Early Bird

Going for Gold (Picks)

Roadrunners garner several honors at recent 2020 Public Relations Society of America regional awards ceremony.

By Cory Phare

November 30, 2020

Metropolitan State University of Denver was well-represented at this year’s Public Relations Society of America – Colorado Chapter’s annual award ceremony, dubbed the Gold Pick Banquet. 

The virtual gala saw Michelle Baum, assistant professor of journalism and media production, picking up the PRSA chapter’s nod for Mentor of the Year.

“Learning I was named PRSA Mentor of the Year was incredibly meaningful to me because of the influence my mentors have had on my life,” she said. “They have taught me many valuable lessons, changed my perspective and, in some instances, altered my path completely. To be acknowledged for impacting others in a positive way is about the greatest honor I can imagine.” 

Check out Baum’s contribution to this RED story on combating COVID-19 with crisis communications.

Vic Vela, Colorado Public Radio host, MSU Denver alumnus and JMP faculty member, also nabbed top billing as Media Person of the Year. Read more about Vela’s story of recovery in this RED profile of the man behind the mic. 

The Strategy, Marketing and Communications team also picked up a first-place finish in the 2020 Reputation and Brand Management category for the Reimagine Possible campaign. SMC also brought home two Silver Picks, in the Online Video category for the Reimagine Possible video and in the Events and Observances category for last year’s TEDx MSU Denver. 

“This industry recognition is truly a testament to the top-quality work that Roadrunners continue to deliver on multiple fronts,” said Cathy Lucas, vice president of Strategy and External Affairs. “I couldn’t be prouder of what we’re doing here and the impact of sharing the MSU Denver story.”