BYU School of Communications

The School of Communications Awards Luncheon brought students, faculty and staff together to celebrate the achievements of our community 🎊 Students were recognized for their excellence in academics, creativity and leadership throughout the year.

Congratulations to all who were recognized!

“Powerful storytelling can preserve culture and strengthen faith.” — Hauʻoli Namahana Ricia Meyers

Oli, a senior in the Media and Society program, recently traveled to Hawaiʻi to interview musicians across the island, exploring the deep connection between their faith and creative expression.

“There was a time when seven of the 10 most renowned Hawaiian musicians were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” she shared. “It was inspiring to see how strongly their faith influenced passion for their culture, and how much they credited God for their success.”

How has your faith shaped you and your passions?

“Wise leadership communication is meeting people where they are and leading them to where they have never been.” — Dr. Knighton

We were honored to hear from Devin Knighton at the recent Beckham Lecture, where he shared examples of influential leaders and explored the defining traits that continue to shape the communications industry today.

“Leadership is not just an act that you do alone,” he shared. “It is a co-created act that we do all together as a group.”

“I had a lot of questions about where I wanted my career to go, but listening to these powerful women inspired me and helped me get a glimpse of how I can make my future goals a reality.” — Allison Pope | Public Relations

This weekend, students and professionals attended the networking event, BYU PRSSA Summit. Speakers shared their experiences navigating their own careers, giving counsel to attendees on how to seek opportunities to achieve their professional goals.

How have conversations with mentors helped you navigate your career goals?

“Build relationships before you need them.”
— Shana Clemence | Manager of Communications, Events and Engagements in the Office of Belonging

Clemence recently visited students in the School of Communications to discuss the foundational role trust plays within an organization. She emphasized that trust isn’t built in moments of crisis, but built through connection.

“Belonging isn’t a campaign. It’s how people experience the organization.”

How do you build relationships based on trust?

“This was such a unique and inspiring learning experience that had real-world impact.” — Samuel Haggard

Samuel Haggard, a senior in the advertising program, interned as a copywriter at Boncom, an ad agency in Salt Lake City, this past summer.

Haggard had the opportunity to help design a Special Olympics t-shirt, teaming up with an in-house designer and two incredible athletes from Panama.

“When we asked the athletes what the spirit of the Special Olympics meant to them, it was about friendship, unity, and joy. Isn’t that remarkable? Working side-by-side on a team with Special Olympians and following their creative direction fostered a deep sense of belonging.”

Where media meets the world 🌏
On study experiences like this Media & Society trip to South Korea, students explore culture, communication, and global connection firsthand while engaging with emerging media research in areas like VR, AR, and AI. From connecting with international scholars to examining Korea’s global influence in technology and pop culture, these experiences turn classroom theory into lived learning and open pathways toward future research and graduate study.

Visit us in the Brimhall Building or send us a DM to learn more about Media & Society opportunities and travel experiences.