By Cara Kelley
Lindsey + Asp Advertising and Public Relations is a student run agency located in the Gaylord College on the University of Oklahoma’s Campus. The agency has more than a dozen local and national clients. Gaylord students run and operate the agency, with the aid of two advisors, “Pritch” Pritchard and Debbie Yount.
Earlier this month, Lindsey + Asp held its spring 2017 awards ceremony where students were awarded for their hard work and dedication to the agency and its clients. Among the award recipients were members of leadership, the Navy Research Team, as well as agency employees who have excelled in their positions. Lindsey + Asp collaborates with various advertising and public relations agencies to have the opportunity to award students with “winternships,” where students can learn more about their respective industry over holiday break, as well as awards that pay for first year PRSA dues. Leadership members were honored for their contributions to the agency and those employed.
An awards ceremony like the one on May 1 is important when it comes to recognizing students and their dedication to their respective agency. It is also important when it comes to highlighting the qualities and work ethic it takes to succeed in the communications industry. Students with all different interests in PR, advertising, digital, etc. must do their best to excel in what has become a competitive market. In order to become a successful professional after graduation, one must apply themselves in extracurricular activities like Lindsey + Asp or in internships while they are in school.
I was truly honored to receive the Culpwrit Award for agency leadership at the ceremony. As I looked around the awards ceremony and watched my fellow agency members receive awards for their hard work and dedication, I realized being a part of Lindsey + Asp was one of the best decisions I could have made during my time as an undergrad in the Gaylord College. For two years, I personally watched those who were honored excel in their work with their clients, leadership positions, and most importantly, their dedication to bettering themselves and their careers.
Cara Kelley graduated from the University of Oklahoma in May 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations. She was account lead at Lindsey + Asp. Cara will continue her education by pursuing a Master’s in Strategic Communication from the Gaylord College and expects to graduate next year. She hopes to work for a boutique PR agency.