply and consistently with the local community throughout their time at ���ϲ�����. Presented by Kyle Anderson.

James Wesley Willard II Memorial Scholarship
Kira Hancuff ’28

Awarded to one student enrolled in the School of Communications on the basis of merit. Presented by David Bockino.

William S. E. Neff ���ϲ����� Experiences Scholarship
Skylar Cook ’28

Awarded to students with outstanding merit within the School of Communications to complete an ���ϲ����� experience through study abroad, internship, leadership, service or undergraduate research. Presented by David Bockino.

Stanley Albright Cook and Grace Lillian Lane Cook Endowed Scholarship
Lyda Cosgrove ’27

Awarded to students majoring in journalism who demonstrate outstanding scholarly work. Presented by Amanda Sturgill.

Don Bolden School of Communications Dean’s Scholarship Fund
Camila Montoya ’27

This award was created to fund experiences for ���ϲ����� students to understand the links between learning in the classroom and applying that knowledge to explore and report on the world around them. Presented by Karen Lindsey.

James Michael Elzar Foreman Endowment
Francess (Finn) Wilkinson ’27

This award honors the most promising rising senior focusing on television production to be used to fund an ���ϲ����� Experience related to the student’s major. Presented by Karen Lindsey.

Dubois Legacy Scholarship
Ellie Agulnek ’27

Awarded to rising juniors or seniors in the School of Communications who demonstrate a consistent commitment to their course of study and who show great promise through their participation in study abroad programs and internships. Presented by Phillip Motley.

Priestley Journalism Endowed Scholarship
Megan Walsh ’28

Awarded to one female journalism major preparing for a writing career in public circulation newspapers and/or magazines. Presented by Colin Donohue.

Brad Hamm International Communications Scholarship
Ethan Wu ’27

Awarded to one rising junior or senior student enrolled in the School of Communications, who is either an international student or has demonstrated strong international interest. Presented by Ben Hannam.

The James F. Hurley Legacy Scholarship
Rylan Ammerman ’28

Awarded to high achieving students enrolled in the School of Communications with preference to journalism majors. Presented by Tom Nelson.

D’Angelo Family Scholarship in Memory of Bill and Kappy Leonard
Abigail Hines ’27

Awarded to one outstanding rising senior majoring in journalism and preparing to enter the field of broadcast journalism. Presented by Kelly Furnas.

Sport Management Endowed Scholarship
Isaiah Scott ’27 and Kaylin Wong ’28

Awarded to declared sport management majors who have a record of contributions to the department and exhibit significant potential for professional success. Presented by Lindsay Pieper and Alex Traugutt.

Chris Edwards ’18 Award for Sports Journalism
Philip Doherty ’26

This award recognizes the work of a graduating senior who has established a record of academic success, demonstrated mastery within sports journalism, and made significant contributions to their major. It will honor quality sports journalism in Chris’ name, serving as an annual reminder to students and alumni of his contributions to the School of Communications. Presented by Max Negin.

School of Communications Founding Dean Scholarship Endowment
Molly Lorden ’27 and Miles Hayford ’27

Awarded to rising seniors with strong academic records in one of the majors offered by the School of Communications who are emerging as leaders in student media or student organizations in the school. Presented by Jane O’Boyle and Lorraine Ahearn.

Special recognitions

To kick off the ceremony, Gaither recognized the school’s fifth class of Kappa Tau Alpha, the college honor society that recognizes academic excellence and promotes scholarship in journalism and mass communication.

This year’s honorees include: Maddie Bauman ’26, Emmy Beauvais ’26, Emma Corbett ’26, Evelyn Ealey ’26, Halli Harwood ’26, Hannah Jordan ’26, Angelina Mancuso ’26, Jenna Mangan ’26, Amanda McGee ’26, Anabella Parisi ’26, Annie Thyfault ’26 and Elizabeth Walker ’26. Members must rank in the top 10 percent of their class and hold at least a 3.0 GPA.

Kappa Tau Alpha, or KTA, is the seventh-oldest honor society in the nation and one of a few that specifically recognizes the achievements and academic performance of our nation’s burgeoning journalists.