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Communication Impact Award 2026

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Presented by the UConn Department of Communication

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Photo by Tim Marshall on Unsplash

Award Overview

The Communication Impact Award recognizes undergraduate Communication majors who are making meaningful, positive contributions to the Department of Communication, the University of Connecticut community, and/or their local communities.

This award celebrates students who demonstrate the power of effective communication through service, leadership, collaboration, and real-world impact. The Communication Impact Award recognizes students who use their communication knowledge and skills to create positive change through leadership, mentoring, service, advocacy, research, community engagement, or other forms of meaningful involvement. 

Each year, three (3) exceptional undergraduate students will be selected to receive this honor. Each awardee will receive $1,000 and be formally recognized at the Department of Communication’s end-of-year celebration. 

Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Be an undergraduate major in Communication at UConn in good academic standing. 
  • Have passed COMM 1000, 1100, and at least 2 other Communication Courses. 
  • Demonstrate clear and meaningful positive contributions to: 
    • The Department of Communication, and/or 
    • The UConn community, and/or 
    • Their local or broader communities.

Award Details

  • Three awards will be granted annually. 
  • Each recipient will receive a $1,000 scholarship* 
  • Recipients will be recognized publicly at the Department of Communication’s end-of-year celebration.

Application Requirements

Students must submit the following:

  • Impact Statement (500–750 words) 
    Describe your contributions and the positive impact you have made. Be specific about: 
    • What you did 
    • Who was impacted 
    • Why this work matters 
    • What you learned through the experience 
  • Unofficial UConn transcript
  • Resume or CV 
  • One brief letter of support from a faculty member, advisor, supervisor, or community partner who can speak to your impact. 
     

Timeline

  • Application Deadline: March 22, 2026 (11:59 PM) 
  • Notification of Award: By April 17, 2026 
  • Recognition Ceremony: End-of-year Department of Communication celebration (April 30, 2026)

How To Apply

Students should submit the application materials and their impact statement through the following Submission form: Communication Impact Award Submission form (Kuali)

* All scholarships will be administered by the Office of Student Financial Aid Services. If you are a need-based financial aid recipient (loans, grants, work-study employment), your financial aid package may be revised as a result of this award. If no adjustment is necessary and your fee bill is paid in full, you may be entitled to a refund. If you have questions about how a scholarship could affect your financial aid package, please call (860)486-2819. 

Apply Now

Kassandra Montenegro, 2026 Alumni to Watch Award Recipient

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Kassandra Montenegro ’17 (CLAS)

Assistant Director, Fairfield University Career Center

Recipient of the 2026 Alumni to Watch Award

Kassandra (Kassi) Montenegro is a communications professional whose career reflects a deep commitment to career development, talent strategy, and alumni engagement. A 2017 graduate of the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, she has consistently translated her communication education into roles that strengthen institutions and empower individuals.

Kassandra currently serves as Assistant Director of the Career Center at Fairfield University, where she supports Engineering & Computing students. Her work centers on career advising, employer engagement, and strategic programming that bridges academic experience with workforce readiness.

Prior to this role, Kassandra earned extensive experience in recruiting and talent operations. She served as Recruiting Coordinator at Jones Day in New York City, supporting full-cycle recruitment within a fast-paced legal environment. Earlier, at Clever Inc., she held roles as Recruiting Coordinator and later Recruiting Operations Specialist, contributing to leadership initiatives, process improvements, and managed the university recruiting program.

Kassandra’s relationship‑building foundation was established in higher education. She worked in Advancement at Fordham University as Program Manager, leading career development and alumni engagement initiatives. Prior to that, she held the role of Admissions Officer which supported the alumni volunteer program at Stanford University, strengthening outreach and community networks.

Beyond her professional roles, Kassandra has demonstrated continued dedication to her alma mater. She served on the Executive Board of the UConn Asian American Alumni Association, acting as Event Chair where she led alumni affinity programming and cross-functional collaboration efforts. She continues to stay connected to higher education through active participation in the Alumni Admissions Program, representing her alma mater at regional college fairs and returning to campus to volunteer for UConn Bound Day.

