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.
Caroline Conti graduated from Clemson University in 2022 with a B.A. in Sports Communication. During her time at Clemson, Caroline was captain of the 2023/2024 Women’s Soccer Team and lead the group to its first College Cup appearance in program history. She was also a member of POWER, a female-founded leadership academy at Clemson that aims to empower female athletes through student athlete development. After earning several accolades in her career as a Tiger, including Third Team All-ACC in 2022 and 2023, Caroline was selected by Bay FC in the third round of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) draft.
Caroline is currently training with Bay FC as they prepare to play their inaugural season in the NWSL. She is a fierce competitor, loyal friend, and powerful leader who has touched the hearts of many individuals during her time at Clemson. Caroline represents what it means to be a Clemson Tiger, and she’s a great role model for young girls looking to play college sports. She has some extremely valuable insight about what it takes to be a professional athlete and how to set yourself up for success. Caroline’s advice for athletes is to find a healthy balance between their sport and normal life because it’s easy to get burnt out.
Check out the interview below to learn more about Caroline and her journey as a Clemson student-athlete!
Olivia Garrison graduated from Clemson University in 2018 with her B.A. in Sports Communication. She currently is a social media specialist for ESPN.
After working for The Clemson Insider, local news stations, and other internships, Olivia Garrison accepted a role at the NCAA as an on-camera host working in digital and social media strategy. From here, she went on to be a production assistant at ESPN before working up to her current position there. Her main roles are to manage ESPN social media accounts, oversee show and talent content and strategy, communicate with social media managers on public relations and marketing tactics, and organize stories for social platforms.
Olivia’s journey both professionally and as a Clemson student has propelled her into the sports world and her career today. She recommends fostering professional relationships to network and encourages current students to “do it scared”.
Check out the interview below to learn more about Olivia!
Jackson Moehler graduated from Clemson University in 2021 with a B.A. in Sports Communication. During her time at Clemson, Jackson interned with the Communication Department and played for the Women’s Soccer team, wearing the #38 jersey. She currently is a social media management and content creation company owner for Boone Media, a company she founded herself.
After closing her chapter as an athlete, Jackson accepted a job as a sales consultant for Method Medical LLC. She worked in medical sales for a little over a year, and ultimately decided to quit her job at Method Medical to pursue her passion of becoming a full-time social media manager. She currently works for Boone Media which offers services in social media strategy, social media management, and content creation.
Jackson’s experience as a division 1 collegiate athlete has shaped her into the person she is today, and inspired her to explore new horizons in the world of social media. She is a role model for young female athletes across the country and a prime example of someone who wasn’t afraid to take the leap of faith and chase after her dreams. Jackson has many helpful tips if you’re thinking about going into social media, and her #1 piece of advice is to get ahead of the game and network early in your career.
Check out the interview below to learn more about Jackson and her journey!
Morgan Werth graduated from Clemson University in 2018 with her B.A. in Sports Communication. She currently is an associate producer for the UFC, as well a sideline reporter for the Las Vegas Desert Dogs, a professional lacrosse team based in Las Vegas, NV.
After working for Clemson Athletics in the video department and other sports and media internships, Morgan Werth accepted a role at ESPN as a production assistant where she worked on coordinating live college sports. From here, she went on to her current position at UFC. Her main roles are to interview fighters, tell and organize stories for broadcasts, and edit content. In addition, Morgan’s work as a sideline reporter has her talking to players and coaches, researching, and collaborating with directors and producers to create scripts and questions for the live broadcasts.
Morgan’s journey both professionally and as a Clemson student has propelled her into the sports world and her career today. She recommends networking as a great way to kickstart job searching and urges students to not be afraid to reach out to connections.
Check out the interview below to learn more about Morgan!
As we celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day, it’s only right to shout out a team that did some memorable things to finish out 2023. This past season, the Clemson Women’s Soccer Team had a historic year, finishing 18-4-4 overall and earning themselves an appearance in the College Cup for the first time in program history. The team consisted of 25 incredible women who showed up in June for optional training in hopes of building something special. The team committed to training almost their entire summer leading up to pre-season, and their hard work and preparation did not go to waste. As a member of that team, I can confirm that the leadership, culture, and grit of the team was unlike anything I’ve ever seen in my 15 years of playing soccer. It would be impossible to talk about the team or its success without mentioning four names who were all selected in the 2024 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) draft in January. I will be sharing with you their individual achievements and stats, but more importantly, I’m going to highlight the intangibles that these ladies brought to the team.
Clemson University’s 2023 Women’s Soccer Team
#15 Hal Hershfelt (right) competing against Penn State
At the top of the list is #15 Hal Hershfelt. She was the No. 5 overall pick in the draft, selected by the Washington Spirit. In her career at Clemson, Hershfelt earned herself a spot on the ACC All-Freshman Team in 2019, Third Team All-ACC Team in 2020, Second Team All-ACC in 2021 and 2022, and First Team All-ACC in 2023. Additionally, she was the only Tiger selected to the NCAA’s 2023 All-Tournament Team. She was 1 of 2 captains for the Tigers who led by example on and off the field. On the field, Hershfelt was the hardest worker, backbone of the midfield, and “voice” for the team. Before games, she would give an inspirational speech, and if the Tiger’s ever conceded a goal during the run of play, she was the one they turned towards to talk them out of a hole. Off the field, she was a stellar student and an even better teammate. What set her apart from the rest of the group was her love and belief in the team. Hershfelt returned to Clemson for her fifth year because she saw something special in the team, and she made sure that they reached their full potential. Hal was an extraordinary captain for the Tigers and her impact on the program as a young woman and player is something that will never be forgotten.
