Francisco Suarez – associate professor in the communications studies department – has been recognized for his hard work and dedication –- both on and off campus –- in three recent public acknowledgments. 

Most recently, the Academy of Interactivity and Visual Arts has awarded "From Suarez's Basement" – Suarez’s podcast – with the W3 Silver Award under the Best Individual Episode and Television and Film category, for his episode with Declan Lowney, the director of the hit TV show "Ted Lasso." 

According to the academy’s release, they receive thousands of entries annually from around the world and recognize outstanding websites, online marketing, web videos, mobile sites, apps, social media, podcasts and emerging technologies created by some of the best digital content creators in the industry. The W3 Awards brands themselves as the first major digital competition to be accessible to well-known agencies, small firms, and all creators in between. 

Suarez also won the New York State Broadcasters Association award titled the “Serving New York” award for his work as director of the SUNY Oswego and WCNY Visual Storytelling Summer Camp Program in downtown Syracuse. The free camp, held for the first time this year, was designed to teach the fundamentals of video production and the power of storytelling to middle school-aged students, hoping to make this education accessible to those from underprivileged communities in the Syracuse City School District.

In an Instagram post, Suarez said the award recognized his partnership with WCNY, the supporting Central New York Community Foundation and the hard work of the kids participating in the camp.

Suarez was also recognized recently for this work on News Channel 9 WSYR as part of their programming for Hispanic Heritage Month. Suarez spoke about his work at the Visual Storytelling Summer Camp Program, as well as his upbringing, finding his life purpose and his time teaching at Oswego.

In the News Channel 9 special, Suarez spoke about his career journey and his experience working with the students.

“You go through life trying to figure out what is the purpose of your life, at least for me that’s important, and I’ve found it,” said Suarez. “Yes, working for MTV or HBO was an amazing experience for me… It brought me where I am today, but no job has given me more satisfaction than what I do today at SUNY Oswego.”