ANNUAL REPORT2016–2017

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

President’s Letter...........................................................................................3National Committee.......................................................................................4Events.........................................................................................................5–7

PRSSA 2016 Leadership Rally....................................................................5PRSSA 2016 National Conference............................................................5PRSSA International Outreach..................................................................6PRSSA 2017 National Assembly................................................................6PRSSA 2017 Regional Conferences..........................................................7

Community and Communication...................................................................8Social Media..............................................................................................8Progressions..............................................................................................8FORUM............................................................................................... ......8Website.....................................................................................................8

Professional Development.............................................................................9PRSA Associate Membership....................................................................9PRSSA Internship Center...........................................................................9PRSSA/PRSA Relationships.......................................................................9Student-run Firms......................................................................................9CreateAthon..............................................................................................9

Chapter Development.................................................................................10Chapters Chartered................................................................................10Pacesetter Chapter Recognition.............................................................10FUNdraising Bowl...................................................................................10Affiliate Membership...............................................................................10Chapter Diversity.....................................................................................10Chapter Ethics.........................................................................................10

Scholarships and Awards........................................................................11–13Chapter Awards.......................................................................................11Individual Awards..............................................................................11–12Scholarships.......................................................................................12–13Competitions...........................................................................................13

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PRESIDENT’S LETTER

The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) Annual Report pro-vides an abbreviated overview of the Society’s past year. This report features many of the achievements of our 351 Chapters and 10,471 members, as well as the accomplishments of our hardworking National Committee. Familiar events and updates can be found in the 2016–2017 Annual Report, but you also can find new inclusions on topics such as the launch of the new website, a recent visit to our Peru Chapter and CreateAthon.

During the 2016–2017 academic year, PRSSA members participated in na-tional events, National Initiatives and competitions, and utilized many other member benefits. By joining and engaging with PRSSA, our members are enhancing their education, broadening their network and getting ready to launch their careers — they are proof of the Society’s mission in action. This year, we solidified this mission alongside a new vision statement and strate-gic plan, as featured below:

Vision: PRSSA aspires to advance the public relations profession by developing ethically responsible pre-pro-fessionals who champion diversity, strive for an outstanding education and advocate for the profession.

Strategic Plan: Membership — Build a more robust and engaged community of public relations pre-profes-sionals. Grow the Society in numbers and in areas such as diversity, creativity and level of involvement. Recruit new universities and reinvigorate existing Chapters. Maintain PRSSA’s reputation as the foremost organization for pre-professional students interested in public relations and related fields. Encourage the pursuit of lifelong learning.

Leadership — Provide superior leadership training to all members and enhance professional growth with meaningful experiences both inside and outside of the classroom. Act as thoughtful leaders for the education and future of the profession. Keep pace with the quickly evolving nature of the profession and be innovative in advancing the Society. Lead the industry in ethics and diversity initiatives.

Service — Give back to local communities and professional organizations. Engage in pro-bono work through student-run firms and Chapters. Be an asset to members throughout their educational journey and beyond. Be approachable, honest and fair. Provide members with national, regional and local opportunities to net-work, share ideas and grow professionally.

Our members directly contributed to the successes highlighted in this report, and our Society’s progression is a result of their dedication to the public relations profession. I also would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the 2016–2017 PRSSA National Committee for the countless hours they gave to advance our Society as PRSSA approaches its 50th anniversary.

Serving as the PRSSA National President was an honor and I thank you for allowing me the opportunity. I hope this report offers a look at our successes this past year and inspires the next generation of PRSSA members.

Sincerely,

Emma FinkbeinerPRSSA 2016–2017 National President

Dear PRSSA Members and Friends of PRSSA,

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2016–2017 NATIONAL COMMITTEE

National President: Emma FinkbeinerImmediate Past President: Laura DaronatsyVice President of Advocacy: Andrew Cook

Vice President of Career Services: Sarah DoughertyVice President of Chapter Development: Victoria Leigh Ward

Vice President of Member Services: Jon KovachVice President of Professional Development: Liz Skeele

Vice President of Public Relations: Joshua LachicaVice President of Regional Conferences: Nicole Price

Publications Editor in Chief: Krista Watson

Not PicturedNational Professional Adviser: Kelly Davis, APR

National Faculty Adviser: Tina McCorkindale, Ph.D., APRPRSA 2016 Board Liaison: Jo Ann LeSage Nelson, APR

