2022 Alumni National Awards - Award Recipients Communication

Alumni National Awards

J. William and Mary Diederich College of Communication Award Recipients

Communicator of the Year Award
John E. Salak, Jour ’79
Bovina Center, New York

After more than 30 years as an award-winning journalist, John Salak now leads two organizations, both with goals of helping businesses and individuals better themselves, exemplifying the Jesuit concept of magis, doing more for others. In addition to working with corporate clients, John and his team have worked with several nonprofit groups, such as the Cristo Rey Network, to help them build members, raise funds, and support operations — all pro bono.

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Byline Award
Michael Huang, Comm ’93
Canton, Conn.

How did a kid from the New Jersey suburbs whose only knowledge of Catholic priests came from the 1986 film “The Mission” end up at Marquette? Michael Huang will tell you this story and others, but he is quick to shift the conversation from any focus on him to his newsroom team, the kids he coaches, or the NYU students he teaches.

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Professional Achievement Award
Cheryl A. Pawelski, Comm ’89
Los Angeles, Calif. and Portland, Ore.

As a Grammy-winning record producer and record company executive, Cheryl Pawelski preserves music and the stories of the artists for future generations. At Marquette, Cheryl took her initial steps toward a successful career in the entertainment industry, and is now entrusted to tell the stories of some of the greatest musicians of our time — artists like Aretha Franklin, Wilco, and The Band.

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Service Award
Brig. Gen. Lorna Chance Mahlock, Comm ’91 u
Fort Meade, Md.

Brigadier General Lorna Mahlock is truly a woman for others. She is the first African American woman to hold the rank of brigadier general (a one-star general ranked just below a major general) in the Marine Corps. Yet she maintains that there is nothing particularly unusual about her accomplishments. She is a firm believer that ordinary people can do extraordinary things when they are part of a powerful team of community, work, friends and family.

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Young Alumna of the Year Award
Jennifer N. Lada, Comm ’02 u
Mequon, Wis.

Bucks. Packers. Brewers. And of course, Marquette basketball. Here in Wisconsin and nationwide, sports frequently occupy the headlines. In an industry still dominated by men, Jen Lada’s voice — as a reporter and host for ESPN — has risen above the crowd as she shares stories of teams and athletes overcoming adversity and inspiring the audience.

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James T. Tiedge Memorial Award
Benjamin S. Tracy, Comm ’98, Grad ’04
Los Angeles, Calif

As the senior national and environmental correspondent for CBS News, Ben Tracy is among Marquette’s most visible alumni. Instead of focusing on his own career and success, however, Ben views his role as a journalist as that of a servant-leader, providing reliable information to help people better understand the world and make informed decisions.

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u Celebrating their Marquette Reunion