Dr. F.H. Teahan Chapter Awards Program
2008 application form: PDF | Word
2008 Dr. F.H. Teahan National Chapter Awards Competition
The Champions For PRSSA is the informal, independent organization composed of professionals with a special interest in PRSSA. Each year, they sponsor the awards for the winning entries in the Chapter Awards Competition named for the late Dr. F. H. (Chris) Teahan, PRSA Vice President of Education, and a founding member of The Champions.
Prizes will be offered in the following categories:
This annual program is designed to recognize the outstanding achievements of PRSSA Chapters, its members, and Advisors. Entry rules and an entry form are enclosed. Please send all entries to PRSSA, Teahan National Chapter Awards Competition, 33 Maiden Lane, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10038.
All entries must be received at PRSSA Headquarters by Monday, June 2, 2008.
Keep in mind that PRSSA is a pre-professional organization, and the entries should be professional presentations. Each entry is reviewed and judged by PRSA members, so it is important that you showcase your finest work.
If you are seeking honor, recognition, and ways to raise money for your chapter, take this opportunity to compete. We urge all Chapters to compete, regardless of size or university/community resources.
Each entry will be evaluated for: quality of research, planning, organization, execution and evaluation of programs, presentation effectiveness, clarity, grammar and spelling, neatness and creativity. Winners will be announced and awards will be presented at the Annual Awards Ceremony during the PRSSA 2008 National Conference in Detroit, Michigan.
QUESTIONS? CONTACT PRSSA HEADQUARTERS AT (212) 460-1474.
Categories
OUTSTANDING CHAPTER - $500 and a plaque
Chapters in this category must display a continued effort on behalf of PRSSA. Programs should be well established, but the chapter should also demonstrate new ideas. Successful fundraisers work with the university and community, alumni contact, successful PRSA Associate Member promotions, and a well-established student firm, will all be considered. A strong and active chapter membership, and demonstrated leadership on the national level, both present and past, are part of an outstanding chapter. Good working relationships with PRSA, Faculty and Professional Advisors and assistance to PRSSA members in finding internships are other areas that will be considered. If your chapter wins, it means that it is outstanding in everything, and therefore cannot win in any other category except Outstanding Faculty Advisor and Outstanding Professional Advisor.
CHAPTER FIRM - $400 and a plaque
This category is designed to recognize the work of the growing number of on-campus student firms associated with PRSSA. Judging criteria will include the performances and results achieved for clients, and the management and operation of the firm in providing strong business and professional experience for its staff.
CHAPTER DEVELOPMENT - $300 and a plaque
This category is open to chapters that either have fewer than 20 members or have had a PRSSA charter for no more than three years. The following activities will be considered: chapter newsletters, membership drives, fundraisers, relationships with PRSA chapters and members, public relations publications, and overall membership involvement. The entry will be judged for exceptional effort and creativity.
OUTSTANDING PRSA/PRSSA CHAPTER RELATIONSHIP - $300 to the PRSSA CHAPTER & Trophy to the PRSA CHAPTER
This category recognizes the strong relationship between the PRSSA chapter and its sponsoring PRSA chapter. Criteria will include (but not be limited to): programs that encourage interaction (speeches, meetings) between members of the chapters; attendance and assistance by PRSSA members at PRSA chapter events; special support of the PRSSA chapter and its members by the PRSA chapter; internships; professional advisory councils and committees; joint seminars; sharing of PRSSA chapter newsletter and other information with PRSA chapter members; awards and recognition given by the PRSA chapter/members or the PRSSA chapter/members to one another for outstanding performance.
Note that the initiative for such programming must be mutual -- a two-way street of interest and nurture. A letter from the PRSA Chapter President or its PRSSA Professional Advisor must accompany the entry.
COMMUNITY SERVICE - $300 and a plaque
This category recognizes voluntary projects executed by a PRSSA chapter that directly benefits the chapter's community. Projects such as producing brochures, pamphlets, directories and events; conducting community public relations campaigns; and offering time, talent and services to the community may be submitted. Judges are concerned with those activities that are intended for the residents of the local community.
UNIVERSITY SERVICE - $300 and a plaque
This category recognizes voluntary projects executed by a PRSSA chapter that directly benefits the chapter's university. Projects such as producing brochures, pamphlets, directories and events; conducting university public relations campaigns; and offering time, talent and services to the university may be submitted. Judges are concerned with those activities that are intended for the university.
