CHICAGO, IL, February 9, 2009 – Edelman, the world’s largest independent public relations firm, announced the recipients of the 2009 Daniel J. Edelman/Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) Award. The award is based on a nationwide competition and is given to students who are very active in their PRSSA Chapter.

Winner Nick Lucido is a junior at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI and president of the university’s PRSSA chapter. Nick is working towards a double major specializing in public relations and public administration and public policy. He will receive a $1,500 cash award along with a paid three-month internship at one of Edelman’s U.S. offices.  Nick holds previous awards, including Central Michigan PRSA Outstanding Student Practitioner of the year April 2008. He also reaches out through his blog, nicklucido.wordpress.com , to further enhance and discuss his passion for the PR industry.

Runner-up Heather Papsun is a senior at Boston University with a major in communication, concentrating in public relations.  Heather was the president of her local PRSSA chapter in the spring of 2008 and is currently the Regional Activity Coordinator. Heather will receive a $500 cash award and also will be offered an interview for an internship with Edelman. Heather is also a blogger, www.lifeisforeating.blogspot.com , focusing her writings on her affection for food and cooking.

“This award recognizes outstanding public relations students who best demonstrate the leadership abilities, strong work ethic, dedication and commitment exemplified by my father,” said John Edelman, managing director of Edelman’s Global Human Resources Department.   

The Daniel J. Edelman/PRSSA Award, named for the chairman and founder of Edelman, has been presented annually since 1990 to PRSSA student members who have demonstrated exceptional leadership ability, a commitment to a career in the field and have contributed substantially to PRSSA.  

About Edelman
Edelman is the world’s leading independent public relations firm, with more than 3,100 employees in 54 offices worldwide. Edelman was named PRWeek’s “2008 Large Agency of the Year,” Holmes Report’s “2007 Global Agency of the Year,” and was listed as a top-10 firm in Advertising Age’s “2007 Agency A-List,” the first and only PR firm to receive this recognition.  In 2007, CEO Richard Edelman was honored as “Agency Executive of the Year” by Advertising Age and “Most Powerful PR Executive” by PRWeek. For more information, visit www.edelman.com . A&R Edelman was formed following the acquisition of A&R Partners in May 2006. Visit www.edelman.com for more information.