The Fitzwater Medallion for Leadership in Public Communication was presented to alumni Andrew Scher, CNN’s Candy Crowley, two graduating seniors, and a high school journalism teacher at the Fitzwater Honors on Monday, May 3.
Each year the Fitzwater Honors recognizes individuals who have made a strong contribution to the public discourse. Members of the Fitzwater Center Advisory Board make recommendations with the input of Dr. Kristen Nevious, director of the Fitzwater Center. “If you look at the roster of nominees they speak as a whole to the mission of the Center,” said Nevious.
Scher, class of 1988, has worked in television for just over 20 years, during which time he has produced reality shows, dating shows, and worked with numerous celebrities, including Queen Latifah, Ricki Lake, and Montel Williams. Currently he is the executive producer of the hit television show, “The Doctors” on CBS. Scher has been nominated for Daytime Emmy Awards, but said “There is not a bigger honor that I could receive than the Fitzwater Medallion.”
During his time here, Scher had two radio shows per week and was a sports announcer. His fondest memory of Franklin Pierce is when he helped build the first ever television station in the basement of the library.
Senior Robbie Michaelson, a mass communication major, was excited to be recognized for his work in the field alongside Scher and Crowley. “A lot of people that I look up to had received the Fitzwater Medallion, and it was something that I had worked towards since I was a freshman,” he said. “When I came to Pierce, I really wanted to apply myself and get involved in the Fitzwater Center so that I could help improve it.”
Senior Bailey Gaffney, political science major, was shocked when she found out that she would be receiving the honor. “I was under the assumption that the awards go to students that are in the mass communication department,” she said. “I couldn’t believe I was considered for the award let alone receiving it.”
At the start of her freshman year, Gaffney said she made a point to get involved right away and step outside her comfort zone. During her past four years, Gaffney has held numerous leadership positions, including Student Government Association President, Vice President of Law Club, and Co-President of the Students in Free Enterprise Team. “Franklin Pierce gave me a second chance; it showed me that I could create opportunities for myself rather than waiting for them,” she said.
Gordon Lang, journalism teacher from Kingswood Regional High School, was also honored with the Fitzwater Medallion.
The national medallion was first presented in 2004 and during the previous two years has honored Luke Russert, NBC news correspondent, and Dana Perino, press secretary to the president. Two alumni and graduating seniors were first awarded medallions in 2005.
The future of media, Michaelson believes, will really test journalists and require them to take advantage of new technology as they work towards achieving their goals. “The media needs young and ambitious people willing to try new things to change the game a bit.”
In returning to Franklin Pierce for his second time since 1988, Scher said that he is proud to see how much the Mass Communication department has evolved.
“To come back to Franklin Pierce and be able to stand behind the podium is a tremendous honor,” he said. “What I am doing today is because of what Franklin Pierce taught me. Franklin Pierce gave me the education and the desire to strive.”
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