UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Four Penn State alumni, a faculty member and a longtime television news anchor in central Pennsylvania were recognized as award winners by the Alumni Society Board of the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications.
“This year’s diverse cohort of award winners included communications industry leaders from across the spectrum. Some honorees traveled from as far as California and Michigan, accompanied by their families, to be recognized by their alma mater,” said Maddy Pryor, president of the Bellisario College Alumni Society Board and a 2013 Penn State graduate.
“We are so proud of the Bellisario College Alumni Society’s role in this annual event that has recognized more than 100 alumni, faculty and communications leaders throughout Pennsylvania over the past two decades. This is truly one of the most meaningful and impactful things that we do as a board," Pryor said. "The awards reflect the depth and breadth of our alumni and faculty’s achievements and contributions throughout the commonwealth and beyond.”
Awards were presented on campus the week of Sept. 15. Those honored were:
Josiah Bates (class of 2015), Great Lakes reporter, The Trace — Emerging Professional Award
Bates is a reporter for The Trace, a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to covering gun violence in America. He focuses on the Great Lakes region. A former reporter for Time magazine, he is author of “In These Streets: Reporting from the Front Lines of Inner-City Gun Violence.” He also teaches journalism at Columbia University. Watch Bates' acceptance speech here.
Michael Signora (class of 1996), senior vice president of football and international communications — NFL
Alumni Achievement Award
Signora leads football-related communications and directs media operations for such NFL events as the Super Bowl, the NFL Draft and the NFL Combine. He also oversees the league’s international media operations. Signora and the late Steelers owner Art Rooney Sr. are the only two-time recipients of the Horrigan Award, presented by the Professional Football Writers Association to recognize a league or club official who consistently helps writers in their jobs. Watch Signora's acceptance speech here.
Dawn Manning (class of 2000), vice president of production, Westbrook Media — Outstanding Alumni Award
Manning is an accomplished production executive with more than two decades of experience leading television, film, branded content and digital productions. At Westbrook Media, she travels the globe overseeing projects that combine premium storytelling with innovative production strategies. She is a board member of the Penn State Hollywood program. Watch Manning's acceptance speech here.
Dave Wozniak, Assistant Teaching Professor — Excellence in Teaching Award
Wozniak, a member of the Department of Advertising/Public Relations, teaches media planning and strategy courses. He also serves as adviser of the American Advertising Foundation’s Penn State chapter. In 2024, the Penn State AAF team earned a spot in the semifinals of the National Student Advertising Competition for the first time in program history. Previously, he served as vice president of advertising and sponsorships for Lincoln Financial Group. Watch Wozniak's acceptance speech here.
Kim Lemon, senior news anchor (retired), WGAL-TV — Douglas A. Anderson Communications Contributor Award
An anchor, reporter and “PM Magazine” co-host at WGAL-TV in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, for more than four decades, Lemon was honored for her lifetime contributions and achievements in broadcast journalism in Pennsylvania. She was born and raised in Lancaster and graduated from Manheim Township High School and Clarion University. Watch Lemon's acceptance speech here.