Aubrie Przybysz Receives Skookum Award at Western New England University

2014 Nov 7

Aubrie Przybysz of Terryville, CT, was recently named a recipient of the Skookum Award, an honor presented by Western New England University's Alumni Association. The Skookum is awarded to students who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in all their endeavors: academics, co-curricular activities, sports, and community service. "Skookum" is the Native American Chinook Indian word meaning "excellence." Przybysz was one of 15 outstanding senior students to receive the award.

Majoring in Communication with an emphasis on Media Theory and Production Przybysz is recognized on the President's and Dean's Lists, as well as a member of Alpha Lambda Delta, Lambda Pi Eta and Omnicron Delta Kappa honor societies. Przybysz has served two terms as the President of Western New England's Dance Team. As a contestant in the Miss American Organization, Przybysz is the current Miss Pioneer Valley, serving and representing the immediate Springfield and surrounding areas. Through this organizations she promotes her personal platform, Social Media: Putting your Best Foot Forward, focusing on promoting responsible use of social media networks.

Przybysz interned at the local ABC affiliate WGGB-ABC40/FOX 6 during her junior year, during which she wrote for the news show, conducted interviews for developing stories and recorded her own material on camera. Przybysz has been honored with the recognition as the Communication Department Student of Excellence, National Residence Hall Honorary Student of the Month and received the William Cavanaugh Student Award from the Publicity Club of New England. Upon graduation, Przybysz will endeavor to become a news reporter and multimedia journalist in the Springfield area.

Western New England University is a private, independent, coeducational institution founded in 1919. Located on an attractive 215-acre suburban campus in Springfield, Massachusetts, Western New England serves 3,800 students, including 2,500 full-time undergraduate students. Undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs are offered through Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, Engineering, Pharmacy, and the School of Law.