Franklin Pierce University Awards Fitzwater Center Medallions
May 2, 2012
On Monday, April 30,2012, The Marlin Fitzwater Center at Franklin Pierce University
(FPU) awarded Fitzwater Medallions to honor students, alumni, teachers, and professionals
making significant contributions in the field of mass communication. The Fitzwater
Center for Communication (named after Marlin Fitzwater, who served as press secretary
to presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush), is dedicated to educating leaders
of conscience in public communication.
Conval high school teacher Tim Clark was recognized for his contributions as a New
Hampshire high school media advisor. In his acceptance remarks, Clark said “Writing
has made me a better teacher…,” describing himself as a “writer who teaches journalism.”
Erica Tomaszewski received the Medallion awarded to a graduating senior, for outstanding
achievements during her four years at FPU. “When you speak out with passion, you can
truly change the world,” Tomaszewski stated in a stirring acceptance speech.
Dr. Kate Marro was awarded the Medallion for Leadership in Public Communication by
an alumnus, in recognition of her dissertation on elderly sexual abuse, which led
to changes in the state of Maine’s legislation. Marro, who received her Doctor of
Arts in Leadership at FPU in 2011, helped bring national attention to this important
issue. The Alumni award is designed to honor alumni of the University who have demonstrated,
through their professional and personal lives, a strong commitment to an issue, whether
at the local or national level.
Tom Rosentiel—author, journalist, press critic, and founder and director of the Project
for Excellence in Journalism—was honored with the Leadership in Public Communication
Medallion and will be on campus to receive the award on September 10, 2012, in a separate
event. Seven graduating students (Heather Brown, Brittany Cibotti, Laurie Graham,
Stephanie Lewis, Amanda Panaro, Alex Terrill, and Erica Tomaszewski) were also awarded
Medallions in recognition of academic excellence.
