Emily Marshall, Amber Laibe, Aaron Campbell and Katie Hawkins, members of Ball State's chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), competed in the 2002 PRSSA Bateman Case Study Competition against student groups from 47 universities and colleges around the country.  The awards were announced in New York, April 10.

"This is a very prestigious award," said Robert Pritchard, journalism professor and faculty adviser. "This reflects well, not just on our PRSSA chapter, but on the journalism department and the university.  It is especially significant as our chapter celebrates its 30th anniversary this year."

The case study competition began in 1973 to help students test the analytical skills and mature judgment required for public relations problem-solving.

The students were challenged to create and implement an effective public relations campaign for Contiki, an international company trying to encourage more students to travel.

Contiki is the world's largest travel company for people 18 to 35, specializing in motor coach tours throughout Europe, Australia, New Zealand and North America.

Dr. Louis Ingelhart, professor emeritus and first journalism department chair, formed the Ball State PRSSA chapter in 1972.  It is the oldest chapter in Indiana and among the oldest in the nation.

The Public Relations Student Society of America is the student pre-professional counterpart of the Public Relations Society of America.  With more than 6,500 members in 220 chapters on college and university campuses across the country, it is the largest student public relations organization in the nation.

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, contact Robert Pritchard by phone at (765) 285-9104 or by email at rpritchard@bsu.edu.)