2025 SOC Awards Honor Leadership, Innovation, Impact and More

By Molly Loughman

Beneath purple lighting, amid a packed Jackie Liebergott Black Box Theatre, the 2025 SOC Awards celebrated the achievements of 71 nominees, and a community of bold thinkers, compassionate leaders, and emerging change-makers.

Hosted by Dean Brent Smith and Assistant Dean Lisa Wisman Weil, the April 22 event honored students who exemplify the values at the heart of Emerson’s School of Communication: collaboration, curiosity, and care.

Read: Communication ‘Cross-Section’: SOC Showcase Highlights Student Scholarship

“We’re here tonight to recognize the students who don’t just do the work—they shape it, elevate it, and inspire others to do the same,” Dean Smith said in his opening remarks.

This year’s program also introduced several exciting new features:

• $250 cash prize for each award recipient, providing both recognition and tangible support.
• Student-submitted nominations, giving peers the opportunity to elevate one another’s impact.
• A new award category, Outstanding Freshman or Sophomore, recognizing the contributions of students in their early Emerson years.

2025 SOC Student Award Recipients

• Oliver Katz ’25, CIVIC AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
• Mars Lombardi MS’25, CIVIC AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
• Layla Palmer ’25, INNOVATION
• Averie Morren ’25, LEADERSHIP
• Faith Pinnow ’25, LEADERSHIP
• Charly Peña ’25, MOST VALUABLE PEER – UNDERGRADUATE
• Selina Heinen MA ’25, MOST VALUABLE PEER – GRADUATE
• Nichole Proulx MS ’25, MOST VALUABLE PEER –GRADUATE
• Callie Krosin ’25, STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
• Laina Gustafson ’27, OUTSTANDING FRESHMAN OR SOPHOMORE

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CIVIC AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Oliver Katz ’25

Political Communication

Oliver has consistently dedicated his Emerson experience to community service—volunteering, tutoring, and engaging in research aimed at improving educational equity. Fiercely devoted to children’s rights and education equity, he is collaborating with Professor Carol Ferrara on a study of Boston Public School registration process, and he actively volunteers for Big Brothers Big Sisters as well as with “Call2Talk,” a mental health hotline. At Emerson College, his leadership in campus town halls has shown in his ability to sustain dialogue during challenging moments and proven his commitment to social justice and building community bridges.

“Oliver is consistently seeking pathways toward building a better world and forging connections with others, especially those in need… I feel his engagement with the local community and his commitment to civic engagement represents the epitome of Emerson’s mission toward the betterment of society.” —Carol Ferrara, Assistant Professor and Graduate Program Director, Marketing Communication

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Mars Lombardi MS’25

Communication Disorders

Mars is a bold and compassionate advocate who uses their voice to elevate marginalized communities and lead with integrity.

Known for their work with Speech@Emerson and as an outspoken representative of the disabled community, Mars balances academic excellence with advocacy, empathy, and action.

“Mars is a wonderful person all around… They work so hard in spite of their own health conditions, and they tutor and excel in their work. They truly embody what a culturally humble individual should look like.” — Juwairiah Syed-Razzaq MA ’25, Communication Disorders

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INNOVATION

Layla Palmer ’25

Business of Creative Enterprises

Layla is the creator and host of the podcast Heart to Hustle, where she inspires Gen Z listeners to turn passion into purpose. With self-taught skills in audio production and storytelling, she brings industry guests into intimate, actionable conversations that have set a new benchmark for student innovation.

“What impresses me most about Layla is her technical skills and innovative vision for using podcasting as a platform for authentic connection and community building… She embodies the spirit of innovation that Emerson’s School of Communication celebrates.” — Jae Williams ’08, MA ’16, Executive-in-Residence, Business of Creative Enterprises

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LEADERSHIP

Averie Morren ’25

Communication Studies

Averie is a leader recognized for her dedication and warmth. In addition to serving as  Executive Producer for WEBN’s General Show, Averie has served as Artistic Director of Emerson Urban Dance Theatre (EUDT), leading a company of over 40 members, organizing rehearsals, and ensuring an inclusive and creative environment.

“Averie Morren has displayed the most inspiring levels of dedication, passion, and care through her leadership… She is energetic and encouraging, ensuring that every space she enters is immediately made brighter and lighter. Averie’s care for this community does not go unnoticed, and we are lucky to be led by someone as passionate as her.” —Nikki Yar ’25, Media Arts Production

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Faith Pinnow ’25

Journalism

Faith is known across the Journalism Department as a calm, compassionate leader—someone who leads by example, listens with care, and uplifts others without needing to take the spotlight. As a classmate, as Executive Producer of the WEBN Super Bowl coverage, and as WEBN News Director, she creates space for others to contribute, thrive, and feel supported. Even during difficult times in her personal life, Faith has remained a steady, empathetic force for her peers.

“Faith is a strong leader in many different ways… mostly, I want you to hear how she leads with care, kindness and grace shown toward her fellow students—so much so that they probably don’t even know that she’s leading them!” —Lu Ann Reeb, Executive-in-Residence and Chair, Department of Journalism

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MOST VALUABLE PEER – UNDERGRADUATE

Charly Peña ’25

Health and Social Change 

Charly is a cornerstone of the Health and Social Change major—a thoughtful student, compassionate peer, and natural leader who uplifts others through her actions, words, and quiet strength. Her commitment to equity and representation shows up in everything she does, from class projects to campus advocacy. Whether she’s offering support to classmates, championing marginalized voices, or leading with intention and empathy, Charly is the kind of peer who makes Emerson better for everyone

“Her generosity with her time and energy has made the Health and Social Change major feel like a true community, and many students, including myself, have grown because of her support.”— Briana Primavera ’25, Health and Social Change

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MOST VALUABLE PEER – GRADUATE

Selina Heinen MA ’25

Business of Creative Enterprises

Selina has been praised by peers and faculty alike for their dedication to building a connected, supportive online graduate community. From day one, they took initiative to create a collaborative environment—setting up a shared Discord, celebrating others’ wins, and helping new students navigate the BCE program. Their leadership and care have helped classmates feel grounded, included, and seen.

“‘S’ supports everyone in our BCE cohort with grace and kindness… their presence has made this experience more connected, and I can confidently say the BCE community wouldn’t be the same without them.” — Kendall Hodder MA ’25, Business of Creative Enterprises

Nichole Proulx MS ’25

Communication Disorders

Nichole’s classmates describe her as the glue holding their cohort together. From organizing weekly Zoom study groups to sending out reminders, resources, and emotional support, she’s built a deeply connected learning environment in a virtual setting. Her generosity, dependability, and encouragement have helped classmates stay motivated, feel seen, and succeed—especially during the most challenging stretches of graduate school.

“Nichole constantly lifts everyone up and supports others. Her messages are always so thoughtful and genuine. I have no doubt I will look back and be so thankful I got to complete this program with her.” — Ashton Sellers MA ’25, Communication Disorders

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