HONORS DAY 2025
The University of Alabama’s College of Communication & Information Sciences held its Honors Day celebration event.
April 4, 2025 in the North Zone at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium
2025 RECIPIENTS
Bert Bank Distinguished Service and Achievement Award
Adrianne C. Smith
A proud Spelman College graduate and Tuscaloosa native, Adrianne has built a groundbreaking career championing equity and opportunity. As Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at FleishmanHillard and founder of Cannes Can: Diversity Collective, she has created space for underrepresented voices across advertising, marketing, and beyond. From launching transformative programs at Howard University to spearheading Inkwell Beach at Cannes Lions, her impact is both global and deeply personal. For Smith, this award is more than an accolade—it is an affirmation that the work of service and access matters.
Betsy Plank Distinguished Achievement Award
Debbie Elliott-Taylor
A University of Alabama graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast and Film Communication, Debbie has been a trusted voice in public radio for nearly three decades, covering the South and the nation for NPR. From her early days at WVUA-FM to award-winning national reporting, she has told the stories that shape our understanding of politics, culture, and community. Her powerful storytelling has earned multiple honors, including Gracie Awards and Edward R. Murrow Awards. A mentor and leader, Debbie continues to inspire the next generation of journalists while amplifying voices that need to be heard.
Outstanding Alum, Advertising
Sally Lyons Wyatt
A proud graduate of The University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Sally is the global executive vice president at Circana and one of the most respected voices in consumer goods and foodservice insights. With more than 30 years of experience guiding Fortune 100 brands, she’s known for her leadership in industry trends, sustainability, and mentoring the next generation of professionals. She has been featured in national media and honored as one of the Top Women in Grocery, all while serving her community and alma mater with heart and dedication. Though she’s earned numerous professional honors, she considers her greatest accomplishments to be as a wife and mother.
Outstanding Alum, Book Arts
Elieen Wallace
A double graduate of The University of Alabama with a Master of Arts in Library Service and a Master
of Fine Arts in Book Arts, Eileen is a nationally recognized book artist and educator whose passion for letterpress printing, hand papermaking, and book arts has inspired students and artists alike. She is a senior lecturer at the University of Georgia’s Lamar Dodd School of Art and the recipient of its inaugural Award for Excellence in Teaching. Through her leadership, workshops, and curatorial work, Eileen has helped shape the future of book arts across the country.
Outstanding Alum, Communication Studies
Ruth Rohs
A proud graduate of The University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication, Ruth is senior vice president of corporate communications for IMA Financial Group and president of the IMA Foundation, where she leads efforts to build stronger, more resilient communities. She is a passionate advocate for education and equity, serving on multiple nonprofit boards and working to expand opportunities for first-generation college students. After surviving breast cancer at 43, Rohs founded the Community Chest, raising over $200,000 for breast cancer causes through the Women’s Foundation of Colorado. Her leadership, resilience, and commitment to service have made a lasting impact in both business and the community.
Outstanding Alum, Library & Information Studies
Danilo Madayag Baylen
A proud graduate of The University of Alabama with a Master of Library and Information Studies Danilo is a tenured professor at the University of West Georgia, where he teaches visual and media literacy, online learning and teaching strategies, and instructional design in international contexts. He is a national leader with an extensive record of service in professional library associations and award committees recognizing excellence in children’s literature. In 2023, Danilo was named a Fulbright U.S. Scholar and in 2024 he was selected as a Centennial Scholar by The University of Alabama Graduate School. His work continues to shape education and literacy on a global scale.
Outstanding Alum, Public Relations
Henry Chassaignac
A proud graduate of The University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations, Henry is CEO of Zehnder Communications, where he has led the agency’s remarkable growth and national reputation for creative excellence. With over 30 years of experience, his award-winning work spans top brands like Fireball Whisky, Burger King, and Country Music Television. He’s also a champion of ethical leadership and mentorship, guiding young professionals and giving employees real ownership through an employee stock plan. Henry’s impact in advertising is matched only by his dedication to lifting others as he leads.
