Donald G. Padilla Community Excellence Award
Created in 1996 to honor the late public relations pioneer Donald G. Padilla, the award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and contributions to the profession of public relations, has contributed to the mission of PRSA and has volunteered their time and talents toward making our community better.
During his long career, Padilla devoted himself to helping civic, educational, human services and arts organizations communicate more effectively with their publics. And he was equally diligent in teaching the clients of his firm to see the many benefits of community stewardship. In 1986, Padilla received PRSA National’s highest honor for public service, the Paul M. Lund Award. He is the first Minnesota chapter member ever to receive this award.
Along with the award, Minnesota PRSA contributes $500 to a charitable organization of the recipient’s choice. Padilla donates another $500 to the same organization.
Nominations can be submitted here.
NOMINATION PROCEDURE & JUDGING CRITERIA
The nominee must demonstrate how they have served organizations through their professional achievements, experience and reputation in the profession and broadened its vision through their contributions. How the nominee’s volunteer activities have brought about positive social, economic, political or professional action must also be documented.
The nominee must also demonstrate how their efforts have contributed to the mission of PRSA, and their accomplishments must showcase solid and effective public relations principles and practices.
Include a list of organization(s) in which the nominee has volunteered, positions held and scope of activity. These activities must not be solely on behalf of a client or employer but may be supported by the nominee’s employer or client. Show how the nominee’s volunteer activities have 1) helped an organization move forward to achieve its mission and goals; and 2) brought credit to the public relations profession and encouraged others to emulate their activity.
List the nominee’s relevant awards and honors.
The nominee must be a PRSA member in good standing. All nominees not chosen for the award will automatically remain in the nomination process for three years.
JUDGING PROCEDURE
All entries are reviewed by a board-appointed panel of previous Donald G. Padilla Distinguished Practitioner Award honorees according to the judging criteria. All nominees not selected will remain in the nomination process for three years. The recipient will be notified in March/April 2025 and the award will be given at the Minnesota PRSA Classics Awards banquet in the spring of 2025.
AWARD HISTORY
In 1995, Minnesota PRSA created the Community Classics Award to honor a person who is judged by the chapter’s leadership to have made selfless contributions of time and public relations talent to make our community a better place.
In 1996, the board re-named it the Donald G. Padilla Community Classics Award, in honor of the late public relations pioneer and chapter member’s legacy of volunteer service. During his long career, Don devoted himself to helping civic, educational, human services and arts organizations communicate more effectively with their publics. And he was equally diligent in teaching the clients of his firm to see the many benefits of community stewardship.
Don received PRSA’s highest honor for public service, the Paul M. Lund Award, in 1986. It is given each year to a public relations professional for contributions made to the common good through public service activities. He is the only Minnesota PRSA member ever to receive a Lund award.
Don embodied the spirit of volunteerism and giving of himself. He gave his time and talents to help nonprofit organizations meet their goals and he encouraged everyone in our industry—both those at his own firm and members of this society—to give back.
For more information, please contact office@minnesotaprsa.org.