AMHERST, N.Y. – The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District II has recognized Paula Witherell, director of institutional communications at Daemen College, with a 2020 Silver Accolade Award for Excellence in General News Writing. The award was presented at this year’s CASE District II conference held in February in Baltimore.

She has previously been honored by CASE District II with Accolade Awards in news writing, electronic newsletters, and crisis communications. Her work in higher education communications and public relations has also earned her several gold, silver, and bronze Excalibur Awards from the Public Relations Society of America Buffalo Niagara chapter, including a 2019 Silver Excalibur Award in media relations and a Bronze Award in press conferences.

In other honors, Witherell was previously named an Am-Pol Eagle Citizen of the Year for Media and is a Cheektowaga Central School District 2015 Wall of Fame inductee in honor of her outstanding professional achievements.

A West Seneca resident, Witherell received a master’s certificate in public relations and communications strategic management and a bachelor’s degree in communications, both from SUNY Buffalo State. She is also a graduate of the Western New York Consortium for Higher Education’s Women’s Leadership Institute.