Awards

Radio Hofstra University

A half century of award winning student broadcasters providing outstanding public service to the community.

A brief sampling of accomplishments:

• The New York Women in Communications Foundation - Matrix Award Scholarship - Claudia Balthazar - Hofstra - 2013
• Gracie Award - Outstanding Interview Program or Feature "A Victim Speaks Out" - Produced by Shannan Ferry - WRHU-FM - 2013
• Princeton Review - Best College Radio Station - WRHU FM Radio Hofstra University - 6th Place National Competition - 2012
• Associated Press Bill Leaf Memorial Award best regularly scheduled local news program - First Place - WRHU FM Newsline airdate November10th, 2011 - Matt Ryan, Patrick Neely, Matt Napolitano, Melissa Raff - 2012
• Associated Press Bill Leaf Memorial Award best regularly scheduled local news program - finalist - WRHU FM Newsline, December 7th, 2011 -Farhan Husain, Kristen Maldonado, Christine Neumann, Bill Goodenough - 2012
• Associated Press Best Radio News Story - Finalist - "Occupy Wall Street" Farhan Husain -WRHU-FM - 2012
• Associated Press Best Radio Sports Story - Finalist - "WRHU Signs the NY Islanders" WRHU Staff - WRHU-FM - 2012
• Sportscasters Talent Agency of America - Top College Radio Broadcaster National Rankings Honorable Mention - Kevin Dexter - 2012
• Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences On The Red Carpet College Journalist Contest - Jackie De Tore, Beth Laschever and Melanie Rubin First Place - Hofstra - 2012
• MTV - Woodie Award - Top 25 College Radio Station - WRHU FM - 2012
• Society of Professional Journalists - Mark of Excellence Award - Second Place – Best Radio Newscast – WRHU - 2012
• Princeton Review - Best College Radio Station - WRHU FM Radio Hofstra University - 5th Place National Competition - 2011
• Associated Press Bill Leaf Memorial Award best regularly scheduled local news program - Finalist - WRHU - FM Newsline, air date 3/16/11. Producer: Matt Napolitano. Anchors: Jackie DeTore, Farhan Husain. Engineer: Veronica Kennedy - 2011
• Associated Press Bill Leaf Memorial Award best regularly scheduled local news program - Finalist - WRHU - FM Newsline, air date 3/2511. Producer: John Santucci. Anchors: John Santucci, Maria Betzios. Engineer: Phil Eslick - 2011
• Associated Press Best Radio News Story - Finalist - "Ground Zero Mosque," Farhan Husain -WRHU-FM - 2011
• Press Club of Long Island - College Journalist of the Year - Maria Betzios - WRHU - 2011
• Society of Professional Journalists - Mark of Excellence Award - Third Place – Best Radio Sports Reporting – Anthony Barra - WRHU - 2011
• Society of Professional Journalists - Mark of Excellence Award – First Place - Best All Around Radio Newscast – WRHU Newsline - 2011
• Society of Professional Journalists - Mark of Excellence Award Finalist – Best Radio Sports Reporting – Anthony Barra - WRHU - 2011
• Society of Professional Journalists - Mark of Excellence Award Finalist – Best All Around Radio Newscast – WRHU Newsline - 2011
• MTV - Woodie Award - Top 25 College Radio Station - WRHU FM - 2011
• MTVu Oscars Red Carpet Correspondent Contest - First Place - Luz Pena - Hofstra / WRHU - 2011
• Alliance for Women in Media 36th Annual Gracie Award - Outstanding Soft News Feature - "She's the First" - Liz Weeden - WRHU FM - 2011
• Collegiate Broadcasters Inc. - Best Station Promo - finalist -"Flash" - Greg Pocali & Rich Cavallaro - WRHU - 2010
• Collegiate Broadcasting Inc - Best Newscast – finalist - “Newsline February 17 2010" – WRHU News Team - 2010
