WASHINGTON – Howard University student Brandon Oliver is the recipient of the PRSSA Service Award presented by the National Capital Chapter (NCC) of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). Oliver served as the student president of Howard University’s D. Parke Gibson Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), a collegiate branch of PRSA.

“I am ecstatic to have been awarded the prestigious 2019 PRSSA Service Award,” said Oliver, a senior public relations major from Oakland, California. “It feels good to have been recognized for my dedication to service and all the work I've done to constantly grow and improve HU PRSSA.”

Faculty Advisor Emily Cramer praised Oliver for his creativity and leadership, which has helped to grow the chapter.

“As president of the D. Parke Gibson Chapter of Howard University’s PRSSA, Oliver has grown chapter membership by more than 200 percent since his tenure began in August of 2018,” said Cramer. “Under his leadership, PRSSA has developed lasting relationships with companies such as Google, IPG, National Geographic, Edelman and BCW, among many others. Oliver’s award also honors the students and faculty of the Department of Strategic, Legal and Management Communication, where Brandon is currently finishing his degree in Public Relations.”

In the future, Oliver plans to explore career opportunities in either entertainment public relations or brand management.  

“Brandon Oliver is a stellar student and the PRSSA Leadership Award is indicative of his dedication and passion,” said Gracie Lawson-Borders, dean of the Cathy Hughes School of Communications. “He is a leader among his peers in the PRSA student chapter at Howard University and we are proud of his accomplishments.”

PRSA-NCC is the largest chapter of PR professionals across the nation. The chapter is committed to advancing the communications profession in the Washington, D.C. area by fostering collaboration, enhancing knowledge and skills, and creating connections through robust, up-to-date, and inclusive educational, networking, and professional growth opportunities.

# # #

About Howard University

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced one Schwarzman Scholar, three Marshall Scholars, four Rhodes Scholars, 11 Truman Scholars, 25 Pickering Fellows and more than 70 Fulbright Scholars. Howard also produces more on-campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, visit www.howard.edu

Media Contact: Imani Pope-Johns, Imani.popejohns@howard.edu