Alumni Awards

Alumni Awards

Each year, the UConn Department of Communication celebrates the accomplishments of our alumni through our annual alumni awards. These honors recognize noteworthy graduates who demonstrate the value and impact of a communication degree.

Award Categories

Lifetime Achievement in Communication Award

The Lifetime Achievement in Communication Award honors a Department of Communication graduate whose long-standing professional career (more than 20 years) has been marked by excellence and innovation. The award celebrates individuals who have dedicated their careers to advancing communication, media, and audience engagement through clarity, accessibility, and meaningful dialogue. 

  • Recipients demonstrate outstanding communication skills, make pioneering contributions to the field, and lead in any area of communication — including journalism, public relations, media, or academia.
  • They shape industry practices, influence public discourse, and promote ethical standards, leaving a lasting impact on society.  
  • They mentor emerging professionals and take on leadership roles that guide the future of the field.  
  • Peers, institutions, and industry organizations recognize their work through awards and honors. 

Past Recipients

Distinguished Communication Alumni Award

The Distinguished Communication Alumni Award recognizes graduates who have demonstrated exceptional achievement and impact in the field.  

  • Recipients demonstrate excellence across communication disciplines — including journalism, public relations, media, and academia — and play a key role in shaping industry standards and public dialogue.  
  • They lead with integrity, advance the profession through mentorship and professional development, and consistently earn recognition from peers and institutions for their contributions.  
  • Through their work, they elevate the reputation of their alma mater and serve as role models by promoting meaningful dialogue, engaging audiences, and advancing progress in the evolving communication landscape. 

Past Recipients  

Communication Alumni to Watch Award 

The Communication Alumni to Watch Award recognizes recent graduates who show exceptional promise and impact in the field of communication. 

  • Recipients demonstrate early career excellence in any area of communication — including journalism, public relations, media, corporate communication, or academia — along with innovative contributions and strong leadership potential. 
  • They earn recognition for shaping industry trends, fostering meaningful dialogue, and engaging audiences effectively.  
  • With a trajectory of continued success, these rising stars serve as role models, inspiring others through their dedication, creativity, and influence in the ever-evolving communication landscape. 

Past Recipients  

Contact Us

For questions about the communication alumni awards or the nomination process, please contact Jose (Joel) Nebres, academic advisor.

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