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RSI Honors Outstanding Students with Awards and Scholarships
In April, 2023, the RSI recognized the top PR/J and communication students at Utica University. The annual brunch event, awards about $20,000 in scholarships and cash awards to students each year. The brunch awards program dates back to 1998. Before that date, Professor Raymond Simon held a small dinner event for students.
“Today, this brunch is the highlight of the year for students and faculty,” said Pat Swann, executive director of the Raymond Simon Institute. “It’s a great event that allows faculty to introduce each student award winner by providing some interesting story about that particular student,” Swann said. “It’s a nice way for faculty to recall some special moments about these deserving students.”
The awards program also recognizes an outstanding alumnus, chosen by a subcommittee of the Raymond Simon Institute. This year, the RSI recognized Dr. Regina Luttrell at Syracuse University (see related story).
All awards and scholarships are provided by generous donations from alumni, their families, and faculty. Scholarships are endowed but each award needs to be replenished with new funds once the money is awarded. “We are always looking for ways to increase the awards budget,” Swann said. If you are interested in contributing to the RSI or a specific award, please contact Swann at pswann@utica.edu.
CURRENT RSI AWARDS
Owen Comora/RSI Tangerine Award (staff contributor)
Mildred Schwartz/RSI Tangerine Award (for a staff writer)
Cecilia Friend RSI Award (for achievement writing/editing)
Eleanor and Matty Sokolow/RSI Writing Award (for writing excellence)
George Jones/RSI Outstanding PR/J Student Awards (top students at each grade level)
John Behrens/RSI Phoenix Award (for a non-traditional student)
Gagliardi/RSI Award (for public relations and artistic expression)
Rubin R. Teitelbaum/RSI Award (for high academic and extracurricular work)
RSI/Broadcast Journalism Award (for achievement in broadcasting)
RSI/Rising Star Award (for academic achievement)
Gary and Jeanne LaBella/RSI Transition Award (for a transfer student)
RSI/Rising Star Award (for outstanding academic and extracurricular achievements)
Fred and Corinne Grates/RSI Achievement Award (for academic achievement)
RSI Research Award (for achievement in research)
RSI/Student of Promise Award (for a student from the Mohawk Valley resident)
Current Scholarships
Tammy and Rob Flaherty Scholarship
Professor Kim Landon and David Simon Scholarship
David T. Santora Memorial Scholarship
Ben and Gene Comora/RSI Scholarship
Raymond Simon/RSI Scholarship
