The Maltese Awards were started in 1996 to recognize and celebrate Communication students' achievements in media production. They were initially called the "BMG Awards" because a newly-formed organization of department professors, the "Broadcast Media Group", was awarding them.
A few years later, when the Broadcast Media Group became the "William Paterson Broadcast Network," a decision was made to rename the awards after Dr. Tony Maltese, the retiring long-time chairperson of the department, in recognition of his efforts over the years to create sustainable excellence in the Communication Department at William Paterson University.
Since the awards began, they have expanded to include more categories representing all areas of the Communication department. The awards now recognize the efforts of students in all the Communication department programs/tracks.
Nominations for Maltese Awards take place early each spring semester. Deliberations and decisions are made by the professor and staff in each category.
The award ceremony takes place before finals week each spring semester.
Outstanding PR Plan
Isabel Medina
Green Latinos
Outstanding PR Case Study
Stephanie Brand
Corporate Advocacy: Black Lives Matter
Outstanding Social Media Plan
Beatrice Amune
WPU Comm is on the Twitter
Esma Senman
Anneliese Kuipers
Kandice Espinal
Outstanding PR Capstone
Joanna Hook
Event Fundraising for Non-Profits
Outstanding PR Blog
“KissssMyGrass" Environmental Blog
Outstanding Journalism Graduate Award
Ryan Sudol
Outstanding Journalism Capstone
Carmen Caraballo
Outstanding Journalism Research
Rochelle Estrada
College Students’ News Consumption
Excellence in Media Studies
Tina Perrotta
Vincent Acquavella
Michelle Mrowko
Excellence in Communication Studies
Samantha Liegner
Excellence in Comm Studies ADC
Geovanni Molina
Outstanding On-Air Personality
Brianna Rodriguez
Outstanding New On-Air Talent
Lupe Dragon
Outstanding Music Show Talent
Samory Rose
The Soul Hour
Outstanding Talk Show Talent
Nick Wilkerson
The Pregame
Hava Senman
Outstanding Radio News Anchor
Scotty Minieri
Isabel Birritteri
Outstanding On-Air Show
Justin Reynoso-Dume
Shuffle Play
Outstanding Sportscaster
Steven Mulder
Outstanding Manager
Vont Leak
Johan Yamoza
Brave New Radio Spirit Award
Justis Gregg
Marissa Banks
Best Stand-Up Comic
Ashley Burrows
Jess Moore
Best Actor
Anthony Finnen
Love Letters
Victoria Castrogiovanni
Laughing Wild
Best Ensemble
Best On-Air Talent
WP Sports Desk
Best Production Team
Anthony Walker
Jimmy Patton
Andrew Ballisteri
Joe Paolantonio
Nijee Davis
Best Director
Best Technical Director
Very Late with Vont Leak
Best Audio Operator
Salvatore Mattaccione
Rookie of the Year
Calvin Richey
Best Show
1st Place – Beginner
Form and Function
Kareem Johnson-Buchanan
2nd Place – Beginner
Postmates
Christian Bermudez
3rd Place – Beginner
Slow Down
Michael Fortunato
1st Place – Advanced
A Conflict Afoot
Hunter Long
2nd Place – Advanced
The Programmer
Filmmaking 3 Class
3rd Place – Advanced
Take Your Time
Wendy Olmos
1st Place – Independent
Picnic for One
2nd Place – Independent
Rats!
3rd Place - Independent
Crush
Regina Clark
William Paterson University
300 Pompton Road
Wayne, New Jersey 07470
973-720-2000
Stay Connected
