RSI Award Recipients and Faculty
The Raymond Simon Institute recognized top public relations, journalism, communication and digital media marketing students at Utica University in April. The annual brunch event awards nearly $20,000 in scholarships and cash awards to students each year.
RSI Executive Director Mary Christopher said generous alumni and faculty donations directly support the institute’s awards and scholarships. She added that only a small number of academic programs at Utica University offer student awards of comparable size. “We are so thankful for a supportive alumni and faculty network to help make these awards and scholarships possible,” Christopher said. “It’s wonderful to honor our top students and recognize them in front of their families and friends.”
The brunch awards program dates back to 1998. Before that date, Professor Raymond Simon held a small dinner event for students. Today, faculty carry on Simon’s tradition of student recognition and provide personalized comments for each student award winner that often contains an interesting story.
The awards program also recognizes an outstanding alumnus, chosen by a subcommittee of the Raymond Simon Institute. This year, the RSI recognized Kimberly Hill Ridley, ‘94, New York State’s Chief Disability Officer. (See related story)
Scholarships are endowed, which means the funds generate a reliable funding source year after year. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need and other criteria. RSI awards, however, may need to be replenished with new funds once the money is awarded. If you are interested in contributing to the RSI or a specific award, please contact Christopher at mcchrist@utica.edu.
RSI Tangerine Excellence Award
Grace Christopher
Fred and Corinne Grates/RSI Achievement Award
Neruda Perdomo
Eleanor and Matty Sokolow/RSI Writing Award
Sam Weiselberg, Sarah Bochan, Nick Phillips and Ally Pedersen
Tammy and Rob Flaherty Scholarship
Allison Doyna
Broadcasting/RSI Award
Jack Rathburn
John Behrens/RSI Phoenix Award
Nicole Mayerchak
John Behrens/RSI Print Journalism Scholarship
Megan Wright
Rubin R. Teitelbaum/RSI Award
Jenna Skutnik
Gagliardi/RSI Award
Dakota Wayne
RSI Student of Promise Award
James Post
RSI/Rising Star Award
Gavin Grech
David T. Santora Memorial Scholarship
Terrence Walden
Owen Comora/RSI Tangerine Award
Ezra Duffy
Cecilia Friend/RSI Award
Ezra Duffy
Gary and Jeanne LaBella/RSI Transition Award
Alicia Contreras
Professor Kim Landon and David Simon Scholarship
Alicia Contreras
George Jones/RSI Outstanding PR/J Student Awards
Freshman: Justus King
Sophomore: Justin Laniyan
Junior: Natalie Trophia
Senior: Megan Wright
Ben and Gene Comora/RSI Scholarship
Justin Laniyan
Raymond Simon/RSI Scholarship
Natalie Trophia
For a general list of frequently used logins, you can also visit our logins page.