2025 J. William and Mary Diederich College of Communication Award Recipients
Communicator of the Year Award
Dr. Regina A. Dixon-Reeves, Jour ’82
San Diego, Calif.
Be The Difference: Dr. Regina Dixon-Reeves has made Marquette’s tagline her life’s mission. Since graduation, she has worked to leave the world a better place than she found it. As the vice provost for diversity, equity and inclusion at the University of San Diego, Regina strives to increase access to higher education and to support the success of traditionally underrepresented populations of people.
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Byline Award
Jim Lackey, Jour ’74
Falls Church, Va.
To Jim Lackey, the word “service” in Catholic News Service was as integral to its mission as the words “Catholic” and “News.” As a wire service, like the Associated Press, CNS provided breaking news and updates to clients around the world. During his career, Jim successfully navigated Catholic journalism, working his way from reporter to editor and manager of CNS web services.
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Professional Achievement Award
Rebecca Barry Olson, Comm ’03
Grand Rapids, Mich.
Rebecca Olson’s Marquette experience can be summed up in one word: magis, which means “more” in Latin. At Marquette, Becky learned she is always capable of more when it comes to pursuing excellence. That is exactly what she’s done in the PR industry and as the communication director for Be Better.
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Service Award
Matthew S. Slaggie, Comm ’04
Winona, Minn.
Serving others comes naturally to Matthew Slaggie. Both his professional life, where Matt advises small business owners and families with their financial needs, and his personal life have their foundation in strong relationships. Matt partners with his clients to identify their personal goals and develop strategies to accomplish them.
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Young Alumna of the Year Award
Caitlin Andrews Sickles, Comm ’09
Washington D.C.
Caitlin Sickles credits her time at Marquette with teaching her to see possibilities, to be confident in proposing new ideas and to embrace the hard work of change. Now a strategic communications professional, Caitlin helps clients across diverse sectors meet complex challenges with creative solutions.
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James T. Tiedge Memorial Award
Carmelyn M. Daley-Hinkens, Comm ’89
Appleton, Wis.
Carmelyn Daley-Hinkens has turned her passion for storytelling into a successful career, seamlessly transitioning from 28 years in television news to 8 years in corporate communications. As the communications and content manager at Fox Valley Technical College, Carm feels blessed to lead a team charged with telling the college’s story. Her favorite part? Watching the students light up with enthusiasm as they share their educational journeys and career goals.
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