Baldwin Wallace public relations professor, student honored by PRSA Cleveland

The Public Relations Society of America's (PRSA) Greater Cleveland Chapter honored Baldwin Wallace University Professor Julie Miller and Rachel Klimczuk '18 at the organization's prestigious Hill, Lighthouse and Young Awards.

At a luncheon ceremony on April 11, Miller, APR, associate professor and director of BW's public relations program, was presented with the 2018 Davis Young Award for Exceptional Mentors.

The award annually honors a professional "who excels in mentoring students and young professionals through hands-on instruction and support."

Paying it forward

Miller noted she was coming full circle to win an award named for the "PR icon" who offered his valued advice and encouragement to Miller when she was a senior in college.

"Davis Young gave me several job leads and interviewing tips. I was so impressed that the COO of Edward Howard & Co. made time for me and hoped that I would one day make a difference in students' lives," Miller said. "I am beyond thrilled to receive an honor in his name."

"I think this award speaks to the hard work done by all BW faculty members to help students succeed," Miller added. "It is an honor to be part of our students' journeys."

BW Student Scholarship Winner

BW was a double winner, as PRSA also recognized senior public relations major Rachel Klimczuk '18 as one of two "Student of the Year" scholarship winners.

Klimczuk, a North Royalton, Ohio native, has been an active leader in a variety of campus organizations, including as a Center for Innovation and Growth (CIG) fellow and a Digital Marketing Clinic specialist.

She picked up a $1,000 scholarship from PRSA along with the opportunity to interview for an internship with a participating organization.

High Caliber Honorees

The other two awards were presented to David Gilbert, president and CEO of Destination Cleveland as well as president and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, and Barbara Paynter, who is president of Paynter Communications.

"The caliber of the people we honored at this awards luncheon distinguishes the Greater Cleveland PRSA chapter as one of the finest in the nation," said Bob Rotatori, PRSA Cleveland president.

More than 70 Cleveland-area communications professionals attended the presentation at Cleveland's Union Club.