PRSA 2017 Board Liaison: Michelle Olson, APRExecutive Director of PRSSA: Jeneen Garcia

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EVENTS

PRSSA 2016 Leadership Rally: Scottsdale, ArizonaLeadership Rally is the foundation of a Chapter president’s and Nationally Affiliated Student-run Firm director’s successful term — a weekend of leadership training, networking and fun held each summer in Scottsdale, Arizona. Immediate Past President Laura Daronatsy served as chair of the 2016 Leadership Rally. This was the first year Nationally Affiliated Student-run Firm Directors were invited to attend the Rally. The PRSSA 2016 Leadership Rally featured:

• 101 attendees• Three keynote presentations from Abbie S. Fink, HMA Public Relations; Paula Pedene, APR, Fellow PRSA, Pedene Public Relations; and Brian Lott, executive director, group communications, Mubadala• Six sessions focused on equipping Chapter presidents and Nationally Affiliated Student-run Firm directors to lead successful terms

PRSSA 2016 National Conference: IndianapolisThe PRSSA 2016 National Conference, hosted by Ball State University and the University of Indianapolis, brought more than 1,118 PRSSA members, speakers and exhibitors to “The Crossroads of America” to dis-cuss industry trends, network with peers and profes-sionals, develop leadership skills and enhance their knowledge of the public relations profession. Attendees learned from networking events, profes-sional development sessions and keynote speakers. The event featured a keynote from Allison Melangton, senior vice president, Hulman Motorsports Corpora-tion, who notably served as the president and CEO of the 2012 Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee. Another highlight was the annual Living Legends panel, moderated by Brian Price, digital marketing manager at Starwood Retail Partners, and featuring Bridget Coffing, senior communications consultant and chief communications officer, emeritus, Mc-Donald’s Corporation; and Mike Fernandez, CEO - USA, Burson-Marsteller. A special session with Lauren Berger, known as “The Intern Queen,” also was hosted. Attendees participated in the Commu-nity Service Initiative by writing 550 letters to veter-ans that were delivered in person to the Richard L. Roudebush Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

The Conference featured four Chapter Development Sessions hosted by:

• Eastern Michigan University, “New Faces, Old Faces: Role Transitions From New Member to President”• Rowan University, “GRowan Pains: Successful-ly Recruit and Retain Chapter Members” • Drake University, “Not the Boss of You: A Guide to Leading Leaders”• Ohio University, “Two Halves of a Whole: Unit-ing Firms and Chapters”

The Conference was generously sponsored by Gen-eral Motors, DePaul University College of Communi-cation, Warner Brothers, Ball State University’s M.A. in public relations, the University of Indianapolis’ Top Dog Communication, Sacred Heart University and Champions for PRSSA.

High School OutreachThe High School Outreach initiative was enhanced throughout the 2016–2017 term. Rather than com-pleting outreach sessions solely by the National Com-mittee, local connections and nearby PRSSA networks including Chapter presidents were contacted and uti-lized to complete the initiatives. At the 2016 National Conference in Indianapolis, Andrew Cook and Jon Kovach completed the High School Outreach initiative three hours away at Hilliard High School, in Ohio, with help from Ohio State University’s Chapter members.

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EVENTS

International Outreach Visit to Peru In November 2016, the Peruvian PRSSA Chapter at the Universidad de San Martín de Porres (USMP) invited Vice President of Advocacy Andrew Cook and Vice President of Chapter Development Victoria Leigh Ward to visit the campus in Lima, Peru to pro-vide training and direction as well as gain a cultural understanding of international PRSSA Chapters.

During the five-day visit, Cook and Ward were host-ed by Chapter President César Zapata Morales and met with Chapter leaders, faculty and school admin-istration to strengthen and enhance the presence of PRSSA in Peru. Prior to the visit, Cook and Ward addressed students in October on the topic of “Pub-lic Relations in the United States.” While in Peru, Cook and Ward also gave a similar keynote address that was open to the entire student body within the Communications program at USMP. They also provid-ed specific training for the Chapter firm, and worked directly with President Zapata Morales to strengthen the presence of USMP PRSSA within PRSSA, which included a plan for the Chapter to apply for addi-tional scholarships and Chapter awards and apply to host a Chapter Development Session at the National Conference.

