Faculty, students and community members gathered for the Reynolds School of Journalism’s annual Savitt Awards Banquet on April 27.
The event included a dinner and awards ceremony, during which 77 journalism students who received a scholarship in the 2025-2026 academic year were recognized. Those scholarships were awarded from 55 different funds, totaling over $188,000 for the year. In the last ten years, the Reynolds School has proudly awarded nearly $2 million in student support.
Eighteen students were inducted in Kappa Tau Alpha, the national collegiate honor society for journalism and mass communications schools. The 2026 Kappa Tau Alpha inductees are:
- Cameron Baker
- Chloe Batter
- Lili Brost
- Tenaya Brusig
- Kendall Duffey
- Zoeyanne Durrer
- Erika Garcia
- Joss Higgins
- Kolby King
- Stella Kraus
- Ally Larkin
- Natalie Mackay
- April McCutcheon
- Charlene Orozco
- James Perez
- Malory Shaw
- Olivia Spargur
- Lily Walker
Senior Scholars Lily Wright (Fall ’25) and Mackenzie Rankin (Spring ’26) were recognized for their academic achievement.
Fifteen students received outstanding student awards in various curricular areas. These awards are nominated by faculty, to represent commitment, accomplishment and potential in their chosen fields.
- Bradley Jamison, James Fasules Outstanding Student in Advertising
- Wesley Kaopio, Doris Sinofsky Outstanding Documentary Film Student
- Deja Nae Weathersby, Doris Sinofsky Outstanding Electronic Media Student
- Elijah Reyes, Outstanding Student in New Media
- Kathleen Leslie, Kieste Janulis Outstanding News Student
- Madison Burrows, Outstanding Student in Public Relations
- Jillian Graham, AAF Reno Award for Outstanding Strategic Communications
- Nick Stewart, Marilyn Newton Outstanding Student in Visual Journalism
- Kolby King, Nita Spangler Service Award
- Md Fazlur Rahman, Reynolds Outstanding student in Business Journalism
- Ali Dickson, Outstanding Graduate Student
- Mariel Joy Day, Robert Laxalt Distinguished Writer
- Malory Shaw, Lerude First Amendment Award
- Ally Larkin, Steve Martarano Best Published Article
- Kelsea Frobes, Frank McCulloch Student Award for Courage in Journalism
The Nevada Semenza Christian Teaching Award, which is nominated by students and presented annually to a Reynolds School faculty member to recognize outstanding teaching, was awarded to Claudia Cruz, director of internships and experiential learning and managing editor for Noticero Móvil.
A new award, the Fred Smith Service Award, was presented. This award is for full-time faculty or staff who go beyond their formal job descriptions to foster a supportive, effective, and joyful environment within the Reynolds School of Journalism. The 2026 recipients were Alison Gaulden, principal lecturer of public relations and advertising, and Barbara Colbert-Trainor, budget officer.
The Savitt Awards Banquet is named for the late Ella Savitt, a passionate supporter of journalism and education, whose generosity has made a difference in the lives of so many Reynolds School students.
To see more photos from the event, visit the Reynolds School's social media pages.
