School of Communication and Center for Media Innovation Honored at Golden Quills and Robert L. Vann Media Awards Ceremonies Thursday, June 12, 2025
Point Park University students, alumni, faculty and staff at the 2025 Golden Quills Awards. Photo by Caleb McCartney '25
Point Park University students, alumni, faculty and staff were recognized at the Press Club of Western Pennsylvania's 61st annual Golden Quills Awards, held May 28 at Rivers Casino.
"We are so proud of our students and the professional level of work they create through U-View and The Globe," said Professor Robin Cecala, Ph.D. "Thank you to the Golden Quills for recognizing their hard work and dedication."
Some of Point Park's award winners and finalists included (view the complete list):
Student Excellence in Journalistic Craft Achievement
News Photo
Finalist: "Protestors gather outside United Steelworkers headquarters during Biden's visit to Pittsburgh," Evan Levine, digital journalism major, The Globe
News Videography
Winner: "Obama campaigns for Harris in local rally," Ethan Rowinski, broadcasting major, U-View
Finalist: "Teach-out program offered for two closed PA universities," Carson Folio, digital journalism major, The Globe
Excellence in Written Journalism, Spot/Breaking News - Division 3
Finalists: "U-View election show," Addison Diehl, Ethan Rowinski, Kalliyan Winder, broadcasting majors, and the team at U-View
Student Excellence in Journalistic Craft Achievement
Page Layout/Design
Finalist: "The Globe," Issue 11, The Globe editorial staff
Feature Photo
Finalist: "Vice-presidential candidate Tim Walz makes campaign stop in Pittsburgh," Cassandra Harris, digital journalism major, The Globe
Excellence in Written Journalism, Public Affairs/Politics/Government - Division 3
Finalist: "Coverage or a proposed rule to loosen restrictions for problem bettors," Abigail Hakas, Next Generation Newsroom reporter for Point Park University's Center for Media Innovation
Student Excellence in Written Journalism - Culture and Entertainment
Finalists: "Ballroom Dance Sport Club continues to step it up," Melissa Garlock, dance major with a minor in digital journalism, The Globe
"Senior debuts one-woman show 'Smile Sweetie,'" Brynn Rees, sports communication major, The Globe
Excellence in Written Journalism, History/Culture - Division 1
Winner: "30 years after the crash of USAir Flight 427, the pain of those left behind refuses to fade," Megan Guza, M.A. journalism and mass communication (re-named M.A. broadcasting, sports media, documentary), Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Student Excellence in Written Journalism
Sports
Finalist: "Volleyball finishes season with a victory," Brynn Rees, sports communication major, The Globe
Editorials
Winner: "The Globe's Point," The Globe editorial staff, The Globe
Digital Journalism Major Awarded Scholarship
At the Golden Quills, Gavin Petrone '27, a digital journalism major with a minor in political science, was awarded the Bob Fryer Memorial Scholarship.
“I see a future in journalism devoted to local reporting and one that provides a full picture of all stories, no matter how complicated or controversial," Petrone said.
CMI Director Named President
Andrew Conte and Luis Fabregas
Also at the awards ceremony, Andrew Conte, Ph.D., assistant vice president and managing director of the University's Center for Media Innovation, was elected president of the Press Club of Western Pennsylvania. Conte replaces Luis Fabregas, executive editor of Trib Total Media, who will serve as vice president.
"The Press Club of Western Pennsylvania has meant a lot to me over my career for opportunities to network, develop my skills and to celebrate the best journalism from across our region," Conte said. "I look forward to paying forward these benefits to journalists and communications professionals of today and future generations."
Earlier this year, Conte received the PR Disruption Award from PRSA Pittsburgh, which honors a person, organization or team that challenges the industry's status quo.
"Despite massive disruption to its industry, the Press Club shows how journalism remains vital for supporting healthy communities across western Pennsylvania," Conte added. "I am eager to help the Press Club grow, especially among younger members, and to include more events throughout the year for professionals, students and the public at large."
Pittsburgh Black Media Federation Recognizes CMI
In addition to the Golden Quills, the CMI was recognized with a salute by the Pittsburgh Black Media Federation at the 2025 Robert L. Vann Media Awards, held June 4 at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center.
According to the PBMF, the CMI is "supporting a new generation of journalists, mitigating the harm of news deserts, raising confidence in journalism as a tool for better democracy and bringing dignity/humanity to storytelling."
"This recognition celebrates the efforts we all put into making Point Park a university that is truly in the community," Conte said. "The CMI team is grateful for the opportunities to do this work and have these kinds of impacts that people notice."
CMI Salute at the Robert L. Vann Media Awards