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Virginia Commonwealth University’s Division of University Relations received 23 honors, the most in the division’s history, at the 68th Virginia Public Relations Awards, an event of the Public Relations Society of America’s Richmond chapter that recognizes the most creative and effective communications strategies and tactics across the state.

In a ceremony on May 21 at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the division was honored for its exceptional communications work in 2014.

The awards span the full spectrum of the communications disciplines and represent the amazing strategic and creative talent of the University Relations team

"The awards span the full spectrum of the communications disciplines and represent the amazing strategic and creative talent of the University Relations team," said Pam Lepley, vice president for university relations. "Our holistic approach to solving problems and achieving communications goals is hugely effective. It is gratifying to be recognized by national peers for the excellence of our work for VCU."

The chapter presents two types of awards: Commonwealth Awards, which recognize complete public relations campaigns in 16 categories, and Capital Awards, which recognize public relations tactics, individual items or components of campaigns in 30 categories. University Relations garnered nine Commonwealth Awards and 14 Capital Awards. Within each type, winners are recognized with either an Award of Excellence or an Award of Merit.
 

Commonwealth Awards

Award of Excellence

Extended Events and Observances – “Autism Awareness Month”
Multicultural Public Relations – “The Freedom Now Project”

Award of Merit

Brief Events and Observances – “Tapia Twins Exhibition at The Depot”
Brief Events and Observances – “VCU Broad Street Mile 2014”
Brief Events and Observances – “April Fools Day”
Internal Communications – “Do the Math 2014”
Integrated Communications – “The Other Side of Havoc”
Reputation/Brand Management – “VCU ‘Make it Real’ 3.0 – Moments, 2014-15
Marketing Consumer Services – VCU School of Nursing Branding Campaign

Capital Awards

Award of Excellence

Speeches – “Let’s Build a Culture of Innovation”
Publications – “VCU Libraries Momentum Report”

Award of Merit

Speeches – “A Legacy That Inspires Us to Move Forward Together”
Editorial/Op-Ed Columns – “Autism and (Un)employment”
Editorial/Op-Ed Columns – “Employing People with Autism”
Press Conferences – “VCU Police Noise Suppression Vehicle”
External Video Program – “2014 C. Peter Magrath University Community Engagement Award Nomination Video”
Creative Tactics – “Make it Real Pop-Up Classroom”
Websites – “VCU School of Social Work”
Websites – “VCU Life Sciences”
Online Videos – “Follow Me for a Tour”
Magazines – “VCU Alumni Magazine, Fall 2014”
Social Media – “VCU President Social Media”
Publications – “VCU School of Business Viewbook”

PRSA Richmond is a professional association serving central Virginia public relations practitioners. The chapter and the national organization, PRSA, are both marking more than a half-century of bringing professionals together to enhance the practice, to provide an exchange of experiences and ideals and to promote professional development.

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