The OSU Institute of Technology Marketing & Communications Office proudly secured eight accolades at the Oklahoma Colleges Public Relations Association Awards (OCPRA) held on July 11th. The competition was especially fierce this year, with over 500 submissions spanning 40 categories from 39 OCPRA institutions and their branch campuses.
 
"I couldn't be more proud of our Marketing & Communications team and their accomplishments this year," said Lindsay Lynch, director of OSUIT Marketing & Communications. "We are charged with best representing the OSUIT brand, and these awards are proof of that and well deserved."
 
The OSUIT team's awards comprise five Grand Awards, two Excellence Awards, and an honorable mention.
 
Grand Awards winners included the 'Discovery Lab Gala VR Exhibit' organized by OSUIT marketing coordinator Allison Bailey, and director of marketing, Lindsay Lynch and Xalter; the 'Spring 2023 Graduation Program Cover" designed by Kori Smith, OSUIT graphic design; the special publications ‘2022 President's Report' a collaborative effort by Bailey, Smith, Lynch, and Fierce Strategy + Creative; the video featurette category went to' Where Graduation Means You're Hired' jointly created by OSUIT's Marketing and Communications Team, Fierce Strategy + Creative and 1577 Productions; and best headline for 'Pete's Pantry: Bike Donation Puts Wheels in Motion for Students in Need' by Bailey.
 
Excellence Awards recognized the 'Holiday Card' designed by Smith and the 'Finally Done' portrait photograph by Andrew Nichols, OSUIT photographer and videographer.
 
Smith's 'Enroll Today Digital Billboard' received an Honorable Mention.
 
Since its inception over 30 years ago, the OCPRA Awards have spotlighted the pinnacle of contemporary communications within educational institutions, both public and private, in Oklahoma. The awards aim to honor accomplishments, applaud excellence, and foster a competitive environment amongst those who represent higher education to the public. Submissions are accepted from individuals involved in various areas like public relations, sports information, video production, development, or alums affairs from Oklahoma's higher education institutions. OCPRA membership is not mandatory for entrants.
 
This year's award ceremony featured entries for projects completed between June 2022 and May 2023. Winners are determined by a two-member panel of subject-matter experts not affiliated with Oklahoma College & University Public Relations. Their scores were combined to declare the winners.