On Friday, May 4, the Public Relations Program hosted its third annual PR student exhibition, PRactice to PRofessional, presented by Edelman, in Shoma Hall. The showcase, directed by Dr. Maria Scott and judged by a panel of professionals, was sponsored by Edelman and Everett Clay Associates. The vice president of Edelman, Gina Carriazo Hickey, attended the awards ceremony, where School of Communication Dean Gregory Shepherd opened the event and congratulated the students, staff, and sponsors who have made the PR Program at UM one of the most successful in the country. 

“The student entries, feedback from the judges, and awards presentation continue to reach higher standards of excellence,” said Dr. Scott. “We have had amazing feedback from our professional judges, a true sign of the skill level of our students.” 

This year, there were 24 entries for six categories of student work: media kit, press release, brochure, promotional flyer, promotional writing, and social media. Dr. Colee Splichal, SoC PR professor, announced the winning entries for each category. Winners received money and padfolios.

In addition, scholarship recipients were announced and special awards were given out. Dr. Donn Tilson presented the Undergraduate Student of the Year and Graduate Student of the Year awards to Lily Oyarzun and David Magida. SoC faculty members nominated and voted for them based on the outstanding contributions they made during their time at the School of Communication. 

“I’m humbled to be recognized by professors for what I’ve done in the past years,” said Oyarzun. “It wouldn’t have been possible without their help. This award goes out to them.”

Students and faculty voted for the People’s Choice Award, which was won by Eugenia Romero for her puzzle piece-shaped brochure on the DKMS bone marrow donor center. She won tickets to Fairchild Botanical Gardens compliments of Anna Bricker, a PR alumnae who won last year’s People’s Choice Award.

Dr. Scott presented the Ev Clay Scholarship to Enrico Dominguez and Casey Riordan  for their membership to the Public Relations Student Society of America as well as an essay they wrote about their involvement in extracurricular activities. Dr. Don Stacks presented the Wine Spectator Scholarship to Enrico Dominguez, Brooke LeMaire, Andrea O'Neal, Danielle Phifer, and Michael Valentino for submitting projects covering wine, food, restaurants, and travel.

“It’s a privilege,” said Ev Clay Scholarship recipient Enrico Dominguez of being recognized by PR professionals. “They’re really paying attention to students that work hard outside of the classroom.”

The following is a list of PRactice to PRofessional winners:

Media Kit

            First place: Colleen Mullins

            Honorable mention: Astrid Rivera

Press release

            Honorable mention: Colleen Mullins

Brochure

            First place: Morgan Stoner

            Honorable mention: Eugenia Romero

            Honorable mention: Lily Oyarzun

Promotional Flyer

            Honorable mention: Lily Oyarzun

Promotional Writing

            First place: Joe LoMonaco

            Honorable mention: Rachel Krantz

Social Media

            First place: Casey Riordan

            Honorable mention: Joe LoMonaco

-Brooke LeMaire