UNC Hussman students honored with school’s 2023 outstanding graduate awards
By Beth Hatcher
Among UNC Hussman’s graduating students are those honored with outstanding graduate awards as they turn from being students to being alumni of the school.
The winners are as follows:
Undergraduate winners: Yuqi Hu, John Robert Bittner Outstanding Graduating Senior in Journalism; John Ratkowiak, Lois & H.C. Cranford Outstanding Graduating Senior in Advertising and Public Relations
Graduate winners: Sydney Nicolla, Outstanding Ph.D. Graduate in Media and Communication; Ely Portillo, Outstanding Master’s Graduate in Digital Communication; Carolyn Schmitt, Outstanding Master’s Graduate in Media and Communication; Walker Winslow, Outstanding Master’s Graduate in Media and Communication
Click on the names of each student to go down to their Q&A below.
Among the more than 400 talented students to cross the stage during the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media’s commencement ceremony on May 13, six students will carry the distinction of having been selected as the Class of 2023’s most outstanding graduates in their respective programs.
Prior to spring commencement each year, UNC Hussman faculty select top students to honor as the most outstanding graduates in the school’s undergraduate programs in journalism and advertising/public relations along with its online master’s, residential master’s and doctoral programs.
Learn more about the Class of 2023 six outstanding graduate award winners below:
John Robert Bittner Outstanding Graduating Senior in Journalism
Hometown: Wuhan, China
What drew you to UNC Hussman?
Hu said the variety of courses and prestigious professors drew her to the school. “UNC Hussman has equipped me with a multimedia background and media criticism skills. I am confident that I will be well-prepared for my future educational and professional plans.”
Career ambitions:
“My short-term goal is to start my career as a UX designer and join pioneers in mental resilience, such as Big Health, Calm and Lyra Health. In addition, I want to create impactful products that transform mental healthcare. I want to continue empowering marginalized groups on their growth journeys, and Hussman is an indispensable part of this plan!” said Hu, whose next step will be starting a two-year master’s program in human-computer interaction at Georgia Tech in the fall.
Hussman influences:
“Walter Spearman Distinguished Professor Terence Oliver has been a pivotal figure in my design journey at UNC Hussman. I have had the privilege of attending three of his classes, on subjects such as infographics, magazine design and motion graphics. He has consistently motivated me to push my boundaries in design and embrace risk-taking, for which I am grateful. In addition, I would like to express my appreciation for Associate Professor Steven King, who taught me interactive design and emerging technologies in “MEJO 487.” Currently, I serve as a visual designer and concept artist at UNC Blue Sky Innovations, where I work under his leadership.”
What advice would you give to a student just starting out at Hussman?
“I was known for going to office hours twice a week and always seeking ways to learn. Another thing is to find ways to apply what you have learned in the real world. In my spare time, I freelanced for two startups. I would also recommend connecting with Hussman alumni (the mentorship program is awesome).”
What does your award mean to you?
“Receiving recognition for my hard work and dedication is a validation of my efforts and a source of motivation to continue striving for excellence.”
What’s a little-known fact about you?
“While I suffered from social phobia for eight years, I overcame my fear by helping people with similar difficulties. I founded an online recovery-oriented community for thousands of teenagers in China coping with social anxiety, depression and domestic violence to expand their social integration opportunities.”
Hu received nominations from professors Laura Ruel, Steven King and Terence Oliver.
King said of Hu’s work: “Yuqi is an Innovation Fellow working as a designer in the [UNC Blue Sky Innovations] lab. She is an excellent collaborator with her peers and the staff and has also done great work in the classroom. Her focus on user-centered design has made her a better designer and I know she will do amazing things in her career!”
Lois & H.C. Cranford Outstanding Graduating Senior in Advertising and Public Relations
Hometown: Kailua, Oahu, Hawaii
What drew you to UNC Hussman?
“I first heard about UNC Hussman at a pre-college camp called Carolina Kickoff. My conversations with older students (our camp counselors) who were studying advertising and journalism really energized and inspired me. After hearing about all of the incredible professors and creative opportunities in the school, I switched half of my schedule to advertising courses during my first week on campus — and my journey at UNC Hussman began.”
Career ambitions:
“I will be starting at BBDO New York as an art direction intern! I am excited about the agency’s welcoming culture and use of emerging technology, including the ways they are harnessing generative A.I.”
Hussman influences:
“This semester, I was lucky to have both NSAC (National Student Advertising Competition) and an Independent Portfolio Study with Associate Professor Joe Bob Hester, who is so knowledgeable about the industry and a very motivating mentor.” Ratkowiak also cited faculty members Dana McMahan, John Sweeney, Chad Heartwood, Pat Davison and Terence Oliver as critical in his Hussman journey.
