Ohio University's Hugh M. Culbertson Chapter received the Frederick H. Teahan Award for Outstanding Chapter, recognizing it as the best of 220 chapters nationwide. Criteria for the award include a well-developed student-run public relations firm, strong and active chapter membership, demonstrated leadership and a solid relationship with the university, community and alumni.

Alumnus M.J. Clark was awarded the Teahan award for outstanding professional advisor. Clark, a communications specialist at the law firm of Porter, Wright, Morris, & Arthur in Columbus, was recognized for her achievements while serving as a mentor to the chapter in 2000-01. When selecting a recipient for the award, judges consider involvement with the student chapter, encouragement of professional behaviors and attitudes and support of students.

This marks the ninth year in a row that the Ohio University chapter has received a national Teahan award and the first time the group has been recognized as the outstanding chapter.

"To be recognized as outstanding chapter is different from any award we've won in the past," said student Doug Rupert, president of Ohio University's chapter. "It isn't about one part of our chapter; it's about all parts. It isn't about one member's contribution; it's about all members' contributions."

Additionally, the chapter received permission to host a one-day regional public relations conference for students in Ohio and surrounding states in April 2002. Members Cindy Klein and Valerie McCoy, who attended the PRSA national conference in Atlanta, were awarded free associate membership in the organization upon their graduation from Ohio University.

The Ohio University Hugh M. Culbertson chapter of PRSSA has more than 100 members and is one of the most active in Ohio. The chapter regularly produces several publications, hosts speakers from around Ohio and operates a student-run public relations firm that services many Athens community non-profit organizations.