A feature article in Pennsylvania College of Technology’s magazine, One College Avenue, has been honored with a 2009 Bronze “CUPPIE” Award in the annual competition sponsored by CUPRAP: The Association of Communicators in Education.
“Hearing the Voice Within,” a Spring 2008 cover story by Tom Wilson, writer/editor of PCToday, was recognized in the PR/Media–Feature Article category. The CUPPIE Awards were presented Thursday, March 12, at the organization’s annual spring conference in Hershey.
The award-winning article profiles Travis J. Clawson, student speaker for Penn College’s December 2007 commencement ceremony. Deaf since birth, Clawson weathered the challenges and adjustments of life on a “hearing” campus, becoming a tutor to his classmates and an inspiration to employees and students alike.
After delivering his speech (with the aid of an American Sign Language interpreter), Clawson received a bachelor’s degree in computer information technology and went on to full-time employment with the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C.
Wilson serves as the editor of the college’s news-and-information Web site, PCToday, online at www.pct.edu/pctoday. He has been employed at the college since 1999. Previously, he worked as city editor for the Williamsport Sun-Gazette. He is a 1979 journalism graduate of The Pennsylvania State University.
“Tom’s feature article on Travis exemplifies the best of what we strive to offer readers in each issue of One College Avenue — compelling storytelling focusing on the many accomplishments of Penn College students, alumni and faculty,” said Joseph S. Yoder, news bureau manager.
Founded in 1980, CUPRAP is an organization of communications professionals from colleges, universities and independent schools dedicated to advancing the understanding of higher education and enhancing the professional development of its members. The organization has nearly 400 members from 100 institutions who work in public relations, media relations, marketing, publications, sports information, web and graphic design, and more.
To view One College Avenue, visit online. For more information about Penn College, visit online, send e-mail or call toll-free (800) 367-9222.