What advice would you give to a student just starting out at Hussman?
"Say ‘Yes!’ to every opportunity that comes your way: the Meet the Pros sessions, Career Treks, Hussman School Alumni Association mentorship, etc. When you connect with alumni, always end the chat by asking, ‘Who should I speak to next?’ Also, become friends with the students in your classes!”
What does your award mean to you?
“When I began at UNC Hussman, I remember how much I looked up to the juniors and seniors of the school. They were all creating great work and achieving their dreams. Now that I’m in this position, it truly is an honor to be recognized with the outstanding graduate award! I had the pleasure of meeting Susan Cranford Ross at a scholarship dinner, and I want to extend another thank you to the Cranford family for this honor and support in my pathway beyond graduation.”
What’s a little-known fact about you?
“I’m a member of Qué Rico, UNC’s premier Latin dance team! I’ve been dancing with the team since freshman year, and we took home first place in our competition this spring — these hips don’t lie!”
From Ratkowiak’s nominator, Professor John Sweeney, head of the advertising specialization and director of the Sports Communication Program: “John Ratkowiak has assembled an extraordinary record in his work as a student and as an aspiring advertising professional. He was an honors student and president of the Hussman School Ambassadors. He took part in internships in Chapel Hill, London, New York and Santa Monica. He was the co-photo editor of Coulture magazine as well as the winner of the student best-in-show for the Triangle Addy advertising awards. This combination of different experiences has tested his abilities across a range of activities, and he managed to succeed in all of them.”
Outstanding Ph.D. in Media and Communication Graduate
Hometown: Wilmington, North Carolina
What drew you to UNC Hussman?
“I completed my undergraduate degree at UNC in what was, at the time, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. The school has undergone many name changes since then but has remained an excellent media and communication program. When I decided to pursue graduate school, I knew there was no need to look elsewhere. I now have three degrees (bachelor’s, master’s and a Ph.D.) from UNC Hussman.”
Career ambitions:
“I will be an assistant professor of strategic communications in the School of Communications at Elon University this fall.”
Hussman influences:
"My doctoral adviser, Associate Professor Allison Lazard, has supported and rooted for me at every moment and every milestone of my doctoral program. I owe her a tremendous amount of thanks for sharing her time and guidance over the years."
What advice would you give to a student just starting out at Hussman?
“I would say to knock on everyone’s door in the department. Meet everyone and ask for their advice, about something or nothing. You never know who a future collaborator, important mentor, and/or great friend will be.”
What does your award mean to you?
“I am grateful to have been considered and humbled to have been selected. I will take many valuable lessons with me as I leave the Hussman School and continue to strive to be the best version of myself as I take the next steps in my career.”
What’s a little-known fact about you?
“I can do the worm (like the dance move).”
From Nicolla’s nominator Associate Professor Allison Lazard: “In all the ways, Nicolla is model and exemplar student, researcher, teacher and member of our community. Nicolla is an exceptional researcher, and I can't share enough about Nicolla’s willingness to support her fellow colleagues — at all levels. Nicolla always jumps on a chance to contribute to someone else’s success, regardless of their relationship, for example a student she doesn't know. Others benefit tremendously from her generous spirit and willingness to help their careers when there is no direct gain for her."
Outstanding Master’s Graduate in Digital Communication
Hometown: Silver Spring, Maryland
What drew you to UNC Hussman?
“For one, my wife is a Tar Heel who graduated from the school in 2009, so it was pretty clear that she wouldn't put up with me going to grad school anywhere else. But in all seriousness, the flexibility of the program combined with the high quality of the instruction and the impressive cohorts who had come before me attracted me to UNC Hussman. I knew that it was a program I could make work with my busy life (full-time job, two small kids) while also providing the chance to work with and learn from amazing scholars and practitioners.”
Career ambitions:
“I left local journalism in 2019 after a decade at The Charlotte Observer and took a job at UNC Charlotte. At the end of this program, in late 2022, I accepted a new position as senior editor for news and planning at WFAE, Charlotte's NPR news source. This program both reignited my passion for local journalism and equipped me to reenter the field at a higher, managerial level than I had previously held.”
Hussman influences:
“Associate Professor Tori Ekstrand's class on media law was a highlight for me. I had worked for my whole career in journalism without having taken a media law class (I was a political science undergrad), and I thought it might be dry. But the concepts, cases and relevance to the rapidly changing real-world situations from social media to defamation really enlightened me. I use the concepts and lessons from this class regularly in my job as an editor planning our coverage, dealing with rights issues and working with potentially tricky stories.”
