Sara Ialongo, a senior public relations and English major at Westminster College, recently received the Renaissance Award from the Pittsburgh Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.

"We are proud of our students," said Dr. Deborah Mitchell, assistant professor of English and public relations. "This is a very competitive field, and a coup to win two years in a row."

This is the third time in the last four years that a Westminster student has won the award. Amanda Kengersky, a 2002 graduate, received the award last year, and Meghan Duda, a 2001 graduate, was honored with the Renaissance Award three years ago.

"I understand that there were several competitive applicants, so I feel honored to be chosen for this award," Ialongo said.

The $1,000 Renaissance Award recognizes the outstanding Western Pennsylvania Undergraduate student in public relations for 2002, and is based on academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, letters of endorsement, and an essay.

Ialongo is president of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, and was chosen the "Outstanding Junior Woman" in March 2003, from all the chapters of Pennsylvania and West Virginia. She also ran cross country for four years, and served as the team's captain in her junior and senior year. She is a two-year member of the Public Relations Student Society of America, and is currently serving as the organization's vice president. Ialongo is a staff writer for the Holcad, Westminster's student newspaper, and is a member of Lambda Sigma and Omicron Delta Kappa, two honor societies that recognize leadership and academic achievement. She has also served three public relations internships: Magnet Communications in Pittsburgh, Lawrence County Social Service, Inc.; and St. Francis Hospital.

For more information, contact Ialongo at (724) 946-7666 or e-mail ialongsc@westminster.edu.

Ialongo is a daughter of David and Lydia Ialongo, Ellwood City, and a graduate of Lincoln High School.