Ball State University's nationally affiliated student-run public relations firm Cardinal Communications received the 2008 Dr. F.H. Teahan National Chapter Award for Outstanding Firm at the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) International Conference.

Cardinal Communications was recognized as the top firm from among more than 270 chapters represented at the conference, held Oct. 24-28 in Detroit. The award is given annually to the nation's top student-run public relations chapter firm.

Members of Ball State's chapter also gave a panel presentation for other groups interested in improving their student-run firms, according to Robert "Pritch" Pritchard, associate professor of journalism and Cardinal Communications faculty adviser.

"Our students work from August to May each academic year in one of Ball State's premier learning laboratories to produce outstanding public relations, advertising and creative work for our clients," said Ball State senior Jennifer Regnier, executive director of Cardinal Communications. "Reinforcing classroom work and learning real-world public relations tactics is extremely beneficial to all students involved."

Winners of the award are recognized for the management and operation of their firm, professional experience of its staff and results achieved for clients. Cardinal Communications will receive $400 and a plaque to commemorate the achievement.

By Alyssa Brumback