What advice would you give to a student just starting out at Hussman?
“You eat the elephant (or other large food) one bite at a time. By that, I mean it was crucial for me to approach my classes with a regular schedule, spending one or two hours a day on each and accomplishing big tasks incrementally, in order to not get overwhelmed at the end of semesters. You might be a procrastinator and succeed, but I knew that for me, if I fell behind I wasn't catching back up.”
What does your award mean to you?
“For me, the recognition is nice personally, but what it really signifies is the support I received — from my family, my fellow graduate students, faculty and instructors who gave their time and helped me reach this milestone."
What’s a little-known fact about you?
If you look on Portillo’s bookshelves, you’ll probably find one about disasters, natural or man-made. “If you want to talk disasters with me, I'm always up for that,” Portillo said.
From Portillo’s nominator James H. Shumaker Term Professor Rhonda Gibson: “Ely was both a strong student and a highly engaged cohort member. His professional experience in multiple areas of communication was a plus, as was his easygoing nature. He was truly a pleasure to have in class. Ely has also been willing to participate in MADC activities such as orientation and summer residency. He’s a good citizen of the program, as well as his cohort.”
Outstanding Master’s Graduate in Media and Communication
Hometown: Falls Church, Virginia
What drew you to UNC Hussman?
“I applied to UNC because I was really impressed by the great political communication research coming out of Hussman and CITAP, from faculty like professors Shannon McGregor, Deen Freelon, and Daniel Kreiss. It’s not surprising, then, that the theory and methods courses at Hussman provided me with really foundational training for producing peer-reviewed research and transitioning to doctoral work.”
Career ambitions:
“I will begin doctoral studies as a Knight-CITAP fellow at UNC Hussman in the fall.”
Hussman influences:
“I wouldn’t be who I am today without Shannon McGregor’s guidance and mentorship. Her research on journalism and Twitter really inspired my own research interests, and beyond her work she is also an incredible person. From the first moment we met over Zoom in 2020 to meeting on campus in 2021, I was struck by how kind and generous she is — and super fun to work with. She provides just enough support to build my own confidence to take chances, to share my work and to expand my methods toolkit.”
What does your award mean to you?
“I am incredibly honored to receive this award. I would be remiss if I didn’t give a huge shout-out to my incredible cohort and friends at Hussman. I’ve never met a more supportive, encouraging and understanding group of people, and I am so thankful to know each and every one of them.”
What’s a little-known fact about you?
“I collect rubber ducks!”
From Schmitt’s nominator Associate Professor Shannon McGregor: “Carolyn embodies the criteria for the Outstanding Master’s Graduate in Media and Communication award. She is smart, intellectually curious, methodologically skilled, and she is tackling deeply important empirical and theoretical questions at the heart of communication. On top of that, Carolyn is an outstanding scholar and a generous colleague. I am quite lucky to get to work with her and to be her adviser.”
Outstanding Master’s Graduate in Media and Communication
Hometown: Greenville, North Carolina
What drew you to UNC Hussman?
“I was drawn to UNC Hussman by the exceptional reputation of the faculty and previous graduates as well as the wide range of career options available to me after graduation. One of the unique aspects of the M.A. program at Hussman is its flexibility. I learned about communication strategies and campaigns while tailoring the courses and material to my own interests.”
Career ambitions:
“I am currently looking at career opportunities analyzing international media. As an undergrad, I studied Russian and European politics, so I hope to combine my skills in communications with my background in Eastern Europe in my future career.”
Hussman influences:
“My thesis chair and adviser, Associate Professor Suman Lee, has helped me immensely and supported me throughout my time here at the school.” Walker also cited Associate Professor Nori Comello as an influence.
What advice would you give to a student just starting out at Hussman?
“Make connections! The faculty and staff at Hussman are always willing to get to know students and assist them whenever possible. The professors have a diverse range of academic interests and are more than happy to try to help students with topics and projects in which they may be interested.”
What does your award mean to you?
“The outstanding award is confirmation and affirmation of all the energy and effort that I’ve put into my work over the past two years, from long nights of studying to waking up early to drive to campus and teach digital storytelling at 8 a.m.”
What’s a little-known fact about you?
"I’ve been to nine countries, including Moldova and Ukraine."
From Winslow’s nominator Associate Professor Nori Comello: “Walker has displayed innovation in thinking, cross-disciplinarity and willingness to tackle complex issues in the international space. His thesis is notable for its strong use of theory to guide his investigation. At the same time, the work will have many practical implications for understanding the media environment in Eastern Europe and for guiding international relations.”