April 29 marked a major celebration for the Department of Advertising and Public Relations at Temple University’s Klein College of Media and Communication. The department hosted its annual Dapper Awards to recognize undergraduate students majoring in advertising and public relations. The day also featured the 10th annual All-Star Senior Showcase, graduating seniors connected with potential employers and expanded their professional networks.
DAPPER AWARDS
The award ceremony began with opening remarks from Kathy Mueller, chair of the Department of Advertising and Public Relations, followed by Klein College Dean David Boardman. Boardman praised the department’s continued excellence, highlighting the professionalism, talent and creativity showcased by students and faculty each year.
Awards were presented in six categories: Top in Class, Art Direction, Departmental Awards, Scholarship and Endowed Awards, Club Awards and Teaching Awards.
Graduating senior and advertising major Charlotte Saunder closed the ceremony with a speech. Though she transferred to Temple from the Pratt Institute after her freshman year, Saunder shared that she wouldn’t change a thing about her journey.
"Temple didn’t just give me an education, it gave me resilience, gave me confidence and it gave me the tools to build a future I once thought was out of reach,” said Saunder.
A full list of award winners is available here: sites.google.com/temple.edu/2025-dapper-awards
SENIOR SHOWCASE
That evening, the department continued the celebration with the All-Star Senior Showcase, highlighting the achievements of graduating students. The All-Star Senior Showcase provided an opportunity for soon-to-be graduates to make their debut in the professional world. Each senior was given a table to display their portfolio, case studies and other professional materials.
Senior public relations major Dahlia Boone played a central role in organizing the event, managing logistics, designing the concept and visuals and leading social media promotion.
“It is the most rewarding feeling,” said Boone. “It has been the most time- intensive course I’ve taken at Temple, but at the same time it’s the most rewarding thing to see everything come together.”
Adjunct professor Lisa Simon, along with Boone and five other undergraduate public relations and advertising students, assembled the team to bring the event to life. Boone and Simon worked closely to ensure the success of the Senior Showcase, even sending media alerts to stations around the city to secure coverage.
The City of Philadelphia formally recognized the showcase’s 10th anniversary by issuing an official citation in honor of Klein College of Media and Communication.
Both of the day’s events offered students a platform to showcase their skills and highlight the work they’ve done during their time at Temple.
“There is a committee of dedicated faculty and students who have worked tirelessly to create this vibrant event as well as the lovely awards ceremony,” said Muller.