Across higher education, nonprofit leadership, and corporate talent strategy, Kassandra’s work is defined by thoughtful engagement, operational excellence, and a commitment to helping others thrive. Her career trajectory exemplifies the impact of a communication education in action, making her the UConn Department of Communication’s 2026 Communication Alumna to Watch.

Connect with Kassi on LinkedIn.

Steve Wolfberg, 2026 Lifetime Achievement in Communication Award Recipient

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Steve Wolfberg ’81 (CLAS)

Co-Owner/Chief Creative Officer
Cronin Advertising (Retired)

Recipient of the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award

From the first “fake” radio spot he wrote in 1978 for his WHUS-FM radio show “Wake Up with Wolfie,” Steve knew the ad business was where he would make his mark. Thousands of “real” advertising campaigns followed, and now, nearly 50 years later, Steve is one of the most awarded and respected creative professionals in the Connecticut advertising industry.

Steve retired in 2022 as Cronin Advertising’s co-owner and Chief Creative Officer. The firm’s reputation as a creative force was reflected in its consistent standing as the top independent agency in Connecticut and Top Five in New England. He had the pleasure and honor to work with local, regional and national leaders such as Amica, Bertucci’s, Connecticut Children’s, Konica Minolta, Northeast Utilities, the Jimmy Fund…

…And, of course, UConn. 

Steve was known as the region’s “Ad Guru,” appearing on numerous local and national media outlets (including ESPN) commenting on Super Bowl ads, political campaigns and the marketing world in general. Audiences enjoyed his insightful and refreshing takes on which ads were successful, and why.

Steve’s first job in advertising, in 1981, was a direct result of an internship made available through the UConn Communications department. Throughout his career, Steve continued to “pay it forward” through internships and mentoring–taking part in UConn’s Leadership Legacy Program for a number of years–and by providing employment opportunities to new graduates. Steve has been a frequent guest in COMM classes, leading lively discussions about the importance of honing both verbal and written communications skills. He takes great pride in knowing some of those students have gone on to impactful and important communications careers. 

Steve and his wife Jennifer (CLAS ’83) have established an endowed scholarship for students majoring in either the Department of Communication or the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences.

In recognition of the lasting community and industry impact, and the meaningful professional relationships he has forged over his multi-decade career, the UConn Department of Communication is proud to present to Steve Wolfberg the 2026 Lifetime Achievement in Communication Award. 

Connect with Steve on LinkedIn.

Alicia Young, 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient

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Alicia Young ’94 (CLAS)

Managing Partner at Finn Partners

Recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Communication Alumna Award

Alicia Young is a Founding Managing Partner of Finn Partners, a global communications and marketing agency that has been recognized as a Best Place to Work (2013), the Mid-sized Agency of the Year (2015 and 2022), and a Most Innovative Company (2024) by Fast Company magazine. She sits on the Executive Committee, overseeing operations of several business units in the New York headquarters as well as European operations.

As a practitioner, Alicia is an award-winning, results-driven executive with experience leading integrated programs that build brand awareness, drive reputation, and launch new commercial initiatives. She has advised numerous leading global brands across the technology, consumer, manufacturing, healthcare, and corporate sectors, including Microsoft, Netflix, GE, Avon, VF Corporation, and Honeywell. Her work is focused on reputation management, executive thought leadership, integrated communications strategy, and impactful, insight-driven storytelling.

A proud alumna of the University of Connecticut (UConn), Alicia earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism and communications, where she developed a foundational passion for storytelling and media relations. After graduating, she began her career as a correspondent for The Hartford Courant. She remains an active supporter of UConn’s professional development initiatives and served on UConn’s Alumni Association’s Board of Directors.

She was named a 40 Under 40 Outstanding Alumni by the University of Connecticut, received the Model of Excellence Award (with Women in Technology) from Dress for Success, delivered a keynote address on mentorship and the digital divide at the United Nations Annual Commission of the Status of Women, and was a panelist with The Geno Auriemma Leadership Summit.

Because of Alicia’s career and volunteerism, reflecting her belief in the power of collaboration and creative storytelling, authentic leadership, and the importance of strategic communications in shaping organizational success, the UConn Department of Communication recognizes Alicia Young as the 2026 Distinguished Communication Alumna.

Connect with Alicia on LinkedIn.