PRSSA: Making of Award Winning PR Students

As the PRSSA International Conference (ICON) concludes in Orlando this week, DePaul University PRSSA e-board members will be bringing home great memories and two major awards.

DePaul PRSSA received the Chapter Diversity Award, and its tireless advisor — Juliet Stantz — received the Outstanding Faculty Advisor of the Year Award. Fellow students and faculty also celebrated DePaul grad student Teo Landoni took over the gavel as ICON president. Teo’s alma mater, UADE Argentina, won the Outstanding District Conference award.

Typical of Juliet always thinking about others first, her text message to colleagues led with proud news about students receiving the award for the diverse quality of their programs. Several students and faculty members feel she “buried the lead” — Juliet receiving the Outstanding Advisor Award. So, I’ll flip the order of PRSSA kudos by first congratulating Juliet.

Despite a 35-mile commute to campus, Juliet was fully engaged in all PRSSA meetings and events. Often following my night classes, I would find Juliet meeting with e-Board members several hours after her last class. And she’d be back on campus the next day to teach. No wonder her students love her, and colleagues hold her in such high regard.

“No one is more deserving of the Outstanding Advisor Award than Juliet Stantz,” said Dean Lexa Murphy. “She approaches her role with extraordinary care, generosity, and humility, always putting students first and inspiring them to achieve more than they might have thought possible. Our PRSSA students have thrived because of her guidance and advocacy.”

Juliet’s colleagues also agree with the Dean’s observation, as Professor Nur Uysal, founding faculty advisor to the student-run communications agency LoopedIn, says: “Juliet’s dedication to our PRSSA students is truly extraordinary. I’ve witnessed the countless late nights she spends working alongside chapter members, helping them turn ideas into meaningful programs and experiences. What stands out most is the genuine connection she has with our students. They absolutely love her, trust her, and are inspired by her. Juliet gives so much of herself to PRSSA, and her passion, generosity, and commitment are an inspiration to all of us.”

Chapter Diversity

The chapter’s programs and activities are thoughtfully designed to reflect the diversity within the college. So, Juliet, her colleagues and students were especially proud to receive the Chapter Diversity Award. “I could not be more proud of the PRSSA students for all the recognition and awards they continue to receive,” said Dean Murphy. “The Chapter Diversity Award is especially meaningful because it honors their commitment to inclusion and the thoughtful ways they ensure that all students have access to the opportunities, support, and sense of community that are so important for success in college and in future careers.”

Other Awards

Last month, for the second year in a row, DePaul’s Public Relations and Advertising (PRAD) program received the 2026 Skyline Award for Best Chicago-area College/University Communication Program/Department from the Public Relations Society of America Chicago Chapter. Last year, DePaul won PRSSA’s Oustanding Chapter Award.

Congratulations Ohio State

Besides being an Indiana University football fan, I was happy to see this year’s Outstanding Chapter Award going to Ohio State University. Long-time friend Kevin Saghy is the OSU chapter advisor, and friend Susan Henderson is a proud supporter of the chapter and her alma mater.

Ohio State University PRSSA members with chapter advisor Kevin Saghy (center).

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Culpwrit

Guiding the career in public relations