The Colorado chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) honored the CU Boulder communications team with three Gold Pick awards for a chancellor op ed campaign, a paid social media campaign featuring research and a catchy science story. Gold Pick awards focus on recognizing excellence in public relations among Colorado private firms, government and nonprofit organizations.
Here’s more information about the Gold and Silver Pick award winners:
Op ed campaign: Demonstrating local impact
Category: Editorials/Op-Ed Columns
Award: Gold Pick
Work samples submitted: The (Cortez) Journal “CU Boulder likes working with Montezuma County”; The Durango Herald “We’re part of your community, Durango, and you’re part of ours”; The Colorado Springs Gazette “GUEST COLUMN: The dream of college is still possible”
Reputation campaign
Category: Integrated Communications
Award: Gold Pick
Work samples submitted: Mantis Shrimp, Storm Chasing Drones and How Funny Works
Media relations
Category: Media Relations
Award: Gold Pick
Work submitted: “Volcanic eruption may explain recent purple sunrises”
Media relations
Category: Media Relations
Award: Silver Pick
Work submitted: “Novel 5-minute workout improves blood pressure, may boost your brain”
Rookie of the year
Bailey Gannett
Additionally, CU Boulder alumna Bailey Gannett was named Rookie of the Year. The Colorado chapter described Gannett as “an energetic and passionate outdoor enthusiast with driven tenacity to create storytelling and branding that impacts the world around her. She believes in the power of storytelling to cultivate a culture of positivity and relevance.”
Gannett is presently a senior communications specialist at a nonprofit called One Earth Future, focused on peacekeeping through governance. Gannett is also the PRSA Colorado Student Outreach Chair and a co-chair of its New Professionals Group. She graduated from CU Boulder in 2018 all while accomplishing six internships, three on-campus jobs and serving her PRSSA chapter at CU as president.
PRSA is the nation’s leading professional organization serving the communications community. With more than 30,000 professional and student members, PRSA is collectively represented across the U.S. by 110 chapters and 14 Professional Interest Sections, and on nearly 375 college and university campuses through its student organization, the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA).
Editor's note: Thumbnail image was taken at the PRSA Colorado Chapter award celebration in 2019 when CU Boulder science writers Lisa Marshall and Dan Strain and former science writer Trent Knoss also won awards.
