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Department of Communication Award Winners 2024

April 26, 2024

On behalf of the Department of Communication, we would like to congratulate this year’s award recipients. We are so proud of all the hard work and commitment these students have shown as Clemson University undergraduate and graduate students.

The Communication Faculty Book Award

Cassidy Gruber

This award is given annually to a graduating senior. A classic or current work in the student’s area of interest is awarded on the basis of academic achievement and involvement in the program.

Cassidy is a senior from Reeseville, South Carolina, majoring in Communication and minoring in Social Sciences. After she graduates in May, Cassidy will be staying in Clemson for two more years to pursue a Masters of Art in Communication as a teaching assistant. During her time at Clemson, Cassidy has been an active participant in many extracurricular activities including working with The Tiger and The Public Relations Student Society of America. Additionally, she worked in the Communication Center as a tutor and desk manager while also serving at a local restaurant called Traditions on the Lake. In 2023, Cassidy worked on a research project with Dr. Gilmore that was published in the Mobile Media & Communication Journal and presented at the National Communication Association’s Annual Conference. Congratulations to Cassidy on all her outstanding accomplishments inside and outside the classroom, and we look forward to working with her for two more years. 

Outstanding Academic Achievement Award in Communication

Callie Raines

This award is presented to a graduating senior with an outstanding academic record in Communication.

Callie Raines is a graduating senior from Lancaster, South Carolina. In May, she will receive her B.A. in Communication with a minor in Psychology. Outside of academics, Callie enjoys walking the Dikes with her puppy and spending quality time with her family and friends. Callie is honored to receive the Outstanding Academic Achievement in Communication Award, and eternally grateful to have spent every second of her undergraduate career with the Department of Communication. She is a proud Tiger and is eager to apply her knowledge, skills, and experiences to her future career. Congratulations to Callie, we look forward to seeing all the wonderful things she accomplishes post-graduation.

Outstanding Academic Achievement Award in Sports Communication

Corina Smith

This award is presented to a graduating senior with an outstanding academic record in Sports Communication.

Corina is a graduating senior from Cary, North Carolina. During her time at Clemson, Corina worked in Creative Solutions, Clemson Athletics Marketing and Fan Experience, Tiger Vision, and Cadency. She was also a proud member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority. After earning her B.A. in Communication with a minor in Brand Communication, Corina plans on getting her Masters of Science in Marketing at Clemson while interning with Ticketmaster as a Client Marketing Intern in Charlotte, North Carolina. Congratulations to Corina on all her incredible accomplishments, and good luck to her in the M.S. Marketing program.


The Most Promising Second Year Student Award

Juliana Coates

In recognition of a promising sophomore, the Communication Department presents this award on the basis of academic achievement, involvement in the program, and creative effort.

Juliana is sophomore Communication major with minors in Political and Legal Theory as well as Spanish Studies. She is the News Editor for the The Tiger student newspaper and a member of FCA, the club tennis team, Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), and Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Society. Juliana is excited to continue to explore the Communication realm and learn more about what she can do with her degree, specifically in public relations. Congratulations on earning The Most Promising Second Year Student Award, Juliana, we are thrilled to see what else you accomplish with your time remaining at Clemson.

The David Malcolm Geddes/Mark Roderick Memorial Award

Sienna Kent

This award is given annually to an undergraduate or graduate student in recognition of their outstanding performance in the classroom, academic achievement, involvement in the program, creative effort, and character.

Sienna is a graduating senior, majoring in Communication and double minoring in Brand Communication and Business Administration. She is also a member of the Association for Women in Sports Media and the Women’s Weightlifting Club. After graduation, Sienna plans to stay in Clemson for a year and save some money before pursuing a career in Sports Media, Sports Social Media, or Sports Communication. Congratulations to Sienna on all her academic achievements, we look forward to hearing about all your future success.

The Roderick Duncan Geddes Memorial Award for Excellence in Diversity and Communication

Browning Blair

This award is given annually to an undergraduate or graduate student who has demonstrated excellence in engaging diversity in their personal, academic, and/or civic endeavors. Particular consideration is given to candidates who have addressed timely and critical issues in their communities or on a global scale.

Browning is a graduating senior from Charleston, South Carolina. She is a double major studying English and Communication. In her free time, Browning is a radio DJ for Clemson University’s student radio WSBF-FM. She enjoys hiking with the Clemson Hiking Club and giving back to the local community by assisting with Clemson Humanities Prison Initiative. In the fall, Browning will be joining the Clemson Master of Arts in Communication program. After completing the MAC program, she hopes to obtain her PhD and become a University professor and researcher. Congratulations to Browning on all her involvement and achievements at Clemson, she has a bright future ahead.

The James Malcolm Geddes Memorial Award for Excellence in Civic Leadership

Sophia Wilkins

This award is given annually to an undergraduate or graduate student who has demonstrated excellence in engaging topics relevant to the quality of public life in their personal, academic, and/or civic endeavors. Particular consideration is given to candidates who have addressed timely and critical issues in their communities through applied research or service learning.