• Collegiate Broadcasting Inc - Best Play By Play –finalist - “Hofstra Men’s Basketball @ Northeastern” Mike Leslie & Mitch Merman – WRHU – 2010
• Collegiate Broadcasting Inc - Best Sports Reporting – finalist -“Gina Villante Championship” Kyle Geesaman – WRHU - 2010
• Associated Press Bill Leaf Memorial Award best regularly scheduled local news program - Finalist - WRHU-FM Newsline, air date Dec. 21, 2009 - Hosts John Santucci and Maria Betzios - 2010
• Associated Press Bill Leaf Memorial Award best regularly scheduled local news program - Finalist - WRHU-FM Newsline, air date Feb. 17, 2010 - Host John Santucci - 2010
• Associated Press Best Radio News Story - Finalist - WRHU-FM - "Red Becomes Blue" - John Santucci - 2010
• Society of Professional Journalists - Mark of Excellence Award - National Winner - Radio News Reporting - Red Becomes Blue - John Santucci - 2010
• Sportscasters Talent Agency of America - Top College Radio Broadcaster National Rankings honorable mention - Jonathan Lauder - 2010
• Sportscasters Talent Agency of America - Top College Radio Broadcaster National Rankings honorable mention - Mike Leslie - 2010
• Press Club of Long Island - Best Radio News Reporting - “Long Island Alliance for Peace” - Veronica Kennedy WRHU - Finalist - 2010
• Press Club of Long Island - Best Radio News Reporting - “Red Becomes Blue” - John Santucci - WRHU - Finalist - 2010
• Press Club of Long Island - Best Radio News Feature - “Fast Food” - Veronica Kennedy - WRHU - Finalist - 2010
• Press Club of Long Island - Best Radio Public Affairs Show - “A League of Our Own: ‘Older Women Younger Men’” - Maria Betzios, Jeff Herman and Fran Spencer - WRHU - Finalists - 2010
• Press Club of Long Island - College Journalist of the Year - John Santucci - WRHU - Finalist - 2010
• Fair Media Council of Long Island - First Place FOLIO Award Radio News Special Issues Reporting - WRHU FM Long Island Community Spotlight "Distracted While Driving" Hosted by Basia & Marc Wiener - WRHU - 2010
• TALKERS New Media Seminar - Young American Broadcasters (YAB) Scholarship - Jason Goldstein - 2010
• Society of Professional Journalists - Mark of Excellence Award Finalist – Best Radio Sports Reporting – Mitch Merman - WRHU - 2010
• Society of Professional Journalists - Mark of Excellence Award Finalist – Best Radio News Reporting - John Santucci - WRHU – 2010
• Society of Professional Journalists - Mark of Excellence Award Finalist – Best All Around Radio Newscast – WRHU Newsline - 2010
• Society of Professional Journalists - Mark of Excellence Award Finalist – Best Radio Feature- Mike Manzoni - WRHU – 2010
• Society of Professional Journalists - Mark of Excellence Award Finalist – Best Radio Feature- John Santucci - WRHU – 2010
• Hearst Journalism National Competition – Radio News Round 1 Competition - 2nd Place – John Santucci – 2009 - 2010
• Radio Television Digital News Foundation (RTDNF) - President’s Scholarship - John Santucci – 2009
• Town of Hempstead Proclamation - 11/7/09 as "WRHU Day" to commemorate 50 years of service to the community - 2009
• Collegiate Broadcasters Inc. - Best Sports Play By Play – Hofstra at ODU CAA Quarterfinals - Siddique Farooqi & Mike Leslie – 2009
• Collegiate Broadcasters Inc. - Best Sports Reporting – Mike Leslie – 2009
• Associated Press Bill Leaf Memorial Award best regularly scheduled local news program - First Place - WRHU Newsline air date March 17, 2009 - Michael Finkelstein, John Santucci, Meghan Valenti, Michael Manzoni - 2009