Outstanding Alum, Creative Media
Angela Scott Abdur-Rasheed
A graduate of The University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Film Communication, Angela is the communications and community engagement director at Prosper, a nonprofit she helped launch in 2021 that has invested over $12 million into Birmingham and Jefferson County. With more than 30 years of experience—from groundbreaking reporting at ABC 33/40 to leading award-winning programs at YWCA Central Alabama—she has built a career rooted in service, storytelling, and impact. Angela is also the founder of The Amplify Agency, a consulting firm focused on workforce development and strategic communications. Her leadership has earned her numerous honors, including the 2024 Nonprofit Leader of the Year Award and recognition as one of Birmingham’s Top Women in Business.
Outstanding Alum, News Media
Lyanne Melendez
A proud graduate of The University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Arts in News Editorial, Lyanne has been a trusted voice in television journalism for over 30 years, most recently as a special assignment reporter for KGO ABC 7 in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her fearless reporting has taken her from the frontlines of war zones to the heart of underserved communities, earning her multiple Emmy Awards and national recognition. She’s a mentor, a trailblazer, and a passionate advocate for truth and equity in storytelling.
PAST RECIPIENTS
Advertising
| 1974 | John Forney |
| 1975 | Charlie Zeanah |
| 1976 | Bill Gray |
| 1977 | Rhea Schuessler |
| 1978 | Leeda Marting |
| 1979 | Cruse Braswell |
| 1980 | Steve Bradley |
| 1981 | Frank Lee |
| 1982 | Bill O’Connor |
| 1983 | Winston Leavell |
| 1984 | Al Kitchen |
| 1985 | Tom Somerville |
| 1986 | Rob DeVaney |
| 1987 | Marsha Lefkovits |
| 1988 | Jim Andrews |
| 1989 | Andre’ Taylor |
| 1990 | Camille Elebash |
| 1991 | Bob Cohn |
| 1992 | Jeff Upshaw |
| 1993 | Tom Johnson |
| 1994 | Tom Roberts |
| 1995 | James R. Williams |
| 1996 | William M. Joyner |
| 1997 | William Patrick Dinan |
| 1998 | Lori Hollaway Daily |
| 1999 | Debra Shriver |
| 2000 | Mike Ragsdale |
| 2001 | Kathy Geiger-Schwab |
| 2002 | n/a |
| 2003 | Charles Allen |
| 2004 | Angela Bailey Henderson |
| 2005 | Bruce Reid, Sr. |
| 2006 | Mary Story |
| 2007 | Norma Hanson (Adv. & PR) |
| 2008 | Gary Creek (Adv. & PR) |
| 2009 | Scott France (Adv. & PR) |
| 2010 | Marilyn E. Mancini |
| 2011 | Rebecca Lynn Mann |
| 2012 | William M. Harvill, Jr. |
| 2013 | Michael Carl Cannova |
| 2014 | Michelle Elrod |
| 2015 | Kathy Nontasak |
| 2016 | Katie Long |
| 2017 | Kathleen Motheral |
| 2018 | Cameron Watson |
| 2019 | Curtis E. Galusha |
| 2020 | Amy Rask |
| 2021 | Shelly Hiatt-Saboorian |
| 2022 | Kristin McRee Walker |
| 2023 | Joel Braswell |
| 2024 | Eduardo Henriques |
Public Relations
| 1992 | Teresa Miller Mangelesdorf |
| 1993 | George Elliott |
| 1994 | Craig Woodward |
| 1995 | Griffin Lassister |
| 1996 | Deborah Lane |
| 1997 | Leigh Carroll Hurt |