DIVERSITY - $300 and a plaque
This category honors the chapter making significant progress in serving students representing diversity in many aspects – race, gender, ethnicity, the disabled, the economically disadvantaged, etc.
CHAPTER NEWSLETTER - $200 and a plaque
This category honors the outstanding PRSSA newsletter. Criteria include quality of writing, creativity, design and content. Newsworthiness, frequency of publication and scope of distribution will also be considered by judges. Samples of the newsletter should accompany each entry.
CHAPTER WEB SITE - $200 and a plaque
This category honors the outstanding PRSSA Web site. Criteria include creativity, design, content and overall appearance. Chapters should submit information on the steps taken in setting up the Web site, and include the Internet address and hard copies of their Web site.
OUTSTANDING REGIONAL ACTIVITY - $300 and a plaque
The PRSSA National Committee created this award to increase member services and raise regional activities to a new level of excellence. Each regional activity will be judged on the overall benefit it gives to PRSSA members. Only chapters that were selected to host a regional activity through the official bid process are eligible to apply. To be declared a winner, an activity must be judged superior in all areas.
The following two categories concern achievements of individuals rather than groups or teams of students. Entries are also judged on the creativity, explicitness, research ability and responsibility displayed by students in presenting their advisors' accomplishments:
CHAPTER FACULTY ADVISOR - Trophy to Advisor; $200 to the PRSSA chapter
This award is based on a Faculty Advisor's outstanding service to the local chapter through dedication and creative chapter guidance, effective student motivation, exceptional contributions to public relations education, supportive chapter advocacy and representation within the academic department and with the PRSA sponsoring chapter and its members.
CHAPTER PROFESSIONAL ADVISOR - Trophy to Advisor; $200 to the PRSSA chapter
This award is based on a Professional Advisor's exemplary display and encouragement of professional attitudes and behavior, development of increased contact between professionals and students, successful promotion of PRSA Associate membership, supportive student advocacy and representation within the sponsoring PRSA chapter, and general display of concern for the student chapter and its members.
Judging
A group of distinguished PRSA members and Champions For PRSSA will serve as judges for each category. If no entry is judged outstanding in any category, an award will not be given. The decisions of the judges will be final. Each entry is regarded as a formal presentation; the importance of correct spelling, grammar and the overall appearance of the entry is therefore stressed.
Deadline
Entries, each accompanied by an official form, must be received at PRSSA Headquarters no later than Monday, June 2, 2008.
Awards
Winners will be announced and awards will be presented at the Annual Awards Ceremony during the PRSSA 2008 National Conference in Detroit.
Entry Rules
- Only PRSSA Chapters in good standing are eligible to enter the competition.
- Chapters may submit only one entry per category, accompanied by the special entry form provided to all chapters for each entry submitted. Photocopies of the form are acceptable.
- The Chapter that won an award in the 2007 competition may not submit an entry in the same category in 2008.
- You may submit entries in as many categories as you want, however, if you win OUTSTANDING CHAPTER, you cannot be declared a winner in any other category, except the Outstanding Faculty Advisor and Outstanding Professional Advisor categories.
- Each entry is limited to one hardcover 3-ring binder, not to exceed 2 inches at the spine, designed for 8 1/2" x 11" paper.
- A written summary must accompany each entry as part of the contents of the 3-ring binder. It must not exceed 4 pages in length, must be typewritten, double-spaced, and prepared on 8 1/2" x 11" paper.
- Graphics, programs, brochures, and other supporting materials such as endorsement from educators, PRSA sponsoring chapter members, PRSSA alumni and current chapter members, may accompany the entry, provided they can be contained in the 3-ring binder. Supporting material that is larger than 8 1/2" x 11" may be photographed and included in the binder. Entries including non-pertinent information will be penalized.
- The total cost of preparing each entry must not exceed $55. An itemized account of expenditures, such as costs for the binder, typing, plastic slip covers and other expenses (not including shipping or postage) must accompany each entry. Entries exceeding the $55 limit or which are not accompanied by an itemized accounting of expenses will be disqualified.
- Entries that do not specify the category for which they are submitted will also be disqualified.
- Entries not following all entry rules will automatically be disqualified.
How to Write a Winning Entry
For The Dr. F.H. Teahan National Chapter Awards Competition
Every PRSSA chapter has the opportunity to participate in PRSSA's most prestigious (and lucrative) annual program, "The Dr. F.H. Teahan National Chapter Awards Competition."
Tips to keep in mind -
- Be specific in your descriptions. Give details.
- Highlight results. Don't just say you raised $200 by selling candy. Explain the campaign and how the money was used.
