The Belmont Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America received a national chapter award and two national student awards Monday night at the 2010 PRSSA National Conference in Washington, D.C. Belmont’s chapter was one of seven chapters nationally to receive a Star Chapter Award, which recognizes chapter performance in 10 categories including ethics advocacy and community service. This is only the second time this award has been given, and the second time Belmont has received it.
“I was extremely proud of our chapter to be recognized for these prestigious awards during the national conference,” said Katie Siklosi, a sophomore and the vice president of the chapter. “We are continually looking for ways to better our chapter and being here to learn and being commended for our achievements was a great experience.”
Sarah Norton, immediate past president of the Belmont Chapter of PRSSA, received the National President’s Citation and the PRSSA Gold Key award. The National President’s Citation recognizes Norton for her leadership and service to the PRSSA organization at the local and national level. The Gold Key is the highest individual honor given to PRSSA members and recognizes those students who display outstanding academic excellence in public relations and leadership qualities in PRSSA. Belmont graduate Sara Pecchia also received a Gold Key award.
“Belmont students and faculty are leaders in public relations and are gaining national recognition for the program here,” added Dr. Bonnie Riechert, director of the Belmont’s public relations program.
Representing Belmont at the conference were chapter officers Norton, Siklosi and Joseph Norris, as well as junior Allison Durfee, Riechert and instructor Susan Barnes. During the conference, Riechert and Barnes attended the induction dinner for the Public Relations Society of America College of Fellows, where Barnes was recognized for financial sponsorship and professional mentoring.
One of 299 chapters nationally, the Belmont Chapter of PRSSA was chartered in 2005 and has received previous national awards for Ethics Advocacy, Chapter Development and Outstanding Relationship with its sponsoring professional chapter, Nashville PRSA.