| 1998 | Mack D. Secord |
| 1999 | Dean Trevelino |
| 2000 | Jo Bonner |
| 2001 | S. Alan Harper |
| 2002 | Mark Gottfried |
| 2003 | Rick Looser |
| 2004 | Nicholas Latimer |
| 2005 | Bobbie J. Knight |
| 2006 | Stephen Sewell |
| 2007 | n/a |
| 2008 | n/a |
| 2009 | n/a |
| 2010 | William Alan Dennis |
| 2011 | Tonjanita L. Johnson |
| 2012 | Ellen East |
| 2013 | Mark D. Harris |
| 2014 | Christy Burnum |
| 2015 | Lindsay Garrison |
| 2016 | Daniel O’Donnell |
| 2017 | Christine Graham Hayes |
| 2018 | Breeanna Straessle |
| 2019 | Bob Pierce |
| 2020 | Kristina Hendrix |
| 2021 | Katie McMinn Campbell |
| 2022 | Brad Friedman |
| 2023 | Holly Lollar |
| 2024 | Jennifer Kitt-West |
Communication Studies
| 1982 | n/a |
| 1983 | Jack Drake |
| 1984 | Charlotte Springford |
| 1985 | Ruth Anne Clark |
| 1986 | Judy Stone Weaver |
| 1987 | Annette Shelby |
| 1988 | John D. Saxon |
| 1989 | Janet Hall O’Neil |
| 1990 | Joanna Maclay |
| 1991 | n/a |
| 1992 | LaVone & Ty Warren |
| 1993 | Fournier J. Gale, III |
| 1994 | n/a |
| 1995 | Redding Pitt |
| 1996 | Norma Cook |
| 1997 | Joan C. Ragsdale |
| 1998 | Stephen Windom |
| 1999 | Oscar Newton, Jr. & Mitchell Lattof, Sr. |
| 2000 | Delores Boyd |
| 2001 | Frank Thompson |
| 2002 | Amanda Borden |
| 2003 | Joyce Sellers |
| 2004 | Joseph W. Perkins, Jr. |
| 2005 | David J. Thompson |
| 2006 | Ken Smith |
| 2007 | Joseph Gow |
| 2008 | Willie Mays Jones |
| 2009 | L. Brooks Hill |
| 2010 | Mark D. Nelson |
| 2011 | Christina Louise Moss |
| 2012 | Alyce M. Hartley |
| 2013 | Wanda Coppala Sitzer |
| 2014 | R. Pierre Rodgers |
| 2015 | Daniel Mangis |
| 2016 | Stuart Sockwell |
| 2017 | Tracy V. Banks |
| 2018 | Angela Gillespie |
| 2019 | Lee Mayfield |
| 2020 | W. Lance Covan |
| 2021 | Carlisle Campbell |
| 2022 | Eletra Gilchrist-Petty |
| 2023 | Catie Malone |
| 2024 | Tonya Adams Nelson |
Journalism & Creative Media
| 1960 | Will Mickle |
| 1961 | Sam Harvey |
| 1962 | Joe Holloway |
| 1963 | Dozier Cade |
| 1964 | Fred Smith |
| 1965 | Hazel Brannon Smith |
| 1966 | Gay Talese |
| 1967 | Brandt Ayers |
| 1968 | Jim Jacobson |
| 1969 | Cody Hall |
| 1970 | Clint Milstead |
| 1971 | Elmo Ellis |
| 1972 | Jim Hall |
| 1973 | Bill Stewart |
| 1974 | Bob Bryan |
| 1975 | Anita Smith |
| 1976 | Bob Morisette |
| 1977 | Wayne Whitt |
| 1978 | Tom & Regina Wright |
| 1979 | Taylor Hardin |
| 1980 | Bob Burke |
| 1981 | Orson Spivey |
| 1982 | William Bobo, Jr. |
| 1983 | Barrett Shelton, Jr. |
| 1984 | Donald Coe |
| 1985 | Ann Wood Waldron |
| 1986 | Alf Van Hoose |
| 1987 | Joe Adams |
| 1988 | Dolph Tillotson |
| 1989 | Michael Wright |
| 1990 | Mark Mayfield & Charles Porter |
| 1991 | Mark Childress |
| 1992 | Ron Casey |
| 1993 | William B. Keller |
| 1994 | Bob V. Lott |
| 1995 | Edward Mullins |
| 1996 | Bob Ward |
| 1997 | Douglas Pearson |
| 1998 | Deborah E. Heard |
| 1999 | Jan Crawford Greenburg |
| 2000 | Ed Darling |
| 2001 | Terri Troncale |
| 2002 | Phil Rawls |
| 2003 | David Mattingly |