With nearly 100 members of the Peru Chapter, USMP PRSSA represents the majority of PRSSA internation-al membership and is the central hub for PRSSA in South America. Because of this visit, Society leader-ship was able to better understand the needs and challenges of the three PRSSA international Chapters. Cook and Ward developed a report that provided findings and recommendations to the PRSSA National Committee on working to further develop the interna-tional presence of PRSSA.

PRSSA 2017 National Assembly: Seattle, WashingtonNational Assembly is a fundamental event for PRSSA, with a special focus on the Society’s rising leaders. Each Chapter is expected to send one delegate to vote on behalf of his or her Chapter in the election of the next leaders of the Society. This year, 223 stu-dents attended the Assembly in Seattle including 142 delegates and 66 non-delegates. During Assembly, delegates heard speeches from 17 members who ran for eight of the delegate-elected positions of the PRSSA 2017–2018 National Committee. The position of Publications Editor in Chief was re-opened and later received two bids.

Delegates also passed a bylaw amendment at this year’s Assembly. This bylaw amendment updated the official titles of three National Committee posi-tions. The vice president of advocacy is now the vice president of external affairs, the vice president of

public relations is now the vice president of digital communication and the vice president of Regional Conferences is now the vice president of events and fundraising. National Assembly featured a keynote from Karith Foster, founder, The Foster Russell Family Foundation, and CEO, Stereotyped 101, Inc. LLC. National Presi-dent Emma Finkbeiner also hosted a Fireside Chat with Ty Rogers, director of corporate communications at Amazon. Two Leadership Training Sessions and a State of the Society Address also were provided for attendees. Topics included:

• Ethical Leadership: Using the Code of Ethics to Inform Your Leadership Style• Pitching Your Passion: Advocating for PRSSA Through Authentic Storytelling

A total of 36 members competed in the annual Day-of Competition, which was sponsored by Edelman Seattle and featured Treehouse, a nonprofit organiza-tion that gives foster kids in Seattle a childhood and a future. The challenge was to create a campaign to better target more affluent families, higher income homes and safer communities to take interest in par-ticipating in the foster homes initiative.

High School/Community College OutreachPatterned after the high school outreach approach previously conducted at the National Conference in Indianapolis, the high school outreach initiative was carried out with the University of Washington PRSSA Chapter at the National Assembly. At the National Assembly, Andrew Cook and Jon Kovach assisted, mentored and coached the University of Washington Chapter through a High School Outreach session at Ballard High School with several of the DECA classrooms. This approach helped the UW Chapter achieve the High School Outreach requirements for the Star Chapter Award as well as created great op-portunities to recruit future members.

The Community College Outreach initiative educates colleges about the requirements for a charter and en-courages students to join as Affiliates. In March 2008, the PRSSA Assembly voted to allow international affil-iates.The Community College Outreach initiative was carried out remotely. Three universities were advised by the vice president of member services on the best practices for conducting a community college out-reach session.

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EVENTS

PRSSA 2017 Regional ConferencesEach spring, PRSSA Chapters host Regional Conferences, events endorsed by PRSSA National in regions around the country. These events are planned, hosted and attended by PRSSA Chapters and provide oppor-tunities for members to increase their knowledge of the profession, expand their skills and network with fellow students and professionals.

Regional Conference attendance varied, with a high of 250 attendees at the Utah Valley University’s Regional Conference. PRSSA National selected the following 10 bidding Chapters to host 2017 Regional Conferences:

