The University of Alabama Public Relations Student Society of America chapter was recently presented the PRSSA Dr. Fredrick H. Teahan Chapter Award for University Service in San Francisco, Calif.
The award is given annually at the National Public Relations Student Association Conference held for public relations student chapters and professionals.
Kyle Borland, a sophomore majoring in public relations, said the award specifically recognized the University’s LessThanUThink campaign, an effort that originated at the University to address the national problem of college age binge drinking.
“LessThanUThink was honored to be acknowledged for the work we’ve done for The University of Alabama community,” Borland said.
Borland and UA PRSSA’s Secretary Jacquie McMahon said they were ecstatic when LessThanUThink won the award.
“Jacquie and I were so shocked to hear our campaign’s name announced,” Borland said. “We both just kind of sat there for a second and then went, ‘Oh, wait, that’s us!’”
McMahon said even before the award ceremony, the conference itself was one of the greatest experiences in her life.
“It was great being able to hear from awesome speakers, like the co-founder of Twitter, and see what the PR programs at other schools have developed,” McMahon said.
Borland said the conference was easily the best experience of his college career so far.
“Being around so many PR students and faculty from all over the country really put me into a sort of PR high,” Borland said. “It really solidified for me that I was in the right profession.”
Borland said LTUT has more than 30 awards on every level, but this is the first time it has received this particular award.
“Like every campaign, there is always room to grow, and LTUT is no exception,” Borland said. “LTUT is always evolving and definitely always growing.”
McMahon said LTUT is such an important message and she is grateful it has been able to accomplish things like bringing Shaq to UA and expanding the campaign nationwide, starting in Orange County, Calif.
“LTUT is one of Capstone Agency’s best clients, so we hope to keep evolving the campaign and thinking of new ways to creatively express our message,” McMahon said.
Borland said he has been appreciative of the positive results the campaign has had this past year leading up to the conference.
“Students respond to the message that we are sending out because it resonates on such a personal level with so many people across the country,” Borland said.
Jessica Colburn, a senior majoring in public relations, said it was an honor to receive the prestigious award.
“The honor was both a rewarding experience for me as the Firm Director of Capstone Agency, the student-led firm that manages the LTUT campaign, and as a student of our incredible APR program,” Colburn said.
Colburn said none of this would have been possible without the confidence and dedication of their teachers and mentors in creating ideas.
“I am blessed to be a part of such a creative and passionate campaign and look forward to the next exciting venture LTUT pursues,” Colburn said.