| 2004 | Cathi Downing |
| 2005 | Manuel Torres |
| 2006 | Randy Henderson |
| 2007 | Robert Blalock |
| 2008 | Christi Parsons |
| 2009 | Michele Gerlach |
| 2010 | Bernell E. Tripp |
| 2011 | King Edsel “Ed” Williams |
| 2012 | Marie Parsons |
| 2013 | Lydia Seabol Avant Michelle Leplanka Carter Dusty Compton Wayne Grayson Jason Morton Brian Reynolds Aaron Suttles Robert Sutton Stephanie Taylor |
| 2014 | Steve Stewart |
| 2015 | Kristen Chick |
| 2016 | John Archibald |
| 2017 | Robin DeMonia |
| 2018 | Jeffrey Clayton Collins |
| 2019 | Sharon Maze Tinsley |
| 2020 | Joshua Spurlin (Creative Media) Debra Nelson (News Meida) |
| 2021 | Daniel Barnes (Creative Media) Dr. Tonjanita Johnson (News Media) |
| 2022 | Leigh Rusevlyan (Creative Media) Lesley Bruinton (News Media) |
| 2023 | Delbert Reed (News Media) Jonathan Killian (Creative Media) |
| 2024 | Joseph D. Bryant (News Media) J. Alison Bryant, PhD (Creative Media) |
Telecommunication & Film
| 1965 | Geoff Smith |
| 1966 | Paul Raymon |
| 1967 | Jim Stewart |
| 1968 | Jim Murphy |
| 1969 | Bob Inman |
| 1970 | n/a |
| 1971 | n/a |
| 1972 | n/a |
| 1973 | n/a |
| 1974 | Keith Barze |
| 1975 | Julius Talton |
| 1976 | Clyde Price |
| 1977 | John Cochran |
| 1978 | Everett Holle |
| 1979 | Crawford Rice |
| 1980 | Jack Black |
| 1981 | Sandy Grossman |
| 1982 | Joe Langston |
| 1983 | Harry Mabry |
| 1984 | Knox Hagood |
| 1985 | Eric & Edith Johnson |
| 1986 | Chet Simmons |
| 1987 | Sandy & Martha Wheeler |
| 1988 | Jerdan Bullard |
| 1989 | Leroy Paul |
| 1990 | Keith Williams |
| 1991 | Andrea Kirby |
| 1992 | Skip Hinton |
| 1993 | Tom Cherones |
| 1994 | Jon A. Petrovich |
| 1995 | n/a |
| 1996 | Jerry Ray |
| 1997 | William O. “Bill” Bolen |
| 1998 | Despina Vodantis |
| 1999 | Bert Bank |
| 2000 | Debbie Elliott |
| 2001 | Rece Davis |
| 2002 | David DuBose |
| 2003 | Steven Shipowitz |
| 2004 | Walton E. Williams, Jr. |
| 2005 | Alan Burns |
| 2006 | A.D. Oppenheim |
| 2007 | Matt Scalici, Jr. |
| 2008 | Greg R. Stroud |
| 2009 | Jonathan Katz |
| 2010 | Cynthia Kay Jones |
| 2011 | Teddy Katz |
| 2012 | Lynn Brooks |
| 2013 | Donna Burns |
| 2014 | Jeffery Weaver |
| 2015 | Nancy Strait |
| 2016 | Christopher Sign |
| 2017 | David Baird |
School of Library & Information Studies
| 2000 | Lee Van Orsdel William C. Yonger |
| 2001 | Nancy W. Clemmons |
| 2002 | Pat Ensor |
| 2003 | n/a |
| 2004 | n/a |
| 2005 | Sonja McAbee |
| 2006 | Patricia S. Henderson |
| 2007 | Vicki L. Gregory |
| 2008 | Jerry W. Stephens |
| 2009 | Lee E. Pike |
| 2010 | n/a |
| 2011 | Cherie Feenker |
| 2012 | Kate Ragsdale |
| 2013 | Allen C. Benson |
| 2014 | P. Toby Graham |
| 2015 | n/a |
| 2016 | n/a |
| 2017 | Irene S. (Renee) Blalock Timothy Alan Lewis |
| 2018 | n/a |
| 2019 | Inge Bruggeman |
| 2020 | Angela Fisher Hall |
| 2021 | James L. Baggett Cathleen A. Baker, Ph.D. (Book Arts) |
| 2022 | Sybil Bullock John Cutrone (Book Arts) |
| 2023 | Joshua Burford Paul Moxon (Book Arts) |
| 2024 | Reba J. Williams Katherine M. Ruffin (Book Arts) |