Ohio Northern University PRSSA Awarded Star Chapter

I had the opportunity to attend the PRSSA National Conference in Washington D.C. from October 10 to October 14. Along with three other members of the Ohio Northern University PRSSA Chapter, I left the small town Ada, Ohio to meet hundreds of public relations students and professionals in our nations capital to network and learn more about this growing profession. Not only is National Conference a networking opportunity, but also the time to announce the award and scholarship recipients for individuals as well as Chapter’s across the nation.

The Ohio Northern University PRSSA Chapter was one of the recipients of the Star Chapter Award this year. Since it’s inception in 2009, our Chapter has been a recipient of this prestigious award each year. The Star Chapter Award recognizes Chapters of any size for meeting specific Chapter and professional development goals.

The requirements are outlined on the PRSSA website and include 8 of the 10 listed:

1. Initiate and complete at least one community service project.
2. Strengthen your relationship with your PRSA sponsor Chapter.
3. Give attention to ethics in at least one Chapter meeting.
4. Confirm that at least one Chapter member applies for an individual National PRSSA scholarship or award.
5. Confirm that your Chapter applied for at least one national PRSSA award.
6. Conduct a high school outreach session and/or promote Affiliate membership to a nearby community college.
7. Confirm attendance by at least one Chapter member at National Conference, National Assembly, a Regional Conference or Leadership Rally.
8. Gain positive attention for your Chapter in at least one campus or community publication or community publication or other media.
9. Extend an invitation to students/faculty from other disciplines to attend at least one Chapter meeting.
10. Confirm that at least 10 percent of your graduating seniors applied for PRSA Associate Membership. Chapters with fewer than 10 senior members need to confirm one application.

Meeting these requirements throughout the year is only possible due to the tremendous commitment and hard work exemplified by each PRSSA member. As the president of ONU PRSSA this year, I cannot express how incredibly proud I am of our Chapter for receiving this award. To be one of the two PRSSA Chapter’s that has received the Star Chapter Award every year since its inception is an incredible honor.

Now that National Conference 2014 has come to a close, I am eager to bring all of the exciting information and networking opportunities I collected in Washington D.C. back to Ada, Ohio. My passion for PR and excitement for our ONU Chapter has increased exponentially. We do have a Star Chapter and I am eager to continue demonstrating this through every activity our organization is involved in.