by Sydney Miller

The 2021 Arthur W. Page Center Awards recognize leaders who dedicate their careers to communicating information to the public. Their biggest goals throughout the year are to strengthen trust with the public and honoring those who are a part of that goal by working with scholars around the world. This award ceremony recognized four individuals for their careers of ethically and responsibly communicating with the public by receiving a Larry Foster Award for Integrity in Public Communication. 

The first honoree of the night, Dr. Anthony Fauci, is a long-time Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Dr. Fauci’s first piece of advice given during his speech was, “Know your audience.” As a Social Media Management major, I feel as if this is one of, if not the most important information for creating content. If one does not know who they are creating or designing for, it can be hard to curate work. 

The next honoree was Bill Heyman, who is the founder and CEO of Heyman Associates. His company is responsible for filling top communications roles for some of the most recognized brands in the world. Heyman states that he lives by his mother’s advice of valuing and cultivating relationships, while also recognizing the importance of character. Being a college student, you are always told that these years should be all about networking. While social media revolves entirely around people, it is important to make those connections and surround yourself that will not only help your future but better you as a person. 

Later we heard remarks made by Eugene Robinson, Editor, and Columnist at the Washington Post, who focuses on politics and culture in his twice-a-week posts. When asked a question about what tips Robinson had for recent communication graduates on remaining honest and ethical, he stated: “You know what’s right and what’s wrong. There is the right job out there for you and if the one you have now is not the right, there are lots of people who will help you find the right one.” Not only in the field of public relations, but in any field, it is important to enjoy your job and want to do the ethical thing no matter the circumstance. 

For the last honoree for the Page Center Awards, we heard from Judy Woodruff, Anchor and managing editor of PBS NewsHour (fun fact: Woodruff has covered every presidential election since 1976). During this ceremony, we learn that Woodruff has been quoted to say, “There is no such thing as objectivity, but that you do your best to be fair.” Personally, I feel that that is such an important aspect when it comes to any job or lifestyle. In day-to-day encounters, judgment should be based on observations and uninfluenced by emotions or personal prejudices.

Sydney Miller is a social media management student from Mount Juliet, Tennessee and is a member of Belmont University’s class of 2022.