2019 Undergraduate Communication Major Award Winners
Nine graduating seniors were recognized for their outstanding accomplishments.
Graduate Amanda Damon receives her award from Dean John L. Jackson, Jr.
On Sunday, May 19, the Annenberg School for Communication held its annual undergraduate graduation ceremony, honoring the Communication majors graduating from the University of Pennsylvania. This year's graduation speaker was alumnus Dylan Hewitt (C'14, G'15). In addition to recognizing each graduate, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies Felicity (Litty) Paxton presented the following awards.
Annenberg School Awards
Charles Morris Price Prize: José A. Carreras Tartak
This award acknowledges an outstanding graduating Communication major who has most distinguished themselves through a combination of academic excellence, research accomplishments, and/or contributions to Annenberg’s academic objectives.
Hon. Walter H. Annenberg Award: Valerie J. Toledo and Amber Williams
Named in honor of Annenberg’s founder, this award recognizes a graduating Communication major who has most strengthened and improved the University of Pennsylvania’s student community through Communication service activities.
C. Nicole Dickerson Award: Benjamin Rafael Friedman
Named in memory of former undergraduate advisor C. Nicole Dickerson, this public service award is given to a graduating Communication major who has made a significant contribution to our neighbors in the West Philadelphia community.
Phyllis C. Kaniss Award: James F. Hiebert
Named in memory of former assistant dean Phyllis C. Kaniss, this award is presented to a graduating Communication major who has demonstrated a commitment to civic participation through meaningful action around issues of public concern, including individual actions or actions undertaken through organizations on or off campus.
Carolyn Marvin Award for Free Speech and Assembly: James Anthony Meadows
Named for Emeritus Professor Carolyn Marvin, this award is given to a graduating Communication major who — through curricular, co-curricular, or extra-curricular activities — has done the most to advance our understanding of the importance of free speech and assembly in a democratic society.
Michael X. Delli Carpini Award: Kara Leigh Roche
Newly named for former dean Michael X. Delli Carpini, this award recognizes a graduating Communication major who has completed an outstanding thesis in the Communication and Public Service program on a topic related to public policy or public service.
George Gerbner Award: James F. Hiebert
Named for former dean George Gerbner, this award recognizes a graduating Communication major whose thesis best demonstrates an original and comprehensive application of research skills as well as a thorough understanding of communication scholarship.
Kathleen Hall Jamieson Award: Amanda Damon and Erin Elizabeth Farrell
Named for former dean Kathleen Hall Jamieson, this award honors a graduating Communication major with the highest cumulative grade point average in the major.
University of Pennsylvania Awards
The following graduating Communication majors received awards from the University of Pennsylvania and were acknowledged in the graduation program.
Thouron Award
Nicholas T. Joyner
Rose Research Award
James F. Hiebert
Bodek Prize
Amanda Damon
Phi Beta Kappa
- Amanda Damon
- Erin Elizabeth Farrell
- James F. Hiebert
- Nicholas T. Joyner
- Reina Leigh Kern
Congratulations to the award winners and to all of our 2019 graduates!
