PR student’s success marks hat-trick for Stirling at major European award

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A public relations graduate has picked up a major academic award – marking the third time a Stirling student has been recognised at the annual EUPRERA Master Thesis Awards.

Anne Cumming was one of four Stirling graduates to be shortlisted in the European Public Relations Education and Research Association (EUPRERA) competition. She was announced the overall winner in the ‘Theoretical Impact Award’ category at the organisation’s Annual Congress in Vienna.

Anne Cumming photographed with her award certificate.

Anne collected her award at the EUPRERA Annual Congress in Vienna

The accolade honours those who make a significant professional or practical academic contribution to the field of public relations in Europe.

Anne, who is now working in the University’s Careers and Employability Service, was recognised for her dissertation which looked at the relationship between activism, documentaries, and PR theory and practice.

Alenka Jelen leans on a staircase bannister against a blue wall. She has shoulder length blonde hair and is wearing a white suit jacket and navy blue top.
Dr Alenka Jelen
Programme Director, MSc Public Relations and Strategic Communications
This is the third time a Stirling graduate has received this award in the last four years, which demonstrates the passionate, driven and talented communication professionals coming through our programmes.

Dr Alenka Jelen, Programme Director, MSc Public Relations and Strategic Communications, said: “We are immensely proud of all our graduates who were shortlisted and congratulations to Anne on her outstanding success. The EUPRERA Master Thesis Theoretical Impact Award is a prestigious recognition of her creative intellectual contribution to the field of public relations. Anne was also able to present her work at the annual EUPRERA Congress – a unique opportunity to share her work with the European academic community.

“This is the third time a Stirling graduate has received this award in the last four years, which demonstrates the passionate, driven and talented communication professionals coming through our programmes.”

Anne said: “I am delighted that my work has been recognised for its theoretical impact. I am passionate about addressing social justice issues and widening inclusion.

“The importance of highlighting alternative and impactful ways to address social justice issues is vital in this current climate.

“Attending congress allowed me to hear from leading scholars and I hope I will be able to apply some of this in my current role.”

Graduates Caoillin Putti, Deliby Nyale Chimbalu and Lisa Dalla Pria, who also studied on MSc Public Relations and Strategic Communication degrees, were shortlisted as finalists.