Red River College Student Named The 2012 CPRS/CNW Group Student Award of Excellence Winner

TORONTO, June 7, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) and CNW Group proudly name Ryan McBride, who graduates today from Red River College, as the 2012 CPRS/CNW Group Student Award of Excellence winner. McBride will be mentioned as the winner during the CPRS National Awards of Excellence gala on June 12 at the Victoria Conference Centre in Victoria, B.C.

McBride maintained the highest grade-point average every semester during his two-year public relations program at Red River College. While excelling in the classroom as a full-time student, McBride was also undertaking freelance public relations work for the University of Manitoba, the Asper School of Business and the not-for-profit, Osborne Village BIZ.

"Ryan embodies the characteristics of an excellent PR professional," wrote Melanie Lee Lockhart, Public Relations Instructor, Red River College and McBride's nominator for the award. "If Ryan McBride's work ethic and skills are any indication of what the next generation of Canadian PR has to offer, our profession's future is bright."

"I'm still stunned that I've been honoured with this incredible award. It's taken me a long time to find my way to a career that lets me do everything I love and make a difference at the same time," said McBride. "Over the past two years I've met so many brilliant and creative PR students, teachers and professionals, and I can't wait to work with them and continue learning."

Established jointly by CPRS and CNW Group, the award recognizes student excellence in the public relations (PR) field. Program co-ordinators or instructors from public relations programs across Canada nominate candidates by submitting a 300-500 word summary about the nominee. Eligible students had to be currently enrolled in their final year (or equivalent) of a recognized, full-time PR program, instructed in a Canadian post-secondary institution. Students must have been studying at an undergraduate, diploma or certificate level. Winners receive a certificate and $1,000 cash award from CNW Group. CPRS will provide McBride with a complimentary Affiliate Membership. The Affiliate Membership is a new category designed specifically for new practitioners entering the profession following the completion of post-secondary public relations studies.

About CPRS

Founded in 1948, the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) is a not-for-profit organization whose members are engaged in the practice, management or teaching of public relations. Members work to maintain the highest standards and to share a uniquely Canadian experience in public relations. CPRS is a federation of more than 2,000 members across 14 Member Societies based in major cities or organized province-wide.  For more information, visit our website: cprs.ca.

MEDIA CONTACT
Bryan Sparks
Communications
Co-ordinator
416-239-7034
[email protected]