Langston University

Langston University’s Public Relations team walked away with 18 awards at the annual Oklahoma Collegiate Public Relations Association (OCPRA) Awards Ceremony on July 15, including five Grand awards. It was the most awards won by a single institution.

This year’s awards competition received a record total 662 submissions across 37 categories from 31 departments/divisions at 24 institutions, making it the most competitive OCPRA awards competition to date. The competition included teams from Oklahoma State University, the University of Oklahoma, the University of Central Oklahoma and more.

Langston University’s 18 awards are the most awards the university has won in a single year at OCPRA. Senior Graphic Designer Brandon Clemoens earned nine of the awards.

“It’s crazy to think about, but I remember a time when I would go to this conference and I wouldn’t even leave with an honorable mention,” said Clemoens, the longest-serving member of the team.

This year’s awards haul is reflective of the hard work done by LU’s Public Relations team to roll out the university’s “We Roar” campaign, which launched in October. Aspects of the campaign have included commercials, podcasts, video series, and traditional and digital advertising.

Langston University won awards in graphic design, photography, videography, social media, writing and web design categories. The team won five Grand (1st place) awards, five Excellence (2nd place) awards, five Achievement (3rd place) awards, and three Honorable Mentions. 

Grand Awards

Campaign (General) – “We Roar” by the Langston University Office of Public Relations

Video Featurette – “We Roar” Commercials by the Langston University Office of Public Relations and 1577 Productions

Holiday Greeting – Black History Month by Brandon Clemoens

Poster Design (Sports) – Another Historic Lions Basketball Season by Brandon Clemoens

Social Media Campaign – “We Roar” Student Video Campaign by Ellie Melero

Excellence Awards

Cover Design – “Fear the Roar” Homecoming Fan Guide by Brandon Clemoens

Stationary & Business Cards – Langston University’s 17th President’s Stationary by Brandon Clemoens

Series Photography – “Fear the Roar” Sports Photos by Brandon Clemoens

Full-Length Feature – Nursing Students Save Man’s Life During Spring Break by Ellie Melero and Jet Turner

Full-Length Feature (Human Interest) – Reece Wright: The Little Lion Who Became the Heart of Lions Basketball by Jet Turner

Achievement Awards

Viewbook – 2024 “We Roar” Viewbook by Brandon Clemoens

AI Innovation – “Curtain Drop” AI Miss Langston University Pageant Images by Brandon Clemoens

Bright Idea (Alumni/Fundraising) – We Can’t Do It Without You, Lions by Jet Turner

Events/Promotion – “All In” Langston University Homecoming by the Langston University Office of Public Relations

Web Design – Langston University Website by the Langston University Office of Public Relations and the Design Group

Honorable Mentions

Poster Design (Culture & Fine Arts) – 2024 Langston University Spring Concert Poster by Brandon Clemoens

Portrait Photography – A Proud Graduate by Brandon Clemoens

Shoe String – Graduation Recap Video by Ellie Melero

“As Oklahoma’s only HBCU, Langston University delivers a high caliber education and an incredible student life experience,” said Director of Public Relations Heleen Sheets. “Our Public Relations Team is so proud to promote our institution and share the people, stories and brand that define us. 

“We were excited to represent Dear Langston at the OCPRA Conference and to have our work recognized among our peers.”