The Pacesetter recognizes a chapter's success in membership, national participation and/or chapter development.
The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) National Committee evaluates the performance of the different PRSSA chapters and award this recognition to chapters that set the pace nationally, given their level of involvement, leadership and impact.
To receive this award, a PRSSA’s chapter has to demonstrate that it has increased its membership by 5 percent or more from the previous term, that it participated in PRSSA/PRSA’s “themed” month (in this case, a month about the theme of building relationships), that it differentiated the chapter through strategic actions conducive to chapter development and improvement, that it participated in a national initiative, and that it put forth substantial effort into promoting a cause or event through the chapter.
Elon’s PRSSA chapter obtained this recognition because the chapter worked with the local organization Loaves and Fishes to assist with promotion for a service week called “Fishing for Cans.” Elon PRSSA’s members promoted the event through design, media outreach and social media. Its members also volunteered at service events throughout the week.
Besides, Elon’s PRSSA chapter recently participated in several national Initiatives, including sending a delegate to National Assembly and incorporating the Diversity Initiative into a chapter meeting.
“Our chapter has been working hard all year to grow in membership and involvement,” said Heather Harder, 2012-13 president of the Elon chapter. “It is great to see our work with another student organization recognized as a trend for other PRSSA chapters to follow.”
About the meaning of obtaining this award, she added: “Our collaboration with various Elon organizations this year has given us a stronger sense of professionalism and community. Receiving this award is a great way to end the year. I expect Elon PRSSA to continue in this direction of success for upcoming years.”
Faculty adviser Vanessa Bravo, assistant professor in the School of Communications, said this recognition is a deserved honor for a chapter that is well organized and active. “This semester, the chapter’s membership increased from about 60 Elon students to 100. This is just one indicator of a healthy student organization,” Bravo said.
Elon University and Indiana University have received the award this year. In 2012, the recipients were California State University (Fresno), the University of Texas (Austin) and Indiana Wesleyan University. In 2011, the only recipient was the University of Alaska (Anchorage).