VCU news

By Cassie Williams Jones

Virginia Commonwealth University’s Division of University Relations received 10 honors at the 65^th Virginia Public Relations Awards, an annual 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 Wednesday at the Jefferson Hotel, the division was honored for its superior communications work in 2011. These awards are lauded as some of the top public relations honors in the state.

"Last year was a big year for VCU and the VCU Medical Center on many levels, and these awards for communicating those moments reflect the depth of public relations, marketing and creative talent at VCU," said Pamela D. Lepley, APR, VCU's executive director of University Relations. "Our team rises to every occasion with a show of excellence that communicates VCU's mission as a national research university in a crisp, compelling and thoughtful way." 

Two types of awards were given: Commonwealth Awards, which recognize complete public relations programs in 16 categories, and Capital Awards, which recognize public relations tactics, individual items or components of programs or campaigns in 30 categories. Within each type, winners are recognized by an Award of Excellence or Award of Merit.

University Relations garnered three Commonwealth Awards, and seven Capital Awards.

Commonwealth Awards

Award of Excellence

• Crisis Communications Category – “VCU Final Four”

Award of Merit

• Community Relations Category – “VCU Spring Food Drive”
• Integrated Communications Category – “Partnering to Communicate the Successful Separation of Conjoined Twins”

Capital Awards

Award of Excellence

• Brochures Category – “VCU Rice Center Brochure”
• Editorials/Op-eds Category – “VCU President, Dr. Michael Rao: Engaged Students Op-Ed”

Award of Merit

• Annual Reports Category – “VCU Trauma Center Annual Report”
• External Video Programs Category – “VCU Adult Day Services: A Home Away”
• Research/Evaluation Category – “VCU Attitudes and Awareness Study”
• Publications Category – “VCU Viewbook 2011/2012”
• Websites Category – “VCU Goes Green Website”

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.