College Sports Information Directors of America

Arch Ward Award
Presented annually to a current College Sports Communicators member who has made outstanding contributions to the field of college athletics communications, and who by his or her activities, has brought dignity and prestige to the profession. Voted on by the Special Awards Committee.

Mike Mahoney — University of Pennsylvania Director of Athletic Communications
 

“When I got the call that I was receiving the Arch Ward Award, I immediately went to the list of honorees and I was blown away. So many of the people on the list I consider legends in our profession, and while I have become friends with many of them, I still have moments where I think 'that person KNOWS me!' It's so cool. I want to thank former Arch Ward recipient Larry Dougherty for nominating me for this honor. It was so humbling when he told me he thought I was a great candidate for it. I've been blessed to work at three incredible institutions in two of the best leagues in the country, and in both cases it's the people who make them great. I have always loved this profession and the people in it, and to get that love back is really gratifying.” — Mike Mahoney, 2026 CSC Arch Ward Award recipient

Mike Mahoney has spent more than 20 years at the University of Pennsylvania, following six years at his alma mater, Dartmouth College, and six years at Northwestern University. He has served on CSC’s Division I Cabinet since its inception and has been chair for the last three years. He is also vice chair of the organization’s Academic All-America Committee.

Mahoney also spent more than a decade overseeing Philly-SIDA, an organization that includes the athletic communications staffs of 30 institutions in the Philadelphia region. He is a 2025 recipient of CSC’s President’s Award and has won 18 awards in the Fred Stabley Jr. Writing Contest.
 

Chas Dorman, Princeton University Associate Director of Athletics/Communications, 2020 CSC Rising Star Award: “When it comes to making lasting contributions to our field, Mike Mahoney ranks among the very best CSC has to offer. His care and concern for our organization as a whole and for our membership as individuals is remarkable in both scope and impact. He has a tremendous ability to identify and develop talented young professionals, simultaneously leading by example in how to 'be a pro' while allowing his staff to find their own voice in an ever-changing career.”

Matthew Panto, Ivy League Associate Executive Director, CSC First Vice President: “No matter the topic, Mike's immediate inclination in any conversation is to empower others and do his part to help advance our profession generally. His contributions — through personal relationships, everyday work and his professional demeanor — are exemplary and impactful to many today and for generations to come.”

Larry Dougherty, Temple University Sr Associate AD (retired), CSC Hall of Famer / Past President / multi-Special Awards honoree: “Mike Mahoney is truly deserving of the Arch Ward Award, as he is one of the top professionals in our industry. Besides his amazing career, including the last 20 years as Director of Athletic Communications at the University of Pennsylvania, he has mentored so many young CSC members and has helped honor countless student-athletes as the leader of Philly-SIDA for over a decade.”

Mex Carey, Michigan State University Associate Director, Athletic Communications/Men's Basketball, 2019 CSC 25-Year Award: “Mike Mahoney interviewed me first for my first internship out of college (I didn't get it) but that started a relationship dating back 30 years. I looked up to him when I first started in the business, he became a trusted colleague and, above all else, one of my best friends in life. Mike's devotion to our profession and its growth is second-to-none. He is one of the great communicators in our business and his commitment to his student-athletes and to our profession makes him a perfect recipient of this prestigious honor.”