Student Awards

The Glendy Burke Medal in Communication

Congratulations Emma De Leon on being selected as the 2025 Glendy Burke Medal in Communication Award winner. This award is given to the student who best combines academic performance and contributions to community in the field of communication.

I am dedicated to addressing climate change and advocating for environmental justice. I graduate this May with majors in Communication and Environmental Studies, a minor in Political Science, and a GIS Certificate. I currently work part-time for LifeCity, a company in New Orleans, as a Sustainability Associate. In this role, I support sustainability assessments and consulting with businesses and manufacturers while working with local communities in New Orleans. After graduation, I will stay in New Orleans and become a full-time Sustainability Associate at LifeCity. My background in Communication has prepared me to bridge the gap between sustainability, businesses, and communities. It has equipped me with skills in research and strategic messaging, allowing me to identify and effectively communicate environmental challenges and solutions to diverse audiences. Moreover, my Communication degree helped shape my framing of environmental challenges through a social justice lens, emphasizing the importance of inclusive and community-driven solutions. I am passionate about fostering collaboration to drive sustainable change in New Orleans.

Congratulations Emma! We are happy to recognize your exceptional record of excellence both in and out of the classroom, and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

• 2024 Recipient, Joseph P. Mazzarella
• 2023 Recipient, Carlotta Murrin
• 2022 Recipient, Lance Brunson
• 2021 Recipient, Juan Alejandro Olarte-Cortés

N. Frank Ukadike Award for Excellence in Media Studies

Arielle Loubier is the recipient of the 2025 N. Frank Ukadike Award for Excellence in Media Studies. This award is given to students based on the recommendation of the Communication faculty for excellence in Communication and Media Studies.

Having grown up visiting New Orleans frequently to visit family, Tulane was a natural choice for me, as it offered the opportunity to study subjects that intrigued me in a city I’ve always cherished. When I came to Tulane, I was tempted to follow the trajectory I set for myself in high school and to stay within those confines. The Communication major has helped me to push those limits, providing me with the skills to develop a strategic and creative mindset.

As I have progressed throughout the Communication major, I have been able to apply what I have learned directly to my Tulane and New Orleans communities. Professors encouraged students to think critically about what interests them and to recognize that creativity is not simply the ability to produce a tangible product, but to think outside the box. My classes have allowed me to hone in on my passions and to broaden my skills. As a result of the abilities and resources my classes have provided me with, I have had the opportunity to create multiple podcasts, work with a local non-profit, and enter the live-entertainment space on campus. Many of my favorite parts of my college experience would not have been possible without the Communication department.

These experiences have given me a solid foundation to apply to jobs upon my graduation. I am primarily searching for partnership and marketing positions across the country in the live-entertainment field. The lessons I have learned from the Communication department will prove invaluable to whatever work comes next, and I am grateful to have learned under such amazing staff.

Congratulations Arielle! We are happy to recognize your exceptional record of excellence both in and out of the classroom, and we wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.

• 2024 Recipient, Margo Lyons
• 2023 Recipient, Crawford Lemoine
• 2022 Recipient, Avery Anderson
• 2021 Recipient, Natalie Holderbaum

The Ashton Ashton Phelps Sr. Award

CJ Ricci is the Communication Department’s 2025 Ashton Phelps Sr. Memorial Award Recipient. This award is given on recommendation of the faculty for excellence in communication studies.

I took an out-of-the-box path to Tulane University–transferring as a junior student-athlete from Bowdoin College. I arrived as a sociology major but was eager to take advantage of the new breadth of opportunities offered by the university. I was immediately drawn to the communication major as a way to build on my critical thinking and analytic skills. Moreover, as someone entering the technology industry, I found the department’s emphasis on the intersection of media, technology, and society particularly relevant. Before arriving at Tulane, I heard from many students that their relationship with New Orleans was a defining aspect of their college experience, and I couldn’t wait to immerse myself in the local community. My communication coursework has been deeply engaging and thought-provoking, offering meaningful opportunities to connect with New Orleans residents—whether through rebuilding homes impacted by Hurricane Katrina or interviewing local animal shelter owners and employees to understand their climate disaster preparedness efforts. As I begin my post-graduate journey, I will be moving to San Francisco to join Salesforce as a Sales Development Representative. In an era of rapid technological advancement, I look forward to applying the strategic thinking I’ve gained through my dual communication and sociology degrees to enhance my sales career and development. Specifically, my communication coursework has equipped me with skills in persuasive messaging, audience analysis, and digital media literacy— crucial for building authentic relationships and conveying value to clients in a tech-driven environment. Whatever comes next, I am grateful and dedicated to applying the skills I have grown and honed at Tulane University to contribute positively to my future communities.

Congratulations CJ! We are happy to recognize your exceptional record of excellence both in and out of the classroom, and we wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.

• 2024 Recipient, Kyra McDonough Geschke
• 2023 Recipient, Billie Virgina Wyler
• 2022 Recipient, Clara Lang
• 2021 Recipient, Victoria Jordan

Ana M. Lopez Award for Excellence in Cinema Studies

Avery Liggon is the Communication Department’s inaugural recipient of The Ana M. Lopez Award for Excellence in Cinema Studies. This award is given to graduating seniors on the recommendation of the faculty for students who demonstrate outstanding performance in cinema studies, as represented by coursework and/or independent research.

Avery Liggon is a senior at Tulane University majoring in Communication with a minor in Political Science. Hailing from Madison, Wisconsin, Avery has consistently distinguished herself as a scholar, leader, and changemaker on campus. Her commitment to academic excellence is reflected in her being named to the Dean’s List for seven consecutive semesters, her recognition as a Tulane College Scholar, and her selection as a recipient of the Tulane 34 Award—one of the university’s highest honors given to graduating students who exemplify excellence in academics, leadership, and service.

Throughout her time at Tulane, Avery has been deeply involved in campus life and student leadership. She currently serves as President of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), where she works to foster unity and collaboration among historically Black Greek-letter organizations. In addition, she led the Omicron Psi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, as Chapter President during the 2023–2024 academic year, guiding her chapter through a period of growth and impactful programming.

Avery’s academic background in Communication has allowed her to engage critically with the intersections of media, identity, leadership, and advocacy. Her coursework has complemented her extracurricular work, equipping her with the tools to lead with clarity, intention, and vision across a variety of platforms and communities.

After graduation, Avery plans to continue her journey at Tulane by pursuing graduate studies while serving as the Recruiting Graduate Assistant for the Tulane Football program. This next chapter will allow her to combine her passion for communication, leadership, and athletics, as she continues to grow professionally and make a meaningful impact both on and off the field.

Congratulations Avery! We are happy to recognize your exceptional record of excellence both in and out of the classroom, and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors.