Professor of Communication Sciences Lauren Calandruccio and her collaborator Jessica Sullivan, assistant professor at Hampton University, have been named recipients of the 2025 Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CAPCSD) Excellence in Diversity Award.

This award recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of communication sciences and disorders, with Calandruccio and Sullivan being awarded for their work developing and directing the Innovative Mentoring through Professional Advancement and Cultural Training (IMPACT) program.

“It is a true honor. Over the past five years, IMPACT has provided structured, year-long mentorship for over 50 students,” Calandruccio said. “Our students, who we refer to as IMPACT Fellows, have had great success leveraging mentorship relationships to support their successes in their professional development and journeys.”

They will receive the award at the CAPCSD conference in Atlanta on Friday, April 25.