UA’s Plank Center Recognizes Public Relations Mentors

CHICAGO — The University of Alabama’s Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations will honor six outstanding mentors at its third Honoring Milestones in Mentoring Awards Banquet at the Union League Club of Chicago Thursday, Nov. 1.

The following honorees were selected in six categories by their peers:

• Legacy: Steve Harris, former VP, global communications, General Motors
• Executive: Jon Iwata, senior VP, marketing & communications, IBM
• Corporate: Nick Ashooh, global VP, corporate affairs, Alcoa
• Agency: Margery Kraus, founder and CEO, APCO Worldwide
• Educator: Dr. Elizabeth Toth, professor and chair, department of communication, University of Maryland
• Young Professional: Ryan McShane, account executive, Taylor

“Mentoring is an essential component of a successful career in public relations, and each of these six individuals has inspired so many during their extraordinary careers,” said Ron Culp, director of the graduate PR and advertising program at DePaul University and vice chair of the Plank Center.

The Honoring Milestones in Mentoring Awards Banquet will include a reception, dinner and awards ceremony. Proceeds will be used to support research, national awards and service programs to advance the understanding and practice of ethical and responsible public relations. A registration form can be downloaded at www.plankcenter.ua.edu.

About the Plank Center

In 2005, the University of Alabama Board of Trustees established The Plank Center, named for public relations leader and UA alumna, the late Betsy Plank, to develop and recognize outstanding performance in the profession and classroom. Through a variety of programs, and in concert with groups and associations, the Center works to nurture and help develop outstanding leaders.

In addition to national leaders in the practice and education, the Center Board includes an ex officio position for the president of the Public Relations Student Society of America, which represents more than 10,000 members in 300-plus colleges and universities.

The Center is housed in UA’s College of Communication and Information Sciences. UA’s public relations program, with nearly 600 students, is the largest undergraduate degree program within the College. The program is certified by the Public Relations Society of America and for four consecutive years has been ranked among the top five public relations programs in the country by PRWeek Magazine.

More information about the Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations can be found at www.plankcenter.ua.edu.