Passport to PRPenn State University

140 AttendeesFeb. 3–4

PRAdvanced: What’s Your StoryBoston University

196 AttendeesFeb. 24–25

The Modern Public Relations Professional

UNC–Chapel Hill and North Carolina A&T

120 AttendeesFeb. 24–25

Find Your Passion SOONERUniversity of Oklahoma

66 AttendeesFeb. 24–26

PR Elevated: Aspiring to New Heights

Utah Valley University250 Attendees

March 2–4

Dive Into the Ocean of PRSan Diego State University

80 AttendeesApril 8–10

PReimaginedUniversity of Nevada, Reno

69 AttendeesApril 7–9

Generation Grand: Experience PR in GR

Grand Valley State University and Ferris State University

58 AttendeesApril 7–9

Public Relations in Sports and Entertainment

Loyola University New Orleans35 AttendeesMarch 11–12

PRpaloozaDePaul University

230 AttendeesMarch 3–4

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COMMUNITY AND COMMUNICATION

Social Media• Increased Facebook followers by 9 percent from 8,084 to 8,877 fans• Increased Twitter followers by 9 percent from 34.2K to 37.4K followers• Increased Instagram followers by 22 percent from 2,087 to 2,682 followers• Dissolved Pinterest and Google+ social me-dia accounts• Launched a LinkedIn company page that has gained 1,318 followers• Launched a Snapchat account that has gained 327 followers• Hosted 10 Twitter chats focused on topics such as career development, Chapter growth, ethics and diversity• Published 25 Chapter News articles• Partnered with The Plank Center for Leader-ship in Public Relations for #BetsyDay, a cele-bration of PRSSA’s godmother, Betsy Plank• Worked with Lindsey + Asp to produce con-tent for various campaigns in conjunction with the vice president of career services

Progressions• Published more than 170 blog posts from PRSSA members and professionals including Twitter chat recaps, current event articles, listi-cles, quizzes, national event recaps and more• Published monthly articles covering current events and industry news written by the Indus-try News Subcommittee, which included the following members:

• Yara Ismail, DePaul University• Cayli Allen, Belmont University

• Averaged over 2,352 monthly blog sessions• Averaged 3,384 monthly pageviews• Continued successful series for Ethics Month, PRSA/PRSSA Relationship Month and Diversity Month; continued successful City Series and Progressions Monthly Reading Round-Ups; launched “Where Are They Now?,” a series featuring PRSSA alumni in their careers today, as well as a mini-series for Black History Month • Increased overall readership by 10.9 percent

FORUM• Published three issues, collectively viewed more than 9,600 times• Increased articles by five percent to 56 total articles• Continued successful columns “Culpwrit on Careers,” “Tales from Cubeland,” “Firm of the Issue,” “Where Are They Now?,” a series featuring past PRSSA National Presidents, and “Setting the Pace”; implemented “Meet the Champions” column• Increased overall readership by 45 percent

New Website LaunchAs a continuation of the Website Task Force that was formed during the 2015–2016 term, new mem-bers from the 2016–2017 National Committee were designated to continue work in preparation for the launch of the new PRSSA website at the 2017 National Assembly. Task Force members included National President Emma Finkbeiner, Vice President of Member Services Jon Kovach, Vice President of Career Services Sarah Dougherty and Publications Editor in Chief Krista Watson. With help from the PRSSA Headquarters team and Grow Socially, focus groups and surveys were conducted to gather feed-back from the membership that informed the navi-gation, design and content of the new website. The new website was successfully launched on schedule and improvements will continue to be made during the 2017–2018 term.

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

PRSA Associate MembershipPRSSA converted 578 graduates to PRSA as Associate members in the 2016–2017 school year. PRSSA mem-bers may join PRSA as an Associate member up to five months before or two years after graduation. Transition-ing from PRSSA to PRSA as an Associate member results in immense savings over the course of a three-year tiered system.

PRSSA Internship CenterThe PRSSA Internship Center is a comprehensive, online hub of internship opportunities and career resources for PRSSA members. This year, the PRSSA Internship Cen-ter:

• Acquired 246 internship postings and 214 new Internship Center employers• Had an average of 83 new candidates, 1,299 returning Internship Center logins per month• Worked with Lindsey + Asp at the University of Oklahoma to promote the Internship Center and its efforts throughout the year

Career Development MonthThis year, in its second year of existence, Career Devel-opment Month (CDM) took place in January and broke down into four themed weeks: Interview and Application Prep, Resume and Cover Letter tips, Mentorship and Young Professional Insight. This month included guest blogs from Champions for PRSSA and PRSA New Pros, a Twitter chat about best practices for internships and entry-level job applications and interviewing processes.

PRSSA/PRSA RelationshipsThroughout the year, PRSSA encourages members to connect with their local PRSA sponsors. Each October, PRSSA celebrates PRSSA/PRSA Relationship Month to increase awareness of the professional development stu-dents can gain from connecting with local PRSA Chap-ters. In 2016, Chapters were encouraged to network with their local PRSA Sponsor Chapter by creating traditions their Chapter could consistently repeat.

Relationship Month activities included a Progressions series and a Twitter chat regarding cultivating PRSSA/PRSA relationships.