Sophia Wilkins is a graduating senior from Scotch Plains, New Jersey. During her time at Clemson, Sophia majored in Communication and minored in Brand Communication. She is on the Leadership Team in the Cadency, The Erwin Center for Brand Communication’s student led brand marketing agency. Her role is Culture Officer, so her responsibilities include planning fun events, team building activities, networking opportunities, and more. She is also the Account Manager for Impossible Foods in Cadency and worked as a media Intern with the Department of Communication up until last semester. In the future, Sophia hopes to work in NYC in Creative Brand Strategy or Account Management. Congratulations to Sophia on her outstanding achievement, we are so excited to see all that you do.

The Doris Irene Geddes Memorial Award for Excellence in Women and Communication

Cecelia Macchione

This award is given annually to an undergraduate or graduate student who has demonstrated excellence in engaging issues relevant to women’s lives in their personal, academic, and/or civic endeavors. Particular consideration is given to candidates who have addressed timely and critical women’s issues in the communities or on a global scale.

Cecelia is a senior Sports Communication and Marketing major from Raleigh, North Carolina. She has served as a Student Strategic Athletic Communications Assistant for the past three years in the Sports Information Department within Clemson Athletics. While at Clemson, Cecelia had the opportunity to intern at the U.S. Women’s Open, The Carolina’s Golf Association, and Duke Athletics. After graduating this spring, Cecelia hopes to pursue a master’s degree at Clemson while serving as a graduate assistant within the Clemson Athletic Department. Congratulations to Cecelia on all her hard work and dedication, we are so proud of you.

The Communication Outstanding Graduate Student Award

Bennett Katarzynski


This award recognizes a graduate student all-around exemplary research and teaching contributions, service on behalf of graduate studies in the Communication program, as well as service to the University and community.

Bennett is a graduate student from Simpsonville, South Carolina. He earned his B.A. in Communication from Clemson and is looking to finish out his Masters of Arts in Communication this spring. He is the Assistant Director of the Communication Center, Assistant Basic Course Director, and Secretary for the Graduate Association of Communication Students. In the future, Bennett hopes to find a job in the Greenville/Clemson area with either a Clemson or local organization. Congratulations to Bennett on all the wonderful things he’s accomplished during his time at Clemson, we wish her nothing but the best.

The Communication Outstanding Graduate Teacher Award

Malaysia Barr


This award recognizes the graduate student who has demonstrated excellence in classroom instruction, advising, and mentorship, supporting the Department of Communication and Clemson’s land-grant mission.

Malaysia is from Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina and is graduating with her Master of Arts in Communication in May. During her time at Clemson, Malaysia was involve with Clemson Black Improvement Association, Clemson Black Graduate Student Association, and was an active member of House of Judah in Seneca, South Carolina. She created her own website called, “Chosen Grace,” where she creates blog posts and podcasts to encourage people in their faith by being transparent and authentic. Malaysia’s goal is to remind people that they are chosen by grace, and although she’s unsure what her future holds, she knows God has plans for her and they are good. Congratulations to Malaysia on her achievements and the creation of her own website, we are thrilled to see all that she does. 

The Communication Outstanding Graduate Researcher Award

Emma Cox

This award recognizes the graduate student who has demonstrated excellence in conducting original research, assisting on faculty research projects, presenting at conferences and/or publishing scholarship, bringing recognition to our program, department, and University.

Emma is from New Orleans, Louisiana and is graduating in May with her Masters of Arts in Communication with a research focus on health message effects and persuasion. She is also a Teacher’s Assistant in the department and teaches the lab section of Introduction to Human Communication (COMM 1500). After graduation, Emma will start he PhD program in Communication at Cornell University. Congratulations to Emma on her incredible achievements during her time at Clemson, we can’t wait to see her thrive at Cornell University.

The College of Behavioral, Social, and Health Sciences Award for Entrepreneurship in Community Service

Browning Blair

This award presupposes a solid academic record and a long-term pattern of service to the university or to the local, state, national or global community. It further implies creativity in reaching under-served populations or improving the quality and quantity of service being rendered to a point well above the typical volunteer experience.

Congratulations to Browning on winning another impressive award, we are so proud of her.

CBSHS Master’s Degree Candidate Teaching Assistant Award

Malaysia Barr

This award is presented to a Master’s Degree candidate who will be completing his or her degree by the end of the current academic year. The student is expected to have excelled in all areas of their Clemson graduate experience including academics, collegiality, research and departmental service. Above all, the awardee must demonstrate a genuine flare and passion for classroom teaching as reflected by faculty, peer and student evaluations.

Congratulations to Malaysia on winning yet another outstanding award, we are so proud of all of her incredible accomplishments.



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