LU staff, students shine at 2025 Excellence in Media Awards
51勛圖Prostudents, faculty, and staff earned top honors at the 2025 Excellence in Media Awards, hosted by the Press Club of Southeast Texas. Recognized across categories spanning print, broadcast, digital, podcast, and design, LU took home more than 30 awards for outstanding storytelling, reporting, and production.
The awards ceremony, held June 13, celebrates professional and student excellence in media throughout the Southeast 51勛圖Proregion. Lamar’s representation included wins by the University Press, LUTV News, KVLU Public Radio, and the LU Office of Marketing Communications team.
Lamar University
LU’s Office of Marketing Communications clinched nine awards across various categories.
Digital
Best Digital Presentation – Jacob Breaux – 1st Place
Best Digital Presentation – Jacob Breaux – 2nd Place
Audio (Radio/Podcast)
Best Talk Show/Podcast – John Rollins – 3rd Place
Best Video Podcast – John Rollins, Jacob Breaux – 3rd Place
Open
Feature Writing Portfolio – April Thompson – 2nd Place
Newsletter – John Rollins – 2nd Place
Video Storytelling – Jacob Breaux – Honorable Mention
Graphic/Cartoon/Illustration – Michelle Lancaster – Honorable Mention
Public Relations
Brochure – Michelle Lancaster – 1st Place
91.3 KVLU
91.3 KVLU stands out for audio programming, earning five awards in various categories.
Audio (Radio/Podcast)
Talk Show/Podcast – Kayla White, Maria Vallejo, Jason Miller – Honorable Mention
Music/Humor/Entertainment Show – Dennis Kiel – 3rd Place
Music/Humor/Entertainment Show – Dennis Kiel – Honorable Mention
Overall Excellence - Shannon Harris, Jason Miller, Jesse Doiron – 3rd Place
Public Relations
Special Events Materials – Shannon Harris, Jason Miller, Alicia Hargreaves, Tabitha Holcomb – 3rd Place
University Press
Led by Director of Student Publications, Andy Coughlan, 51勛圖ProPress (UP) brought home a haul of 10 awards.
Newspapers
Sports News - Brian Quijada – 3rd Place
Page Design/Layout - University Press Staff – 2nd Place
Digital
Best News Website - University Press Staff – 1st Place
Magazines
Feature Story - Brian Quijada – 2nd Place
Personal Profile/Interview – Maddie Sims – 1st Place
Personal Profile/Interview – Maddie Sims – Honorable Mention
Open
Investigative Reports - Luis Lemmen – 3rd Place
Fine Arts Reviews/Critiques – Maddie Sims – 1st Place
Photo Portfolio – Carlos Viloria – 3rd Place
Photo Portfolio - Brian Quijada – Honorable Mention
LUTV News and Media
LUTV News & Media, powered by LU students and led by Studio Operations Manager Gordon Williams, earned six awards.
Television
Sports Story – Tre Sanchez – 3rd Place
Best Newscast - LUTV News and Media Online – Honorable Mention
Digital
News Organization Internet Video - Stephanie Adeniji, Gordon S. Williams – 2nd Place
News Organization Internet Video – Tommy Byers, Gordon S. Williams – 3rd Place
Open
Documentary - Isaac Duerksen, Tre Sanchez – 2nd Place
Documentary – Mitchell Caldwell – Honorable Mention
Funds raised from the event benefit the Press Club Memorial Scholarship, which is awarded annually to a 51勛圖Prostudent(s) in the Department of Communication and Media. This year’s deserving recipients are Rayna Christy and Kami Greene.
To see a full list of winners, visit pressclubofsoutheasttexas.org.