Student-run FirmsThrough PRSSA student-run firms, students have the opportunity to work with real clients and learn effective

time-management skills in the process of developing and implementing campaigns.

Though there are more than 70 student-run firms around the country operated by PRSSA Chapters, only those among the upper echelons are Nationally Affiliated by PRSSA. As of May 8, PRSSA had 58 Nationally Affiliated Student-run Firms. This year, PRSSA:

• Nationally re-Affiliated six Student-run Firms• Hosted a Student-run Firm workshop at National Conference• Oversaw the Student-run Firm Leader Facebook group, a group of 217 students who share advice, successes and challenges of leading a Student-run Firm• Continued to recognize “Firm of the Issue” in all three issues of FORUM. Firms highlighted this year included Cardinal Communications at Ball State University, GrandPR at Grand Valley State University and Hubbell Communications at Michigan State University.

CreateAthonDuring the 2015–2016 term, work began behind the scenes to establish a partnership between PRSSA and CreateAthon, a “pro bono marketing marathon that harnesses skills-based super powers for social good.” CreateAthon was founded in 1998 by Riggs Partners, a marketing consultancy in Columbia, South Carolina. It has grown from a single-market event to a 501(c)(3) organization that has attracted more than 100 marketing and communications firms, universities, corporations and professional clubs as official CreateAthon partners. Cumulatively, CreateAthon has helped more than 1,500 nonprofit organizations in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom by delivering pro bono marketing projects valued at more than $24 million.

An agreement was reached and in the spring of 2017, two CreateAthon events were hosted by PRSSA Nation-ally Affiliated Student-run Firms: Capstone Agency at the University of Alabama and Cardinal Communications at Ball State University. The 24-hour events challenged these firms to create as much collateral and commu-nication strategy as possible for as many clients as the firms could reach. Between the two firms, 10 nonprofit clients were served by approximately 70 students, with an estimated total of over $30,000 in pro bono work completed.

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CHAPTER DEVELOPMENT

Chapters CharteredThere are currently 351 Chapters of PRSSA with a total of 10,471 members. From June 2016 to May 2017, the following universities received charters to establish a PRSSA Chapter:

• South Dakota State University• Olivet Nazarene University• University of North Georgia• California State University, Los Angeles• Washington and Lee University• University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley• University of Colorado, Boulder• Virginia State University• The University of Tampa• Dixie State University

Pacesetter Chapter RecognitionThe Pacesetter recognizes a Chapter’s success in the areas of membership, national participation or Chapter development. Chapters may be nominated by mem-bers or the PRSSA National Committee. The following Chapters received this award:

• Ohio Northern University (April 2017)• Grand Valley State University (March 2017)• University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh (February 2017)• Grand Valley State University (January 2017) • Brigham Young University (November 2016) • Marist College (October 2016) • California State University, Fullerton (Septem-ber 2016)

FUNdraising BowlIn its 14th year, the FUNdraising Bowl allows Chapters to submit successful fundraising ideas to be included in the FUNdraising Playbook and for a chance to raise money for National Conference. PRSSA received five total applications in February, March and April for the FUNdraising Bowl. The FUNdraising Bowl monthly winners were:

• February: N/A• March: University of Oregon PRSSA “Finals-Grams”• April: Ohio Northern University PRSSA “PaRt-ners Conference: Igniting Your Passion in Public Relations”

FUNdraising Bowl overall winner: University of Oregon PRSSA

Affiliate MembershipThe Affiliate Program was created in 2006 to provide professional development opportunities and select member benefits to students at schools that do not meet the requirements to charter a Chapter. During 2016–2017, PRSSA Affiliate membership had 52 Affiliates from various states throughout the country.

Chapter DiversityProgramming for Diversity Month was planned and executed by the Advocacy Subcommittee, which included the following members:

• Andrew Young, Middle Tennessee State University• Asia Burns, Samford University• Kaisha Brown, Mississippi State University• Laurianne Abbey, The Ohio State University• Callie Curley, Penn State University

Diversity Month programming was promoted via an email blast and a video announcement made by Na-tional President Emma Finkbeiner. To celebrate Diver-sity Month in August 2016, Advocacy Subcommittee published and promoted six articles addressing diver-sity on Progressions. On Aug.17, Vice President of Ad-vocacy Andrew Cook hosted a PRSSA National Twitter chat titled, “Joining the Multicultural Workforce.”

