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Past President's Award Recipients
At CSCUNITE 25, outgoing CSC President Kevin Trainor selects seven for 2024-25 President’s Award; Barb Kowal receives CSC Distinguished Service Award
During the closing Special Awards Luncheon awards ceremony June 11 during the CSCUNITE25 convention, outgoing CSC president Kevin Trainor, University of Arkansas Senior Associate AD for Public Relations & Former Student-Athlete Engagement, presented six CSC members and one long-time CSC staff member (Will Roleson) with a 2024-25 President’s Award.
The President's Awards are announced for the first time at each convention. Introduced in the 2014-15 academic year, this award recipient is selected by the reigning College Sports Communicators President. This award serves to honor exemplary service and leadership within the organization's committee structure in support of programs that benefit CSC members.
Additionally, CSC Hall of Famer and long-time staff member Barb Kowal received the organization's Distinguished Service Award at the luncheon. Kowal, who will be retiring in August after an award-winning 40-plus year history in college athletic administration and communications, was the fourth recipient of a CSC Distinguished Service Award in the organization's 68-year history.
This year's President's Award recipients are:
Dani Garigilo, Davidson College Assistant AD for Operations
For outstanding commitment to both the CSC Young Professionals Committee and to the CSC Academic All-America® Committee (for social media and publicity efforts).
Shelby Hild, Missouri Valley Conference Assistant Commissioner for Communications
For outstanding leadership of the CSC Career Services Committee.
Mike Mahoney, University of Pennsylvania
For his leadership of the CSC Division I Cabinet and standout 2024 CSC Membership Appreciation Week promotions.
Katie Mucci, NCAA Assistant Director of Divison III
For developing and coordinating the new NCAA Division III Athletic Communicators Emerging Elite Program.
Ali Paquette, Middlebury College Assistant Athletic Director
For outstanding leadership of the CSC Division III Cabinet / D3SIDA Board as 2024-25 president and commitment to CSC professional development and continuing educatio programming.
John Paquette, BIG EAST Conference Senior Associate Commissioner, Sports Media Relations
For outstanding long-time contributions and leadership to CSC and to the athletic communications profession.
Will Roleson, CSC Associate Executive Director
For exemplary leadership and commitment to CSC during the 2024-25 academic year as interim executive director.
Following the President's Awards presentation, CSC also announced a surprise - and very meaningful honor - for someone who has been instrumental to College Sports Communicators for more than 16 years.
Barb Kowal has devoted herself to CSC with passion, professionalism, and heart. As she prepares to retire this August, Kowal's lasting impact on CSC and the entire college sports communications community was recognized with a CSC Distinguished Service Award.
Kowal, a CSC Hall of Famer, 2024 Mary Jo Haverbeck Trailblazer Award winner and a 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, is only the fourth person in CSC (CoSIDA's) 68-year history to earn this
Distinguished Service recognition.
