Public Relations, Advertising and Social Media Students Receive Prestigious Award Nominations and Professional Recognition Tuesday, March 28, 2023
"This is an exceptional group of students who are well-deserving of these recognitions for their professional and academic achievements."
Students in Point Park University’s public relations, advertising and social media program were recognized by professional colleagues for both public relations and advertising excellence.
Point Park University’s Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter was named Chapter of the Year at the annual Renaissance Award ceremony by the Public Relations Society of America Pittsburgh Chapter. The Renaissance Awards are given annually to honor local organizations, agencies and businesses as well as communicators for their innovative work across all aspects of public relations and marketing communications.
PRSSA is part of the national Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). Chartered in 1947, PRSA is the world’s largest and foremost organization for public relations professionals.
Students in Point Park’s PR, advertising and social media program also received a Renaissance Award for Student Campaigns for The Heart Campaign — a campus-wide effort with the Center for Organ Recovery and Education to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation.
In addition, Point Park alumni Megan Clista, social media manager for Oyster Creative Co., received the Rising Star Renaissance Award and Josh Porterfield, brand strategist for RIZZO International, received the Member of the Year Award.
Point Park Students are Finalists for ADDY Awards
Students from the PR, advertising and social media program are finalists for this year’s American Advertising Awards, also known as the ADDY’s. They're nominated in two student categories: Integrated Marketing Campaign and Digital/Website. American Advertising Federation Pittsburgh chapter will present the ADDY awards on April 27.
Students in the program’s Agency Capstone class included Gianna DiPaolo, Diana Navarrete, Miranda McArdle, Gavin McGee, Karley Shudy, Alyssa Campbell, Seth Schleicher and Rachel Goss. The students were nominated for their work on a Best Buddies campaign. Best Buddies is an international nonprofit that is focused on creating opportunities for people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“This is an exceptional group of students who are well-deserving of these recognitions for their professional and academic achievements,” said Bernie Ankney, Ph.D., dean of the School of Communication. Ankney credits the dedication of faculty working closely with the students, including Jenna Lo Castro and Camille Downing.
“Like all professions, having generous and energetic mentors in your corner makes all the difference and we’re fortunate at Point Park to have students and faculty that see the positive impact these careers can have on our society,” Ankney said.