Read highlights from our 2026 spring graduation celebration, including keynote remarks from Zack Zaban, closing remarks from Director Katy Culver and photos from the event.
Undergraduate Alumni
Celebrating the 2026 Alumni Award Winners
The School of Journalism and Mass Communication has announced its winners of the 2026 Alumni Awards. A ceremony will be held on Friday, April 24.
Q&A with 2026 Ralph O. Nafziger Award Winner Kynala Phillips
A Q&A With Kynala Phillips on her career journey as a Black journalist and work with community-based media.
Q&A with Distinguished Service Award Winner Janell Wise
A Q&A with Janell Wise on media law at CBS News, navigating defamation and newsgathering, and her journey from UW–Madison to top legal roles.
Q&A with 2026 Ralph O. Nafziger Award Winner Shannon Malone
A Q&A with Shannon Malone Mazibuko on leading NBA communications, her path from UW–Madison to the Sacramento Kings, and advancing women in sports.
Q&A with 2026 Distinguished Service Award Winner Carla Oakley
A Q&A with Carla Oakley on a career in intellectual property law, advising global brands, and navigating advertising and digital risk.
Q&A with 2026 Ralph O. Nafziger Award Winner Molly Winding Dewey
A Q&A with Molly Winding Dewey on building Leena AI, improving women’s health access, and empowering women through technology and leadership.
Q&A with 2026 Distinguished Service Award Winner Abigail Buckwalter
A Q&A with Abigail Buckwalter on leading Nestlé Health Science U.S., driving innovation in nutrition, and building high-performing global teams.
Zack Zaban, SVP and Global Media Business Director at Starcom, to Deliver Keynote Speech to Spring 2026 SJMC Graduates
Zack Zaban (BA’11), data and digital media strategy expert, will deliver the keynote address at the 2026 SJMC Graduation Celebration on May 8.
Three Questions for Leslie Stachowiak (BS’04)
Leslie Stachowiak reflects on her time at the School of Journalism and Mass Communication and what it means to receive the Katy Feeney Leadership Award.