Foundation
About the PRSA Richmond Foundation
Created in 1999, the PRSA Richmond Foundation serves as the philanthropic arm of PRSA Richmond. We’re focused on connecting students to the public relations profession and helping local practitioners excel in their careers.
Scholarship Application for Students
The 2026 scholarship application is open. University and college students in Virginia are encouraged to apply by June 1. We’ll announce four $1,500 scholarship recipients later this year.
The Foundation works on two signatures initiatives:
Scholarships
The Foundation provides four annual $1,500 scholarships to students at Virginia colleges and universities who make a commitment to studying and practicing public relations. The four scholarships include:
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Daphne Lowell Memorial Scholarship
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Dietrick/Hunt Public Relations Service Scholarship
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Jeff Wilson, APR Scholarship of Excellence
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Jonah Holland Memorial Scholarship
Accreditation in Public Relations Support
The Foundation also provides reimbursements to PRSA Richmond Chapter members who successfully pass their Accreditation in Public Relations exam. Reimbursements are limited to $275 per person.
Foundation Board
The Foundation is actively seeking new board members who are interested in shaping its future and taking on leadership roles. If you're interested in getting involved, please fill out this interest form.
President: Meg Irvin, APR
Secretary: Vacant
Treasurer: Ken Storey, APR
Members:
Abby Kittrell
Andy Poarch
Cameron McPherson, APR
Carol Mawyer, APR
Pryor Green, APR
Susan Pollard, APR, Fellow PRSA
Congratulations to our 2025 scholarship recipients!
Scholarship Winners
With your help, we’ve distributed more than 50 scholarships to local students.
Jonah Holland Memorial Scholarship
Emily Robertson (2023)
Sylvia Mack (2024)
Lindsay Lawrence, Virginia Tech (2025)
Daphne L. Dailey Memorial Scholarship recipient
Julia Brewster (2017)
Margaux Natiello (2018)
Heather Prium (2019)
Carly Lyvers (2020)
Ella Ferrin (2021)
Damien Savedge (2022)
Katie Ariganello (2023)
Casey Frost (2024)
Ella Alger, James Madison University (2025)
Jeff Wilson APR Scholarship of Excellence
Emily Villacrusis (2021)
Kayla Kirchner (2022)
Sofia Margaret Cochis (2023)
Jordyn Isaacs (2024)
Any Griffin, Hampton University (2025)
Dietrick/Hunt Scholarship for Public Relations Service
Syed Rizvi (2024)
Ashley Falat, Virginia Tech (2025)
David P. Hurdle Memorial Scholarship Winner
Patricia Godsey, 2003
Anna E.G. Brown, 2004
Mark Allen Ellison, 2005
Emily Anna Grove, 2006
Cassie Ann Williams, 2007
Lauren Gauthier, 2008
Hillary White, 2009
Joshua Smith, 2010
Alexsis Rodgers, 2011
Rachel Harman, 2012
Corbin Leek, 2013
Blake Mirzayan, 2014
Jasmyn Snipes, 2015
Alyssa Lee, 2016
Peyton Johnson, 2017
Jenna Scull, 2018
Joshua Briere, 2019
Shayla Bailey, 2020
Sarah Newman, 2021
Noah Kennedy, 2022
William Dietrick Memorial Scholarship
Ebony Johnson, 2003
Ashley Dow, 2004
Charmaine S. Curtis, 2005
Elizabeth Bonnie Coats, 2006
Shana Bernabela, 2007
Duncan Alexander Phillips, 2008
Alison Eaves, 2009
Sainath Iyer, 2010
James Denison, 2011
Lorraine SantaLucia, 2012
Caitlin Puffenberger, 2013
John Le, 2014
Kristina Hipolito, 2015
Amanda Huelskamp, 2016
Anna Pendleton, 2017
Heather Derflinger, 2018
Taylor Burress, 2019
Amanda Christian, 2020
Kayla Kirchner, 2021
Alexis McNair, 2022
Kiera James, 2023
