To help promote excellence in the field of communications, IABC London is pleased to offer an awards program for students. This awards program is made possible because of the commitment and generosity of our sponsors: Western Continuing Studies, Canada Life and The Marketing Department (TMD).

IABC London has four student awards. Two awards recognize the achievements and skills of students in Fanshawe College’s Public Relations – Corporate Communications program. One award recognizes the achievements of a Fanshawe College student in the Graphic Design Advanced Diploma Program. One award recognizes a Western Continuing Studies student in the Public Relations Diploma program. Each recipient receives $500.


Western Continuing Studies Public Relations Student Award of Excellence

Since the introduction of the John Burke-Gaffney Award for Organizational Communications in 1988, IABC London has a long history of recognizing the next generation of public relations professionals training at Western University. Now titled the Western Continuing Studies Public Relations Student Award of Excellence, this annual $500 award recognizes a student enrolled in the Western Continuing Studies Diploma in Public Relations program. It is presented to a student who shows a strong aptitude in the field of corporate communications and public relations and who has a strong vision for their future career.

Judging Criteria:

  • Minimum 80% average for the program or past year of study
  • Career plan as a practitioner in the communications and public relations industry
  • Extra-curricular involvement (communications-related preferred)

Application Process:

Coming soon! Email iabclondonawards@gmail.com for more information.

A committee consisting of IABC London’s executive board members, as well as a Western University liaison, evaluates the applications and makes a final selection. The award recipient is notified by June and the award is presented at the IABC London Virtuoso Awards Celebration.

Past Winners

Congratulations to:

  • Amelia Lee, 2023
  • Victoria Almeida, 2021
  • Cynthia Yi, 2020
  • Alicia Baertson, 2019
  • Jenna Fayad, 2018
  • Serena Quinn, 2017
  • Adam Veen, 2016
  • Julie Kiser, 2015
  • Lawvin Hadisi, 2014
  • Eamon O’Flynn, 2013
  • Carly Ekstein, 2012
  • Kaitlin Martin, 2010
  • Carolyn Schulz, 2009
  • Katherine Low, 2008
  • Joanna Magee, 2007

Canada Life Student Award of Excellence: Public Relations – Corporate Communications, Fanshawe College

This annual award is given to the highest achieving student in the Corporate Communication and Public Relations Ontario Graduate Certificate Program at Fanshawe College. The recipient will receive a $500 award. The College selects the student based on the highest grades attained during the intensive eight-month program.

Past Winners

Congratulations to:

  • William Pieta, 2023
  • Angela Somerville, 2021
  • Stefanie Wigle, 2021
  • Lauren Nanne, 2020
  • Kelsey King, 2019
  • Caitlin Austin, 2018
  • Kelly Forbes-Wilson, 2017
  • Sasha Kristoff, 2016
  • Andrea Henderson, 2015
  • Jessica McGaw, 2014
  • Glen Morgan, 2013
  • Carrie Galsworthy, 2012
  • Janice Mills and Kathleen Morrison, 2011
  • Elyse Michaud, 2010
  • Sarah O’Neill, 2009
  • Sarah Carruthers, 2008
  • Linda Heredia, 2007

Canada Life Leadership Award: Public Relations – Corporate Communications, Fanshawe College

The recipient is a student who has strong leadership skills, is a team player, and demonstrates competency in all aspects of communication. The recipient is awarded a $500 award. The student’s peers in the Public Relations – Corporate Communications Ontario Graduate Certificate Program nominated the recipient and a committee reviewed and selected the award winner.

Past Winners

Congratulations to:

  • Aubrey Gail Mariano, 2023
  • Angela Somerville, 2021
  • Lauren Nanne, 2020
  • Chantal Quagliara, 2019
  • Lindsay Marcaccio, 2018
  • Laura Vere, 2017
  • Johnna Allen, 2016
  • Thea Boyd, 2015
  • Priya Das, 2014
  • Brenda Farhat, 2013
  • Megan Pasierbek, 2012
  • Chantelle Diachina, 2010
  • Alyson Young, 2009
  • Rosy Lopez Gross, 2008
  • Darlene Pratt, 2007

The Marketing Department (TMD) Award for Academic Excellence in Graphic Design: Graphic Design Advanced Diploma Program, Fanshawe College

Recognizing outstanding achievement by a third year student, this $500 award is presented to the individual who has demonstrated the highest overall academic performance in graphic design, selected by faculty administrators at Fanshawe College.

Past Winners

Congratulations to:

  • Seanoha Finigan, 2023
  • Ashley Allen, 2021
  • Carlie Vanderwerff, 2020
  • Kaitlin Arts, 2019
  • Sookeun (Lucy) Jo, 2018
  • Brooke Taylor, 2017
  • Melissa Williams, 2016
  • Andrea Wister, 2015
  • Rachel Swift, 2014
  • Sarah Rose, 2013
  • Kayla Watson, 2012
  • Frank Neufeld, 2011
  • Richard Modin, 2010
  • Megan Foerster, 2009
  • Kelly Kobarda, 2008
  • Danielle Lynn Robb, 2007

Echidna Solutions Award for Academic Excellence in Advanced Multimedia Design

Congratulations to:

  • Damon Muma, 2011
  • Serge Savchuk, 2010