• Associated Press Bill Leaf Memorial Award best regularly scheduled local news program - Second Place - WRHU Newsline air date March 30, 2009 - Veronica Kennedy, Michael Leslie, Kim Saltmarsh, Samantha Manning - 2009
• Sportscasters Talent Agency of America - Top College Radio Broadcaster National Rankings 5h place - Siddique Farooqi - 2009
• Sportscasters Talent Agency of America - Top College Radio Broadcaster National Rankings 14th place - Mike Leslie - 2009
• Sportscasters Talent Agency of America - Top College Radio Broadcaster National Rankings honorable mention - Jonathan Lauder - 2009
• Hearst Journalism National Competition – Semi-Finalist Radio News – John Santucci – 2009
• Society of Professional Journalists - Mark of Excellence Award First Place – WRHU Newsline – 2009
• The Association for Women in Communications - First Place Clarion Award - Women's Issues Radio Program Category - Fran Spencer "A League of Our Own" - 2009
• Press Club of Long Island - Non-Deadline News Reporting - First Place - John Santucci - 2009
• Press Club of Long island - Radio Feature Reporting - Second Place - Jenn Cefalu - 2009
• Press Club of Long Island - Sports Reporting - Second Place - Mike Leslie, Siddique Farroqi and Jon Lauder - 2009
• Eastern Communication Association / 100th Annual Convention - Top Undergraduate Poster Award - Andrea Klerides - 2009
• International Association of Business Communicators - Communications Student Achievement Award - Kim Saltmarsh - 2009
• MTV - Woodie Award - Top 25 College Radio Station - WRHU FM - 2009
• Town of Hempstead Citation in recognition of being honored as' Woman of the Year' - Rosa Magarelli - 2009
• RTNDA (Radio TV News Directors Association) - First Place Journalism Competition - Kim Saltmarsh - 2008
• Hearst Journalism National Competition – First Place Radio News - Lauren Brookmeyer – 2008
• Hearst Journalism National Competition – Semi-Finalist Radio News – Brian Bohl – 2008
• Hearst Journalism National Competition – Semi-Finalist Radio News – Amanda Kenney – 2008
• Hearst Journalism National Competition – Semi-Finalist Radio News - Andrea Klerides – 2008
• Hearst Journalism National Competition – Semi Finalist Radio Feature Broadcast – Kim Saltmarsh - 2008
• Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State – Fulbright Fellowship – Mario Murillo - 2008
• Cavan Association of New York – Crystal Trophy Commemorating 25 Years of Broadcasting Excellence and Community Service – Tony Jackson - 2008
• Associated Press New York State Broadcasters Association - First Place Best Regularly Scheduled News Program - WRHU Newsline / Alex Dollin Producer – 2008
• Associated Press New York State Broadcasters Association - First Place Radio News Feature - WRHU – 2008
• Press Club of Long Island -- First Place Award Radio - Kim Saltmarsh - 2008
• Barnstable Broadcasting WHLI AM - Dean Anthony Memorial Scholarship - Kris Ortiz - 2008
• Office of the Mayor, Inc. Village of Mineola - Proclamation for being honored as Parent of the Year by The Corpus Christi School Board and contributions to the community - Giovanna Auriemma – 2008
• Nassau County Department of Recreation & Parks – Community Service Medal – Tony Jackson – 2008
• Town of Hempstead - Certificate of Recognition for dedication to the Italian-American Community - Giovanna Auriemma - 2008
• The Grand Lodge of New York, Order Sons of Italy in America. -- Certificate of Appreciation for "untiring efforts / devotion to Italian-Americans and fostering a positive image for all Italian-Americans" - Giovanna Auriemma - 2008