#2 Makenna Morris playing in the 2023 ACC Championship
The second Tiger to be selected in the draft was Makenna Morris at No. 13. In the 2023 season, Morris led the Tigers in points with 10 goals and 6 assists, totaling for 26 points. She has a long list of accolades, including ACC All-Freshman Team and Second Team All-ACC in 2020/2021, Third Team All-ACC in 2021, First Team All-ACC in 2023, Best XI Second Team in 2023, and United Soccer Coaches All-American Second Team in 2023. As the Tiger’s most versatile player, Morris was a fierce competitor, crafty playmaker, and overall offensive and defensive weapon. As impactful as she was on the pitch, she was even more incredible off the field. From her witty personality to her undeniable loyalty, Makenna was loved and respected by everyone. Arguably, the greatest thing she brought to the team was her humor and one-liners. If there was one thing you could count on during practice, it was either A. Makenna was going to meg you (and by you, I mean me) or 2. she was going to crack a joke. Makenna was a once in a lifetime player, and I’m grateful to have gotten to represent the same jersey as her.
#1 Halle Mackiwicz celebrating after saving a PK against Georgia
The 32Nd pick overall and first goalkeeper to be selected in the draft was our very own Halle Mackiewicz. Mackiewicz had an unbelievable senior season with the Tigers, finishing with 13 clean sheets which broke the single season record for shutouts. In her last season, she earned herself the title of 2023 ACC Goalkeeper of the Year and was named a Second Team All-American. She recorded 64 saves in her senior season alone, and saved the team many, many times. Her cat-like reflexes and wicked athleticism left so many spectators speechless after watching her play. Halle was impossible not to love and brought joy to everyone around her. She had such an easy-going, calm temperament that drew people to her, and we used to joke that if you didn’t love Halle, there was something wrong with you. Although shy at first, once you got to know Halle, there was never a time you weren’t laughing or smiling with her. She was a kind, gentle soul off the field and a fearless, brick-wall on the field, and it was honor playing with her. Her legacy at Clemson is one that will never be forgotten, and I’m positive that she will build a similar legacy with the Kansas City Current.
#23 Caroline Conti holding the 2023 Semifinalist trophy
Last but certainly not least, Caroline Conti was selected by Bay Football Club in the third round of the draft. As a Tiger, Conti earned Third Team All-ACC in 2022 and 2023 and played in 100 total matches in a Tiger uniform. She scored 27 goals and recorded 20 assists in her career, leaving an impressive mark on the stat book. More impressive than her stats, however, was her leadership as our captain. Conti was the team’s biggest advocate, motivator, and everyone’s big sister. When I think of what it means to uphold the values and culture of a Clemson Tiger, she is the first person that comes to mind. Apart from being a special leader, Caroline had a heart of gold and was full of passion. There was rarely a day that she wasn’t smiling unless she happened to lose against me in our daily ping pong matches. She was the perfect balance of a fierce leader and supportive friend, and she set an incredibly high standard of what it means to wear that captain band. I can confidently say that the team and I looked up to Caroline in more ways than one, and we’re excited to see all her future success.
This spring, the Department of Communication is excited to introduce four new interns! Under the expertise of Dr. Lori Pindar, these interns will be working on a wide variety of projects this semester. Stay tuned for those, and read below to learn more about Mackenzie, Libby, Erin, and Nia!
Mackenzie Duff
Mackenzie is a senior communication major with a minor in sociology. She is also a member of the women’s soccer team here at Clemson. Born and raised in St. Louis, Mackenzie enjoys tanning, shopping/all things fashion, hanging out with her friends and family, and playing sports like basketball and pickleball. When Mackenzie heard there was an opportunity to intern with Dr. Pindar and the Department of Communication, she jumped right on it because she has loved her last two and a half years studying communication. Mackenzie hopes to travel the world one day while simultaneously pursuing her career as a professional soccer player. If you ever need to locate Mackenzie, try looking at the soccer practice fields or the rowing docks!
Libby Morgan
Libby is a senior communication major with a minor in psychology. Some of her prior experiences include being a PR intern with Clemson CBSHS, completing a media internship with a non-profit over the summer, and working as a summer intern at a law firm. She grew up in Cincinnati (go Bengals) and moved to Greenville, SC before high school. Libby loves photography, coffee, watching sports, and running around Greenville with her dog. She has greatly enjoyed being a part of the Department of Communication for the past four years, and is so excited to be working with Dr. Pindar and the other department interns during her final semester at Clemson!
Erin Spencer
Erin is a senior majoring in communication with a minor in English. She graduates this spring and has loved her time at Clemson as a communication major. Originally from Lexington, Kentucky, she can’t wait for the weather to warm up down here and enjoy being outside! You can find Erin reading, playing tennis, spending time with friends and family, and traveling. This is her first semester as an intern for the Department of Communication and she can’t wait to get started!
Nia Christie
Nia is a student-athlete in the jumps program for the Clemson women’s track and field team. She is working to get her degree in business management with a concentration in human resources and a minor in communication. She’s from Connecticut, a very small state in the North! Even though Nia is from the North, she is absolutely loving the South. She is the youngest in her family of four and has one older brother. Nia recently joined the best sorority in the world: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. In her free time, which is little to none, she likes to hang out with family and friends, cook, be outdoors, and just live life to the fullest! Nia feels that she is a very warm and welcoming personality, and is very excited to go forth with this internship this semester!!
