Ife Akintunde Named 2016 CPRS/CNW Student Award of Excellence Winner

TORONTO, June 1, 2016 /CNW/ - The Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) and CNW Group proudly name Ife Akintunde as the 2016 CPRS/CNW Group Student Award of Excellence winner. Akintunde was recognized during the World Public Relations Forum Awards Gala on May 31 in Toronto, ON. Akintunde accepted the award in front of his future industry peers.  

"It is such an honour to be the recipient of this year's CPRS/CNW student Award of Excellence. Winning this award means a lot to me and I appreciate everyone that has contributed in the success story, especially my professors and my colleagues at Sault College. Public Relations has always been a passion for me, and with this award, I know I am poised for a positive impact in the PR world on a global scale," said Akintunde.

A native of Lagos, Nigeria, Akintunde has been actively involved in the Sault Ste. Marie community during his time at Sault College. He has helped organize a number of events and projects through a public relations and event management lens. He helped organize fundraising events for a local school board and the local United Way Chapter, as well as taking the lead public relations role for the African Caribbean Canadian Association of Northern Ontario (ACCANO), helping organize a black history month celebration.

"As an international student, Ife clearly demonstrated his tremendous work ethic and dedication to the program by adapting quickly to some of the common challenges facing students from other countries, such as language, environment and culture," wrote Gino Cavallo, instructor, Public Relations-Event Management, Sault College and Akintunde's nominator for the award. "In early March, Ife was one for four students in the program to receive the President's Scholarship Award, recognizing outstanding academic achievements."

Established jointly by CPRS and CNW Group, the award recognizes student excellence in the public relations (PR) field. Program co-ordinators or instructors from public relations programs across Canada nominate student candidates. Eligible students had to be currently enrolled in their final year (or equivalent) of a recognized, full-time PR program, instructed in a Canadian post-secondary institution. Winners receive a certificate and a cash award from CNW Group. CPRS will provide Akintunde with a complimentary Affiliate Membership. The Affiliate Membership is a new category designed specifically for new practitioners entering the profession following the completion of post-secondary public relations studies.

About CPRS

Founded in 1948, the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) is a not-for-profit organization whose members are engaged in the practice, management or teaching of public relations. Members work to maintain the highest standards and to share a uniquely Canadian experience in public relations. CPRS is a federation of more than 1,800 members across 14 Member Societies based in major cities or organized province-wide. 

SOURCE Canadian Public Relations Society

Image with caption: "Ife Akintunde (CNW Group/Canadian Public Relations Society)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160601_C5800_PHOTO_EN_703742.jpg

For further information: visit our website: cprs.ca