Members also were encouraged to participate in PRSA Diversity Month through a PRSA Twitter chat and free webinar, and Cook’s article on diversity also was published in PRSAY in August. In conjunction with Vice President of Public Relations Joshua Lachica, the Advocacy Subcommittee also launched the #Human-sofPRSSA social media campaign, which consisted of individual social media spotlights highlighting the diversity that exists within the membership of PRSSA.

Andrew Cook also worked with Vice President of Chapter Development Victoria Leigh Ward through the Phone Email Outreach Tree initiative to contact the HBCU and HACU schools to encourage them to apply for the Teahan Chapter Diversity Award.

In November, a webinar on Diversity and Inclusion was developed and presented in partnership with the Plank Center. Pat Ford, Andrew Cook, Dr. Nilanjana Bardhan and Keith Burton were featured as presenters, and the webinar was posted online as an available resource for students unable to participate on the date of the event.

Ethics MonthDuring September 2016, the Advocacy Subcommittee produced three Progressions articles and promoted the second annual Ethics Case Competition. The win-ner of the competition was Taylor Brown of Brigham Young University.

On Sept. 14, PRSSA National hosted the Ethics Month Twitter chat, “Millennial Ethics: Workplace Dilemmas and Scenarios,” with co-host Dr. Tiffany Gallicano. The chat achieved a reach of over one million and was executed by Vice President of Public Relations Joshua Lachica and Vice President of Advocacy Andrew Cook.

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SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS

PRSSA annually offers more than $30,000 in individ-ual and Chapter awards and scholarships. Funding is provided by the PRSA Foundation, PRSA members and families, public relations agencies and Cham-pions for PRSSA. Scholarship and award winners received recognition at the PRSSA 2016 National Conference in Indianapolis. CHAPTER AWARDS

Dr. F.H. Teahan National Chapter Awards• Outstanding Chapter: Utah Valley University• Chapter Newsletter: Weber State University• Regional Conference: California State Univer-sity, Fullerton• Faculty Adviser: Sara Steffes Hansen, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh• Professional Adviser: Keith Miles, Belmont University• Chapter Firm: Capstone Agency, University of Alabama• Community Service: University of Oklahoma• University Service: Brigham Young University• Chapter Website: University of Georgia• Chapter Development: Florida Memorial University• PRSA/PRSSA Relationship: Ohio Northern University• Diversity: Kent State University

Star Chapter Award• American University• Appalachian State• Ball State University• Belmont University• Biola University• Brigham Young University• Brigham Young University–Idaho• DePaul University• Drake University• Fashion Institute of Technology• Florida Memorial University• Illinois State University• Indiana University• Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis• James Madison University

• Kent State University• Louisiana State University• Marist College• Ohio Northern University• Ohio University• Pepperdine University• Quinnipiac University• Rowan University• Samford University• San Diego State University• Syracuse University• The Ohio State University• University of Delaware• University of Florida• University of Nebraska at Omaha• University of Nebraska–Lincoln• University of Nevada, Reno• University of South Florida• The University of Southern Mississippi• University of Texas at San Antonio• University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point• University of Wisconsin Oshkosh• Utah Valley University• Virginia Tech• Waynesburg University• Weber State University• Western Kentucky University

Student-run Firm Awards• Best Tactic: Texas Christian University• Best Campaign: Grand Valley State University

Rowan University National Organ Donor Awareness Award

• First Place: Louisiana State University• Second Place: University of Nebraska at Omaha• Third Place: Iowa State University• Honorable Mention: Millersville University

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

National Gold Key Award Winners• Katarina DeFelice, Rowan University• Erica Everett, University of South Florida• Melanie Ford, Virginia Tech

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SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS

• Haley Hall, Belmont University• Haley Hicks, Belmont University• Hayley Hoback, Western Kentucky University• Alexa Lammers, Ohio Northern University• Natalie Mason, San Diego State University• Nolan Miles, Western Kentucky University• Jordan Mitrik, Waynesburg University• Shannon O’Dowd, Virginia Tech• Trent Ostrom, University of Nebraska at Omaha• Hannah Peterson, Ohio Northern University• Angela Petkovic, Western Kentucky University• Victoria Pettit-Rodriguez, Biola University• Adam Piccin, Otterbein University• Jasmine Tate, University of Southern Mississippi• Payton Taylor, Western Kentucky University• Gabrielle Woodard, Kent State University

