Diederich College of Communication Award Recipients
Journalism By-Line Award
MARY SCHMITT BOYER, JOUR '77
Avon Lake, Ohio
A sports writer for Ohio’s largest daily newspaper, the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Mary didn’t suffer any loss of subject matter this year. See: The Decision, aka the choice then-Cavaliers superstar LeBron James made about free agency. Then again, with seven books to her name, she never has.
Communicator of the Year Award
THEODORE H. STRUPP, JOUR '80
Wauwatosa, Wis.
Throughout his career, Ted has always sought to accomplish the same objective, no matter his title: Create mutual understanding, respect and satisfaction between companies and their employees.
Professional Achievement Award
JEFFREY T. PLALE, SP '90, GRAD '92
South Milwaukee, Wis.
Great communicators are always great listeners. And that’s precisely what made Jeff such a successful public servant as a state legislator and administrator representing the citizens of Wisconsin.
Photo credit: State of Wisconsin Blue Book
Young Alumnus of the Year Award
DANIEL J. WILLIAMS, COMM '92
New York
Dan's experience on Wall Street helps Marquette in many ways. As a managing director with Citi Private Bank, Dan advises the country's leading families, entrepreneurs and financial sponsors on their wealth management needs. Over the past five years, he has been instrumental in helping Marquette's College of Business Administration students network with financial industry leaders, prepare for interviews and land leading jobs on Wall Street as founder of the annual "Ins and Outs of Wall Street" event held on campus each April.
James T. Tiedge Memorial Award
MELISSA BRUNNER BROWN, COMM '94
Topeka, Kan.
Melissa anchors the 5, 6 and 10 p.m. newscasts for Topeka’s CBS television affiliate, but it’s likely that her active involvement in area organizations and events is every bit as responsible for her visibility in the community.
