The University of Nevada, Reno’s Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) Nevada chapter was awarded the Star Chapter award from the PRSSA National Committee for the fourth time in five years. 

The Star Chapter award is the gold standard for PRSSA chapters preparing their membership for the professional world. The minimum requirement is eight of the 11 standards to be eligible for the award. PRSSA Nevada met ten requirements, including implementing an ethics-focused program, attending PRSSA’s International Conference and providing pro-bono work to clients like the Northern Nevada Music Teachers Association and the University's Theater & Dance Department.

"The chance to be recognized as a PRSSA Star Chapter for the fourth time is an honor,” Camie Yokote, PRSSA Nevada’s 2019-2020 president, said. “Our board worked hard to expand our diversity programs, build on high school engagement for future recruitment and use our PR skills to give back to the community."

The student organization partnered with its parent chapter PRSA Sierra Nevada throughout the year to complete several Star Chapter requirements. A majority of the club’s guest speakers were PRSA members, including many who held their Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) credential. PRSSA Nevada also co-hosted a seminar and mixer centered around imposter syndrome.

“Completing the Star Chapter focuses our efforts on creating truly beneficial opportunities for the club,” Benjamin Engel, PRSSA Nevada’s 2020-2021 president, said. “We make sure our strategic roadmap coincides with the requirements so our membership and our community can benefit from our initiatives.”

PRSSA Nevada is a pre-professional organization based out of the University's Reynolds School of Journalism. It offers a variety of programs, workshops and mixers for any student interested in public relations and communications. The club focuses on offering opportunities to members to build portfolios and strengthen their professional network.