Teahan Award Presented for “Sawyers Day” Success
The Dr. F. H. Teahan Chapter Awards Program recognizes the outstanding achievements of PRSSA Chapters in 12 categories each year: Outstanding Chapter, Chapter Firm, Chapter Development, PRSA/PRSSA Chapter Relationship, Community Service, University Service, Chapter Diversity, Chapter Newsletter, Chapter Website, District Conference, Chapter Faculty Adviser and Chapter Professional Adviser.
This past year, Grand Valley State University was awarded Teahan Awards for University Service and for PRSA/PRSSA Relationship at the International Conference in San Diego. The University Service Award recognizes voluntary projects executed by a PRSSA Chapter that directly benefit the Chapter’s school. Competitive applications are from Chapters who have offered their time, talent and services in support of their school’s objectives, organizations and interests.
Being an account associate on the university service project that won was so rewarding. We were tasked by the director of marketing for our athletics department with generating student engagement for a throwback-themed basketball event called “Sawyers Day.” Their vision was for it to be an annual gathering of students, alumni and the surrounding community to remember Grand Valley’s history and rally support for both our men’s and women’s basketball teams. We have always had a strong football following at our school with other sports lacking in school spirit. Through constant communication with the marketing department, we were able to conduct a high stakes social media contest, host a 21+ beer garden social and generate over 4,000 attendees.
Months of planning led to a single day of execution, but it honestly couldn’t have gone better. In the process, we built a strong relationship with our university’s athletics department and gained support for both basketball teams. I am proud to say this year we celebrated our second annual Sawyers Day. I look forward to watching the event progress and relationships build as our Chapter continues to serve our university community.
Teagan Epley is an advertising and public relations major with a business minor graduating from Grand Valley State University in April 2020. Upon graduation, she hopes to continue building upon her agency experience.