- Point out what makes your chapter different or special in this category for this year.
- Gather appropriate materials that illustrate projects, such as photographs, clippings and brochures. Package your entry in an attractive, business-like way.
- Follow the rules. Don't waste your hard work by missing deadlines or exceeding page limits.
- Remember to include a budget for entry preparation.
- Split the workload by assigning the writing of specific sections to chapter members. Then have one person edit the copy, putting all the writing into one style.
- Don't be discouraged from entering if your chapter is small. The judges take chapter size and university resources into consideration when making decisions.
- Leave breathing room to finish the entry. Rushing at the last minute shows in a disorganized, poorly written entry. You are given several months to prepare your entries. Use that time wisely.
- Proofread for typos, correct grammar and consistent style.
- Write concisely. Make the four pages count; don't waste space or words.
- Above all else, ENTER!
About Dr. F.H. "Chris" Teahan
Dr. F.H. "Chris" Teahan, was the retired vice president of Education for the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). A Founder of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) in 1968, he was a legendary champion of students, their educators, and education for public relations. He served as staff counsel to the PRSA Educators Academy (nee Section) and to the 1975 and 1987 commissions which developed guidelines for public relations study in U.S. colleges and universities.
When he retired in the late 80s, PRSSA celebrated him and his legacy at its national conference and named its annual chapter awards for outstanding performance in his honor. Dr. Teahan wrote "A Brief History of PRSSA," published in 1989 by the Friends of PRSSA, of which he was a Life Member. He was an Accredited member of PRSA, its College of Fellows and Educators Academy.
A graduate of Trinity University in Dublin, during his retirement he made his home near Avignon, enjoying music and travel, often hosting PRSA associates visiting southern France. He died on his 77th birthday, March 11, 1999, in France.
Winners
Winners - 2008
Outstanding Chapter
Rowan University
Outstanding Chapter Newsletter
Brigham Young University
Outstanding Regional Activity
Edinboro University
Outstanding Faculty Advisor
M. Larry Litwin, APR, Fellow PRSA, Rowan University
Outstanding Professional Advisor
Jill Spiekerman, APR, Iowa State University
Outstanding Chapter Firm
Ball State University
Community Service Award
University of Nebraska at Omaha
University Service Award
Ohio Northern University
Outstanding Chapter Web Site
Pennsylvania State University
Outstanding Chapter Development
Florida Memorial University
Winners - 2007
Outstanding Chapter
University of Northern Iowa
Outstanding Chapter Newsletter
University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
Outstanding Regional Activity
Elon University
Outstanding Faculty Advisor
University of Northern Iowa
Outstanding Professional Advisor
University of Northern Iowa
Outstanding Chapter Firm
Ohio University
Outstanding PRSA/PRSSA Relationship
Belmont University
Community/University Service Award
Illinois State University
Outstanding Chapter Web Site
Kent State University
Outstanding Chapter Development
Belmont University
Winners - 2006
Outstanding Chapter
Rowan University
Outstanding Chapter Newsletter
Ohio Northern University
Outstanding Regional Activity
American University
Outstanding Faculty Advisor
Kent State University
Outstanding Chapter Firm
University of Northern Iowa
Outstanding PRSA/PRSSA Relationship
Ohio University
Community/University Service Award
University of Nebraska
Winners - 2005
Outstanding Chapter
University of Florida
Chapter Newsletter
Rowan University
Regional Activity
Florida A&M University
Outstanding Faculty Advisor
Robert “Pritch” Pritchard, APR, Fellow PRSA, Ball State University
Chapter Web site
Ohio University
Outstanding Professional Advisor
Joanne Wzontek, University of Northern Iowa
Chapter Firm
Ohio University
Outstanding PRSA/PRSSA Chapter Relationship
Kent State University
Chapter Development
College of Charleston
Community/University Service
California State University, Fullerton
Winners - 2004
Outstanding Chapter
Rowan University
Chapter Firm
University of Northern Iowa
Outstanding PRSA/PRSSA Chapter Relationship
Hoosier Chapter/Ball State University
Outstanding Faculty Advisor
Dr. Gayle Pohl, APR, University of Northern Iowa
Chapter Newsletter
Rowan University
Outstanding Professional Advisor
Daniel Orzano, Ohio State University
Chapter Web site
Ohio Northern University
Community/University Service
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Regional Activity
Weber State University
If you have any questions about applying for these awards, please contact the
PRSSA Vice President of
Member Services.
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