The Corporation for New Jersey Local Media (CNJLM) honored The Setonian with a Student College/University Impact in Journalism Award at the fifth annual Byrne Kean dinner at the Park Avenue Club on Nov. 18, “for its courageous reporting on sexual abuse and accountability on campus,” according to CNJLM.
“The judges for the impact in New Jersey Journalism Awards cited the courage and integrity of Seton Hall University senior Sofia Kasbo, managing editor of The Setonian, and her fellow staffers in reporting on allegations of sexual abuse while serving previously as the leader of two New Jersey seminaries,” CNJLM wrote in a newspaper handed out at the Byrne Kean dinner.
CNJLM also honored accomplished and proficient reporting efforts by The Setonian’s editor-in-chief, former head news editor and former editor-in-chief.
“In addition to Kasbo, key reporting on the issue was contributed by Dominique Mercadante, now The Setonian’s editor-in-chief, Jacqueline Litowinsky and Rachel Suazo,” CNJLM wrote.
The 2025 Byrne Kean dinner “recognizes impactful reporting and civic leadership that strengthen New Jersey’s communities and democracy” and features the recipients of the NJ Journalism Impact Awards.
Mercadante and Suazo attended the dinner to accept the award. While accepting the award, the leader and former-leader of The Setonian spoke about what the award means to the publication and recognized their hard work.
“Journalism, at its core, is about giving voice to the voiceless and holding our leaders accountable. It is not an easy task but it is a necessary one,” Suazo said.
“We dedicate this award to the survivors of abuse, for their voices matter and deserve to be heard and respected,” Suazo added.
“What should journalists do when national media uncover serious allegations against the president of your university? The staff of The Setonian did what we journalism educators say all journalists should do: pursue and report the truth without fear or favor,” said Kim Parson, professor emeritus of the department of communication, journalism and film, The College of New Jersey.
“The Setonian’s coverage of allegations that the University's president failed to respond appropriately to evidence of sexual abuse at the University's seminary and theology school did just that,” she added.
Parson noted how The Setonian editors worked hard to obtain relevant documents and statements to report both sides of the allegations in the press.
“As undergraduate students, it can be daunting to do this kind of accountability reporting on the upper echelons of your university,” she said. “It's even more intimidating when the story you are covering has the attention of powerful people and institutions far beyond your campus, such as the Vatican and international advocacy groups.”
“That the students were able to maintain their focus on ensuring that all the relevant information about this important matter is disclosed, especially condemnable,” she added.
Suazo also noted the difficulty in reporting on this subject matter, applauding The Setonian in her acceptance speech.
“I want to also recognize the current Setonian leadership for their hard work and tenacity to carry on The Setonian’s mission of delivering news with a sense of integrity, honesty, and urgency in mind,” Suazo said. “As well as their dedication and fearlessness in continuing to hold the university accountable and demand that these leaders deliver the transparency they owe to the university community.”
Mercadante recognized Kasbo, Litowinsky, and Arias, who were unable to attend, for their dedication in reporting.. She acknowledged Litowinsky’s recent article, noting that The Setonian intends to continue pursuing sex abuse-related stories.
The newspaper handout also showcased Kasbo’s student reaction article on Msgr. Reilly's allegations.
Last year, The Setonian published eight articles on sex abuse:
"Board of Regents chair backs President Msgr. Reilly as allegations stir controversy"
"Former Newark priest protests against sexual abuse outside campus gates"
"Controversy surrounding Msgr. Reilly continues as archbishop orders a new investigation"
"Students express concern, frustration over Msgr. Reilly allegations"
"Seton Hall sues former president Joseph Nyre, claiming he leaked Msgr. Reilly documents"
"NJ Supreme Court decision paves way for investigation into Catholic clergy sex abuse allegations"
A special thank you to Vice Chair Alex Ranger and CNJLM for this honor. The current editorial board of The Setonian also thanks the former editor-in-chief, Suazo, and former managing editor, Esmeralda Arias, and faculty adviser Dr. Matthew Pressman for their leadership and support.
