The Department of Communication recognized the careers and contributions of three alumni at an award ceremony on May 1, 2025. Each honoree took the stage at the Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House to receive a framed etching of their name on Senior Walk and to deliver brief remarks to the audience.

Elizabeth Ashley Clayborn, who graduated with a master's degree from the department in 2018, was awarded the Early Career Alumni Award. Clayborn has harnessed her education and research background in rhetorical studies to become a data-driven storyteller. 

On the academic front, Clayborn has won two national top master's thesis awards, published an academic article as well as two book reviews, and presented eight research papers at conferences, two of which won top paper awards. Beyond her academic success, Clayborn has held a number of notable public-facing positions in the state of Arkansas and currently works as an engagement and donor relations specialist at the Oxford American magazine. Her former advisor and nominator Ryan Neville-Shepard wrote, "Ashley lives her life under the motto of 'Arkansas is worth fighting for.' She does so every day, and we should be deeply proud of her work."

Marlena Sweeney-Bond was recognized as one of two 2025 recipients of the Outstanding Alumni Award. Sweeney-Bond earned both a bachelor's and master's degree from the department. She has gone on to have an impressive career in corporate merchandizing and strategic communication. Sweeney-Bond currently holds the position of merchandising vice president in seasonal & celebrations at Walmart, where she has worked since 2009.

Outside of her professional life, Sweeney-Bond is devoted to serving the community. She is the chair of the Jones Center Development Council, has organized multiple events for the American Heart Association, and works to support numerous other charitable organizations, including the Special Olympics and Autism Involves Me. Her nominator Edward Fryar summarized, "I have had the pleasure of working with Ms. Bond in a variety of endeavors and am continually impressed with her ability, compassion, and spirit for each cause in which she is engaged."

Anita Hutchinson was also honored as a 2025 recipient of the Outstanding Alumni Award. Hutchinson earned her bachelor's degree from the department and has gone on to have a distinguished 19-year career at UMe Credit Union, which is headquartered in Burbank, California. Hutchinson currently works on UMe's executive team as chief marketing officer and vice president of marketing.

Beyond the professional realm, Hutchinson dedicates her time to public service. She has served on the boards of Leadership Burbank and the Burbank Police Foundation, provides pro bono marketing counsel to nonprofits, and has been a long-time financial supporter of the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Her nominators Laura Jacobs and Katy Nelson-Grinder wrote, "Anita exemplifies the qualities of leadership, innovation, and service that this award seeks to recognize."

The chair of the department, Matthew Spialek, praised the honorees for "exemplifying how the communication major prepares students to ethically and effectively tackle a variety of careers and to strategically adapt to new and evolving contexts."