Paragon Awards

The Paragon Awards were created in 1983 to encourage members to strive for public relations excellence. The awards recognize outstanding work in the area of public relations, honor creative and strategic excellence, and encourage a higher level of performance among public relations professionals.

Dorothy Thomas Black Award  - Open Through January 17, 2012

The Dorothy Thomas Black Award recognizes sustained, superior performance in public relations, typically rewarding the lifetime achievement of a public relations professional who is a member of the Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter of PRSA. The award was established by PRSA in 1983 in memory of Dorothy Thomas Black, who died a year earlier. Black was the former director of public relations at St. Luke's Medical Center and a PRSA chapter president. Candidates for this award will be considered every other year.

The Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter of PRSA is now accepting nominations for the Dorothy Thomas Black Award.  Any nominee must meet the following criteria:  

• At least 15 years of full-time experience in public relations.
• Has been accredited in public relations (APR) for at least six years (thereby demonstrating a solid commitment to the profession).
• An active chapter member, meaning the candidate has been very supportive and has contributed significantly to the chapter in meaningful ways.
• Has provided public relations service to the local community (volunteer or pro-bono work outside of normal work assignments).
• Has demonstrated sustained superior professional public relations capabilities (e.g. creating greater public understanding of issues through sound application of public relations).
• Has demonstrated sustained leadership in public relations.  

Please note that in order to qualify for the Dorothy Thomas Black Award, the candidate cannot be nominated by a co-worker or a family member.  

To nominate someone for the Dorothy Thomas Black Award, write a brief letter nominating a candidate.  Send the letter to:   Laura Monagle, APR lmonagle@staplesmarketing.com    

Paragon Communicator Award - Open Through January 17, 2012

The Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter of PRSA annually presents a special Paragon Communicator Award to a businessperson, educator, politician or other community leader who effectively uses public relations and/or communications skills in the performance of their responsibilities. (Past recipients include Nancy Zimpher of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, former governor Tommy Thompson, Sister Joel Read of Alverno College, Bill Hanbury of the Greater Milwaukee Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Dr. James Cameron of America's Black Holocaust Museum.)

Paragon Communicator Award Candidate Criteria:

• Business person, educator, politician or other community leader.
• Has more than 15 years public relations and/or communications and/or significant community involvement experience.
• Has demonstrated effective application of sound public relations principles and practices in furthering a greater understanding of a business, community or other issue in the performance of their responsibilities.
• Has made a meaningful, positive impact in Southeastern Wisconsin.
• Must be present at the Paragon Awards Ceremony to accept the award.

* NOTE: In order to qualify for the Paragon Communicator Award, the candidate cannot be nominated by a co-worker and/or agency or a family member.

Send nominations to: Laura Monagle, APR, lmonagle@staplesmarketing.com