Journalism Program Announced Schafer and Rowley Award Winners

Schafer and Rowley Award winners: Danielle Modica and Shawn Ness


The Journalism Program in the Department of Communication at the University at Albany proudly announces the exceptional achievements of two talented students, Danielle Modica and Shawn Ness. They have been awarded Schafer and Rowley Awards, respectively, in recognition of their remarkable journalistic work. 

Danielle Modica from Dumont, NJ has been honored with the Ronald R. Schafer Memorial Fund Scholarship. This award recognizes Danielle as the exceptional graduating senior in Journalism for her remarkable articles delving into the underground music scene in New York and her influential role as the Editor-in-Chief of the Albany Student Press. To explore Danielle Modica's work, visit her website

Shawn Ness from New Paltz, NY has been awarded the William E. Rowley Award for Journalistic Writing. This award celebrates Shawn's reporting on Dr. David Carpenter, a testament to his exceptional skills and dedication to the craft of journalism. As a Copy Editor at the Albany Student Press, Shawn has consistently showcased his commitment to the mission of journalism.

The Schafer and Rowley award competitions are held annually to recognize outstanding student writers. To participate in the competitions, students need to fill out an application form and submit their work via email to Program Director. The Journalism Program faculty evaluate submissions and select winners. The awards not only celebrate recipients' exceptional work but also provide a competitive edge in their career pursuits.

The Journalism Program faculty extend sincere appreciation to all the applicants who participated in the competitions. Each submission exemplified the talent and potential of the next generation of journalists, making the selection process highly competitive.

To learn more about the Schafer and Rowley Awards, visit the Department of Communication website