WMU News

Senior Pauline Oo wins Robeck Prize in Public Relations

Jan. 3, 2000

KALAMAZOO -- InterCom, a regional association of professional communicators, recently awarded its $250 George Robeck Prize in Public Relations to Western Michigan University senior Pauline Oo.

Oo, a native of Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, completed an associate's degree with an emphasis on international studies and communications at Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC) in 1997. She expects to complete her bachelor's degree in public relations at WMU in April. She is serving an internship with the WMU Office of University Relations, where she has assisted in the development and production of the WMU Experts Guide, developed news releases and engaged in media relations.

"The committee congratulates all of the finalists for this public relations award," said selection committee chair Gloria Z. Royal of the Kalamazoo Foundation. "We were particularly impressed with the way Ms. Oo has prepared for her career in the field, and believe her academic and practical experiences will serve her well."

In 1999, Oo won first place for feature writing in the annual journalism competition sponsored by the Detroit Press Foundation. A public relations major and advertising minor, Oo is a member of the WMU Advertising Club, the WMU PR Organization Alumni Committee and a charter member of WMU's Lambda Pi Eta. She is also a past panel presenter for the Midwest Institute, a former president of the KVCC International Club, a former member of the KVCC Diversity Council and served as Valedictorian of the KVCC graduation class of 1997.

The prize, established in 1995, was named in honor of WMU professor George B. Robeck, who proposed and developed the public relations major at the University. Public Relations was first offered as a major at WMU in 1982.

Applications for the prize are evaluated by a selection committee composed of members of InterCom, who are employed in or have extensive professional experience in public relations. Members of the WMU faculty are not affiliated with the judging.

Media contact: Cheryl Roland, 616 387-8400, cheryl.roland@wmich.edu


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