• Associated Press New York State Broadcasters Association - First Place Best College News Story – Lauren Brookmeyer - 2007
• Long Island Press Club – First Place Feature Story Category – Lauren Brookmeyer - 2007
• Long Island Press Club– First Place Radio Arts Category – Lauren Brookmeyer - 2007
• The Association of Italian-American Educators (AIAE). -- Educator of the Year Award -- Giovanna Auriemma - 2007
• Hearst Journalism National Competition – Second Place Radio News – Kim Saltmarsh – 2007
• Fair Media Council of Long Island – First Place FOLIO Award – Matt Shortis – 2007
• Fair Media Council of Long Island - First Place FOLIO Award – Long Island Community Spotlight / Basia & Marc Wiener - 2007
• Irish American Center of Nassau Suffolk and Queens -- Appreciation Award -- Eileen Cronin -- 2007
• Town of Hempstead – Certificate of Recognition Outstanding News Coverage for Town of Hempstead and Surrounding Areas – WRHU News Team & Bruce Avery -- 2007
• Queens County Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians -- Irish Heritage and Culture Award -- Eileen Cronin -- 2007
• New York State Associated Press Award: -- Best News Story Radio Competition – Brian Bohl – 2007
• HCLS -- Hofstra’s Distinguished Teaching Award – David Green – 2007
• Nassau County Office of County Executive -- Certificate of Appreciation for contributions to life in Nassau County -- Eileen Cronin -- 2007
• Padre Pio Prayer Group of St Brigid Westbury N.Y. – Certificate of Appreciation - Nino & Rosa Magarelli - 2007
• The March Of Dimes Golden Apple Award - Paula Curci / Calliopes Corner - 2007
• Fair Media Council of Long Island – First Place FOLIO Award – Brian Bohl - 2006
• Pope Benedict XVI -- Apostolic Blessing Certificate (signed by the Pope) for over 20 years of volunteer service to the Italian-American Community. -- Giovanna Auriemma - 2006
• St. Anthony Italian Benevolent Society – Award for Outstanding Service to the LI Community -- Nino & Rosa Magarelli – 2006
• Irish American Society of Nassau, Suffolk, & Queens – Community Service Award – Tony Jackson – 2006
• The Special Olympics New York Committee – Certificate of Appreciation - Fran Spencer – 2005
• Peoples Republic of Poland - Merit Cross (the highest Polish decoration that can be bestowed upon a foreign subject) - Basia – 2005
• Hearst Journalism National Competition – Second Place Radio News – Andrew Falzon – 2005
• Fair Media Council of Long Island – First Place FOLIO Award – Basia – 2005
• RTNDA (Radio TV News Directors Association) - Journalism Award – Jeff Preval – 2005
• Nassau County Department of Recreation & Parks – Community Service Citation – Tony Jackson - 2005
• Fair Media Council of Long Island – First Place FOLIO Award – 2004
• L'Esperienza Magazine. -- The Star Trophy for "exemplifying the Italian-American experience” - Giovanna Auriemma - 2004
• Fair Media Council of Long Island - First Place Folio Award – Long Island Community Spotlight / Basia & Jerry Urbach - 2003
• Glen Cove St. Patrick Day Parade - Grand Marshall - Tony Jackson – 2003
• Collegiate Broadcasters Inc. - Best Sports Reporting – Andrew Falzon – 2002
• Fair Media Council of Long Island – First Place FOLIO Award – 2002
• Collegiate Broadcasters Inc. - Best News Reporting – Andrew Falzon - 2002
• Press Club of Long Island – 1st place Radio Public Affairs - Michael Rivello, LJ Zabielski, Bruce Avery - 2001
• Dublin Society of New York - Man of the Year - Tony Jackson – 2001
• Irish Voice Newspaper – Dreamer of Dreams Trophy – Tony Jackson – 2000

