Megan Sigler, senior public relations major at Westminster College, was recently awarded the Renaissance Student Scholarship Award from the Pittsburgh chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).

This is the fourth time in the last five years that a Westminster student has won the award.  Sigler joins Megan Duda Corbin, a 2001 graduate from Erie, Amanda Kengersky, a 2002 graduate from Pittsburgh, and Sara Ialongo, a 2003 graduate from Ellwood City.

"It's truly a testament to our excellent public relations program at Westminster," Sigler said. 

The Renaissance Student Scholarship Award recognizes the outstanding Western Pennsylvania undergraduate student in public relations, based on academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, letters of endorsement, and essays.

"Receiving the Renaissance Award has been the greatest honor of my college career," Sigler said.  "The best part about winning this award is that it gets your face out there before graduation to open up doors for job opportunities."

Sigler attended a Public Relations Society of America banquet held at the Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel with Jim Raykie, editor-in-chief of The Herald newspaper, adjunct professor at Westminster, and advisor to The Holcad, Westminster's student newspaper.

"My colleagues at Westminster suggested that I attend and introduce Megan," Raykie said.  "But in addition to attending for Megan, I was really representing Dr. James Perkins, Dr. Deborah Mitchell, Dr. Suzanne Prestien, and visiting lecturer Delores Natale.

"Teaching at the college, while I take it seriously, is more of a hobby.  Being part of the development and success achieved by our youth (who happen to be our future) is without a doubt its most gratifying benefit."

"The banquet was very fancy and all of the important professionals from Pittsburgh were there," Sigler said.  "I felt like I was at the Public Relations Academy Awards."

Sigler is the daughter of Thomas and Colleen Sigler, Cranberry Township, and a graduate of Seneca Valley High School.   Sigler currently serves as editor-in-chief of The Holcad, Westminster's award-winning student-run newspaper.  She also serves as a teaching assistant in the Learning Center, and as an executive board member for the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), and Omicron Delta Kappa, a leadership honor society.  Sigler is active in Theater Westminster, Alpha Psi Omega, the theater honor society, and Sigma Kappa sorority.  During the summers, she worked as a public relations intern for the Society of Automotive Engineers in Warrendale.

For more information, contact  Sigler at (724) 946-7449 or e-mail siglermr@westminster.edu.