Centennial College students sweep CPRS public relations industry awards... again!

TORONTO, May 21, 2015 /CNW/ - Students of Centennial College's Public Relations and Corporate Communications post-graduate program once again took top honours at the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) Ace Awards held on May 20 in Toronto, winning six awards in various categories.

Jessica Grace Chong took home the CPRS Student of the Year award. A Centennial student has earned this honour for the third consecutive year, and in four out of the past five years. Four awards – one gold, one silver and two bronzes – recognized the success of student-organized public relations events that supported various charities in Toronto.

Barry Waite, chair of the School of Communications, Media and Design at Centennial's Story Arts Centre, was honoured with the prestigious Lois Marsh Award for outstanding leadership, support and involvement in the profession. In his acceptance speech, Barry called his ability to work and impact future PR professionals "life changing." Waite is also acting program coordinator for the college's new Bachelor of Public Relations Administration four-year program, and the former coordinator and professor for the certificate program.

"We couldn't be more proud of our students and of Barry," said Nate Horowitz, Dean of the School of Communications, Media and Design. "These awards are a reflection not only of the quality of students we attract and produce, but also of the extraordinary commitment our faculty has to superior experiential learning. Our entire faculty has a depth and breadth of industry experience that benefits all of our students."

The four Ace Awards collected by Centennial students include:

• Special Events (non-student category): Bronze for "Art Haus"
• Student Public Relations Campaign of the Year: 
                          Gold: "Talk is Cheap 7.0"
                          Silver: "Wilki Night Out"
                          Bronze: "More Than Just A Brew"

Centennial College is Ontario's first public college, established in 1966, primarily serving the eastern portion of the Greater Toronto Area. It has a record of exemplary teaching, innovative programming and extensive partnership building. Centennial is recognized as one of the most culturally diverse post-secondary institutions in Canada.

SOURCE Centennial College

Media contact: Scott Hosmer, Story Arts Centre, Centennial College, 416-289-5000, ext. 8506, [email protected]