DETROIT, Mich. - The Wayne State University Department of Communication and the James M. Measell Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America [PRSSA] will honor Susan Ferraro, APR with the 2011 Alumni Achievement Award at its annual spring luncheon to be held April 13, 2011 at the Alumni House on campus.

Susan Ferraro

The award recognizes Ferraro's contributions to the field of public relations and honors her commitment to Wayne State's public relations program. Ferraro is currently president of The Detroit Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America and is the owner of Volare Public Relations, a local public relations firm. "Susan is an inspiring mentor for our students majoring in public relations and has shared much of her time to advise them regarding their professional development as they prepare to enter the business world," said PRSSA Faculty Advisor Shelly Najor.

"I sincerely enjoy working with the Wayne State University public relations students and coming back to my alma mater," said Ferraro. "I hope to inspire students to understand the full breadth and essence of the discipline of public relations, especially in regard to its importance in the business community. As public relations professionals, we need to start at the college level by teaching students the value and impact of this very important mode of communication. I'm deeply honored to receive this award."

The annual luncheon provides an opportunity for students to network with area public relations professionals and potential employers. Professionals also have the chance to meet the future leaders in public relations as select students are recognized for their achievements in the field of public relations.

The James M. Measell Chapter of PRSSA was founded in 1983. The organization prides itself on communication and collaboration as student-members advance the profession and the student professional.