• ^ 2000's

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• Polish Gift of Life Inc. – Award for promoting Polish culture - Basia – 1999
• Office of the Executive of Nassau County, Thomas Gulotta -- Nassau County Commendation for "exemplary display of human compassion in promoting the effort to help the families of Fabio Privitera and Carlo Lamanna." – Giovanna Auriemma – 1998
• Tiro A Segno of New York. -- On the Target Award - Giovanna Auriemma - 1998
• Village of Stewart Manor – Citation for Public Service – Eileen Cronin and Pat Thompson - 1997
• Nassau County Department of Recreation & Parks – Community Service Citation – Tony Jackson - 1997
• Nassau County Executive Tom Gulotta – Polish Advisory Committee Community Service Award - Basia – 1997
• Nassau County Department of Recreation & Parks – Community Service Citation – Tony Jackson - 1996
• Irish American Society of Nassau, Suffolk, & Queens – Community Service Award – Tony Jackson – 1995
• Nassau County – Community Service Citation for enhancing the quality of life in Nassau County - Basia - 1995
• National Broadcasting Society Alpha Epsilon Rho Freedom States Convention – First Place Student Audio Competition – Butch D’Ambrosio 1995
• Marconi College Radio Award - 1995
• National Student Script Writing Competition – Butch D’Ambrosio – 1995
• National Association of College Broadcasters – First Place On-Air Promo Public Service Announcement– J. Murphy, T. Packer, S. Smolev - 1994
• National Association of College Broadcasters – News Reporting Award – Election Night Broadcast – 1994
• National Association of College Broadcasters –Public Affairs / Magazine Program Award – 1994
• National Association of College Broadcasters –Creative Audio Production –Todd Packer– 1994
• National Broadcasting Society Alpha Epsilon Rho Freedom States Convention – Grand Prize Audio Production Competition – Todd Packer and Jen Murphy- 1994
• Polish American World Newspaper Appreciation Award -1994
• Marconi College Radio Award – First Place Outstanding Programming Achievement – 1993
• National Broadcasting Society Alpha Epsilon Rho National Student Production Award Competition – Grand Prize Audio, Drama Program –Allison Skornick, Steve Infield – 1993
• National Broadcasting Society Alpha Epsilon Rho Freedom States Convention – Grand Prize Audio Production Competition – Todd Packer and Jen Murphy- 1993
• National Association of College Broadcasters –First Place NACB Creative Production – 1993
• Nassau County Department of Recreation & Parks – Community Service Citation – Tony Jackson - 1993
• Irish American Society of Nassau, Suffolk, & Queens – Community Service Award – Tony Jackson – 1992
• The Interep Radio Store College Radio Awards – 1st Place Best Creative Production – 1992
• New York State Bar Association Media Awards – Certificate of Merit for constructive journalism - 1992
• Marconi College Radio Award – First Place Outstanding Programming Achievement - 1992
• Nassau County Department of Recreation & Parks – Community Service Citation – Tony Jackson - 1992
• The Interep Radio Store College Radio Awards - Best Programming - 1991
• The Interep Radio Store College Radio Awards – College Station of the Year Finalist – 1991
• Generoso D'Agnese, Carnivale Irpino Group.- Award for service to the local Italian Community – Giovanna Auriemma - 1991
• Town of North Hempstead Proclamation 1990
• Irish American Society of Nassau, Suffolk, & Queens – Community Service Award – Tony Jackson – 1990

• ^ 1990's

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• Éire Og Gaelic Club of Long Island – Community Service Award – Tony Jackson – 1989
• Town of Hempstead - Certificate of Merit Outstanding Public Service – 1987
• Plainview Old Bethpage School District – Certificate of Appreciation for Public Service - 1987
• Nassau County Department of Recreation & Parks – Community Service Citation – Tony Jackson - 1987
• Nassau County Department of Recreation & Parks – Community Service Citation – Tony Jackson - 1986
• Garden City St. Patrick Day Parade - Grand Marshall - Tony Jackson – 1986
• Polish American World – Citizen of the Year Award for promoting awareness of Polish activities in the community – Basia – 1985
• Irish American Society of Nassau, Suffolk, & Queens - Presidential Award – Tony Jackson – 1985
• Nassau County Office of Employment & Training – Certificate of Recognition Outstanding Contributions to Neighborhood Youth Corps - 1980

• ^ 1980's

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• March of Dimes – Certificate of Appreciation Outstanding Public Service – 1979
• Town of North Hempstead Proclamation - 1978
• Council of Churches City of New York Department of Communications – Award for Outstanding Contribution to Local Community - 1978
• American Cancer Society – Award of Excellence Outstanding Assistance Cause of Cancer Control – 1978
• Town of North Hempstead Proclamation – 1976
• The Advertising Council Inc. – Citation of Honor for Public Service - 1976
• Jazz Heritage Society – Certificate of Commendation – 1975
• New York State Drug Abuse Control Commission – Certificate of Appreciation Outstanding Public Service - 1974
• National Association of FM Broadcasters -- Finalist / Armstrong Awards -- WVHC Documentary "Spread The Word: The Story of Louie Lomax" / Kev Reilly – 1970
• American Association of Retired Persons – Public Service Award – 1970
• Pi Delta Epsilon - Sam Gibel Award for Best Freshman Journalist -- Kev Reilly - 1970

• ^ 1970's

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• American Association of Retired Persons – Public Service Award – 1969
• Pi Delta Epsilon Journalism Competition – First Place News Documentary Category - 1968
• Town of North Hempstead Proclamation - 1968
• Kiwanis International - Testimonial of Appreciation – 1963