PRSSA Kent officer and Immediate Past President wins highest national honor

The Public Relations Student Society of America recognized PRSSA Kent Immediate Past President and PRSA/PRSSA Liaison Cindy Deng with the National Gold Key Award at the White House Corresponding Awards Ceremony on October 13.

The national organization’s website notes the award is the highest individual honor PRSSA members can receive.

PRSSA chooses to honor a handful of students each year who meet stringent academic and professional requirements. These requirements include maintaining at least a 3.4 GPA and demonstrating PR leadership and internship experience.

“When I got the email about earning the award, I practically bawled,” Deng said. “Being the somewhat insecure person I am about my leadership potential, earning this award sealed the deal for me in giving me confidence that I’m meant for this profession.”

Now serving as a liaison between the Chapter and surrounding PRSA Chapters, Faculty Adviser Michele Ewing said Deng has been actively involved in the Chapter from the moment she set foot on campus.

“Cindy has dedicated countless hours to mentoring students, connecting PRSSA Kent with the professional community and elevating PRSSA Kent’s national reputation,” Ewing said. “This is such a well-deserved honor.”

Deng partially credits 2012-2013 PRSSA Kent Chapter President Christine Morgan and her mentorship for the award.

“Michele [Ewing] and I joke about this all the time, but I’ve unintentionally followed in Christine’s footsteps, and I’m glad I did,” Deng said.

Deng also applied for and was granted free registration for PRSSA National Conference. To win the grant, Deng composed a press release and personal essay detailing her thoughts on the future of the industry. 

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