VCU news

By Carrie Carroll

Virginia Commonwealth University’s Division of University Relations received 15 honors at the 67th 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 14, the division was honored for its exceptional communications work in 2013. The PRSA awards ceremony was held for the first time this year at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

“These awards represent the work of creative and adept professionals who are at the forefront of today’s rapidly changing communications landscape,” said Pamela Lepley, APR, vice president for university relations. “They have put VCU on the national map in the development and implementation of integrated, strategic communications that drive results and are a model for higher education as well as other large, complex business and government organizations.”

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 three Commonwealth Awards and 12 Capital Awards. Within each type, winners are recognized with either an Award of Excellence or an Award of Merit.

Commonwealth Awards

Award of Excellence

Issues Management - "11th Street Closure"

Marketing Consumer Services – “VCU Medical Center’s Labor & Delivery Unit Overhaul”

Award of Merit

Brief Events and Observances – “Win or Lose Cruiser”

Capital Awards

Award of Excellence

Annual Reports – “VCU Presidential Annual Report”

Blogs/Blogger Campaigns – “VCU Across the Spectrum”

Magazines – “Tid*Bits: News, Knowledge and Health Fun”

Social Media – “12 Days of Cheer for Children Sparks Locally, Spreads Nationally”

Websites – “VCU Home Page”

Word of Mouth – “HAVOC”

Award of Merit

Annual Reports – “VCU Medical Center 2012 Annual Report”

Editorial/Op-Ed Columns – “Translational Research is Alive and Well at VCU”

External Video Program – “ChoR’s ‘Roar’ Heard Nationwide”

Media Relations – “Widows, Widowers and Chronic Pain”

Speeches – “Christ University Convocation Speech”

Websites – “VCU News Website Redesign”

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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