On Sunday, May 14, the Annenberg School for Communication held its annual undergraduate graduation ceremony, honoring the communication majors graduating from the University of Pennsylvania. This year’s graduation speaker was alumna Lauren Hitt, C’13. In addition to recognizing each graduate, ASC leadership presented the following awards.

Honorable Walter H. Annenberg Award: Jonah Charlton

Named in honor of Annenberg’s founder, this award recognizes a graduating communication major who has strengthened and improved the University of Pennsylvania’s student community through communication service activities.

Phyllis C. Kaniss Award: Celia Kreth and Tara Shilkret

Named in memory of former assistant dean Phyllis C. Kaniss, this award is presented to a graduating communication major who has demonstrated a commitment to civic participation through meaningful action around issues of public concern, including individual actions or actions undertaken through organizations on or off campus.

Carolyn Marvin Award: Pia Singh

Named in honor of Dr. Marvin, the Frances Yates Emeritus Professor of Communication, this award recognizes a graduating communication major who, through their curricular, co-curricular, or extra-curricular activities, has advanced understanding of the importance of free speech and assembly in a democratic society.

C. Nicole Dickerson Award: Anika Prakash

Named in memory of former undergraduate advisor C. Nicole Dickerson, this public service award is given to a graduating communication major who has made a significant contribution to our neighbors in the West Philadelphia community.

Kathleen Hall Jamieson Award: Tommy Christaldi, Jeffrey Fishman, Leanna Tilitei

Named for former dean Kathleen Hall Jamieson, this award honors a graduating communication major(s) with the highest cumulative grade point average in the major.

George Gerbner Award: Tara Shilkret

Named for former dean George Gerbner, this award recognizes a graduating communication major whose thesis best demonstrates an original and comprehensive application of research skills as well as a thorough understanding of communication scholarship.

Charles Morris Price Prize: Jeffrey Fishman

This award acknowledges an outstanding graduating communication major who has most distinguished themself through a combination of academic excellence, research accomplishments, and/or contributions to Annenberg’s academic objectives.

Michael X. Delli Carpini Award: Leanna Tilitei

Named in honor of former dean Delli Carpini, this award recognizes a graduating communication major who has completed an outstanding thesis in the communication and public service program.