National President’s Citation Winners• Andrew Cook, Brigham Young University• Erica Everett, University of South Florida• Brenna Parker, Kent State University• Alexandra Rennhoff, Louisiana State University• Mallory Feeney, University of Northern Iowa• Hanna Moore, Kent State University• Katarina DeFelice, Rowan University• Jasmine Tate, University of Southern Mississippi

Atschul Champions for PRSSA Outstanding Internship AwardHannah Riffle, Ball State University

Daniel J. Edelman/PRSSA Award for the Outstand-ing Public Relations StudentSarah Vasquez, The University of Texas at Austin

Ruth Edelman/PRSSA Award for Achievement in Women’s Leadership DevelopmentRachel Willis, Duquesne University

PRSSA Hall of Fame InductionNick Lucido, Michigan State University

Elaine Averick Outstanding National Committee Member AwardKrista Watson, Publications Editor in Chief, Loyola University Chicago

SCHOLARSHIPS

Axia Public Relations ScholarshipAlissa Sommerfeldt, Murray State University

Betsy Plank/PRSSA Scholarships• First Place: Olivia Ortiz, The University of Alabama• Second Place: Alissa Sommerfeldt, Murray State University• Third Place: Gemalie Perez, University of Houston

Chester Burger ScholarshipDanielle Kelley, Louisiana State University

Gary Yoshimura ScholarshipAsia Burns, Samford University

Lawrence G. Foster AwardRyann Lynn, University of Nebraska, Lincoln

Marcia Silverman Minority Student AwardCecilia Arteaga, Pepperdine University

John D. Graham Scholarship• First Place: Cynthia Huasipoma, Montclair State University• Runner Up: Jada Culver, The University of Alabama• Runner Up: Alissa Sommerfeldt, Murray State University

Neumeier Family Leadership AwardGrace Rogers, Drake University

PRSA Diversity Multicultural ScholarshipTiffany Chao, SUNY Fashion Institute of TechnologyRaelyn Martin, University of Oregon

Ron Culp Scholarship for MentorshipAndrea Casali, Illinois State University

Stephen D. Pisinski Memorial ScholarshipSydney Velez, Illinois State University

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SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS

Robin M. Urbanski Memorial ScholarshipStasia Foster, The University of Alabama

Ofield Dukes Multicultural Student AwardSydney Velez, Illinois State University

COMPETITIONS

2017 Day-of CompetitionThe PRSSA 2017 Day-of Competition was spon-sored by Edelman Seattle. This year, 36 members participated in the Day-of Competition. Treehouse, a nonprofit organization that gives foster kids in Seattle a childhood and a future, was the client. The challenge was to create a campaign to better target more affluent families, higher income homes and safer communities to take interest in participating in the foster homes initiative.

The winning team members were:• Evan Mimms, Loyola University Chicago• Malaika Desrameaux, Florida International University• Josie Bonnette, Louisiana State University• Amanda Troncone, Waynesburg University• Shannon Jack, Ohio Northern University

2017 Bateman Case Study CompetitionThe PRSSA 2017 Bateman Case Study Competition challenged participants to develop a campaign on behalf of the Campaign to Change Direction, to change the culture of mental health in America. This Competition was sponsored by The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations and Edelman. The goal of the 2017 Bateman Competition was to change the way we think and talk about mental health. Participating teams achieved this goal, in part, through education on the five signs of mental suffering, which are: change in personality, agitation, withdrawal, decline in personal care and hopeless-ness.

PRSSA Headquarters received 67 entries for the PRSSA 2017 Bateman Case Study Competition. Of these submissions, 15 entries received honorable mention and three were chosen to present their

campaigns to a panel of judges on Wednesday, May 10, in Chicago.

Winners• University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill• University of Alabama• University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Honorable Mentions• Brigham Young University, Provo Team 1• Brigham Young University, Provo Team 2• DePaul University Team 1• DePaul University Team 2• High Point University• James Madison University – Blue Ridge• Kent State University – Blue Team• Kent State University – Gold Team• Lee University• Loyola University New Orleans• Quinnipiac University• St. John Fisher College• University of Georgia• University of Nevada, Reno• University of South Carolina