Diederich College of Communication Award Recipients
Journalism By-Line Award
KATHRYN ZAHONY LIVINGSTON FORGAN, JOUR '61
New York
Kathryn was born in Budapest and came to the United States at age 12, when her family escaped communism in Hungary and settled in Cleveland. Fascinated by the revelatory power of words, she has authored five books and hundreds of articles, was executive editor of Town & Country, and leadership roles at Harper’s Bazaar, Time Inc., Tiffany & Co., Neiman Marcus, and Time Warner.
Communicator of the Year Award
STEVEN K. BERTRAND, JOUR '85
Deerfield, Ill.
Steve started with WGN Radio in 1985 and hasn’t left the booth since. He produced the Chicago Bears’ play-by-play and pre- and postgame shows for six years and hosted the station’s popular Saturday morning show from 2000–04, all the while raking in awards for his reporting, anchoring and production work.
Professional Achievement Award
LISA OSBORNE ROSS, JOUR '84
Washington, D.C.
As executive vice president of the Cause Advocacy Group for Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide, Lisa has spent more than 20 years excelling at reputation management for public- and private-sector organizations, designing and executing public affairs, branding and marketing campaigns for America’s Promise, the United Way of America, the Children’s Defense Fund, Pfizer, and the countries of Switzerland and the Netherlands. Doing good and doing well. It’s what Lisa does.Â
Young Alumnus of the Year Award
JASON R. DeRUSHA, COMM '97
Maple Grove, Minn.
Next time you’re in Minneapolis on September 21, be sure you greet the locals with “Happy Jason DeRusha Day!” Thanks to a viral campaign by viewers and online fans, the Emmy-winning TV reporter for WCCO-TV was honored in 2009 by the city’s mayor. Also worth celebrating? His nationally acclaimed newsgathering techniques using Facebook and Twitter.
James T. Tiedge Memorial Award
CHRISTOPHER E. PARDON, COMM '92
Brooklyn, N.Y.
As senior director for the CNN Strategic Integration Group, Christopher helps develop and manage the execution of integrated multiplatform sponsorships and client marketing partnerships for CNN, HLN, the CNN Airport Network and corresponding digital platforms. All told, these generate millions of dollars annually for Turner Broadcasting System Inc.
