Cameron claims nine awards in OCPRA contest

When the winners of the Oklahoma College Public Relations Association 32nd annual awards competition were announced, Cameron University claimed nine honors. The awards were announced at OCPRA's annual summer conference, held earlier this month in Tulsa.

Thirty-one departments from 24 of Oklahoma higher education institutions submitted 622 entries in 47 categories this year. Higher ed public relations professionals from outside the state served as judges alongside private industry professionals.

"In recent years, the OCPRA contest has attracted entries from more and more institutions," said Keith Mitchell, CU senior director of public affairs. "Cameron continues to hold its own against some very stiff competition. I'm extremely proud of the work of the Public Affairs staff - and especially to see their creative efforts recognized by their peers."

CU earned excellence awards in two categories. "Cameron University places Narcan vending machine on Lawton campus, a news release written by Janet E. Williams, was recognized in the news writing (under 250 words) category. Alex Zakharchenko was honored in the AI Innovation category for his design of a Spring Break sign that was posted on campus.

Cameron earned four achievement awards. John Kindred was honored for the design of a sports poster, CU Competitive: Katie King, as well as in the Bright Idea - Alumni/Fundraising category for his ROTC/Alumni design for a bus bench. Kindred also received an achievement award in the special publication category for the "Retiring from Cameron University" booklet. Zakharchenko claimed an achievement award in the Poster Design (Culture/Fine Arts) for his design for the theatre program's production of William Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar."

Honorable mention was bestowed on three CU entries. Honored were Zakharchenko's design of the 2024 CU calendar in the Bright Idea - General category, and his "Unsung Heroes" poster in the Poster Design (Culture/Fine Arts) category. Public Affairs staff members Kindred, Keith Mitchell, Williams, Rhonda Young and Zakharchenko were honored for the Fall 2023 issue of Cameron Magazine.

The CU Office of Public Affairs is responsible for promoting public awareness of the university. It accomplishes this by working with departments across campus to develop branded information materials, coordinate news coverage, and promote events and activities. The office is also charged with writing and designing Cameron Magazine, the university's alumni publication.

OCPRA provides networking opportunities and professional development for new and seasoned public relations professionals at Oklahoma's public and private institutions. Membership includes writers, designers, photographers, web developers, social media types, sports information specialists and event managers. The goal of the annual awards ceremony, which began in 1992, is to encourage a healthy spirit of competition while rewarding achievement, recognizing excellence and honoring the creative imagination of professionals who represent higher education to the public utilizing marketing, communication and public relations efforts. Entrants are not required to be members of OCPRA.

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