VCU students receive Richmond Public Relations Foundation Awards Scholarships

By Malorie Burkett

The Richmond Public Relations Foundation, the charitable arm of the Public Relations Society of America Richmond, recently awarded $1,000 scholarships to two undergraduate Virginia Commonwealth University students pursuing a career in public relations.  

The David P. Hurdle Memorial Scholarship was presented to Joshua Smith and the William M. Dietrick Memorial Scholarship was presented to Sainath Iyer.

Smith will graduate in December with a bachelor’s degree in mass communications. Iyer is a junior who will triple major in international studies, mass communications and religious studies.  

“The foundation is pleased to continue this long-standing tradition of supporting future PR stars in their academic endeavors,” said Linda Evans, president of the Richmond Public Relations Foundation.  “Judges on the foundation board were very impressed with the quality of the submissions and impressive public relations students at colleges and universities across Virginia.”

Scholarship applications were solicited from students currently attending VCU, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, the University of Richmond, Longwood University and Randolph-Macon College who plan to pursue careers in public relations.

Recognizing the students’ accomplishments and diversity, PRSA Richmond President Denise Baddour noted, “The chapter was thrilled to honor these great students at our monthly event and I am confident that they have bright PR futures ahead of them.”  

The Richmond Public Relations Foundation was created in 1999 with the purpose of enhancing the field of public relations as a profession in Central Virginia. The foundation annually presents the David P. Hurdle and William M. Dietrick Memorial Scholarships, which are $1,000 scholarships in each of the former members’ names, to two juniors or seniors.

PRSA Richmond is a professional association serving Central Virginia public relations practitioners. The chapter and the national organization, PRSA, share the vision of bringing professionals together to enhance the practice, to provide an exchange of experiences and ideals, and to promote professional development. For more information, visit www.prsarichmond.org.