William W. Marsh: a towering figure in public relations

For nearly four decades, William W. Marsh was a towering figure in public relations in Oregon.  A charter member of the Portland Metro Chapter, Marsh served as president in 1963.  After 28 years in the profession, Marsh joined Marylhurst University, where he taught from 1986 to 1993, establishing a public relations certificate program.

William Marsh died in 1996 at the age of 81. He was the first recipient of the award named in his honor.

2015 William W. Marsh Award Honoree:  Dave Thompson, APR

Honorees

2015 – Dave Thompson, APR [News Release | Bio | Video tribute]
2014 – Kathryn Hubbell, APR, M.S., Fellow PRSA  [News release | Video tribute]
2013 – Darcie Meihoff, APR [Video tribute]
2012 – Michael J. Riley, APR, PRC [Video Tribute]
2011 – Tom Unger, APR, ABC, Fellow PRSA [Video Tribute]
2010 – Lisa Donoughe
2009 – Dianne Danowski Smith, APR, Fellow PRSA
2008 – Gail Dundas, APR
2007 – Martha Crawford Richmond, APR
2006 – Timm Locke, APR
2005 – Doug Babb
2004 – Olga Haley, APR
2003 – Mara Woloshin, APR, Fellow PRSA
2002 – Carol Dillin, APR
2001 – Patty Farrell, APR
2000 – Chuck Williams, APR
1999 – Pat McCormick
1998 – Lucy Martin, APR
1997 – Vicky Hastings, APR
1996 – Brian Bell, APR
1995 – Sharon Van Sickle, APR
1994 – Mary Ann Lockwood
1993 – Barbara Peeples, APR
1992 – Rolf Glerum, APR
1991 – Liz Cawood, APR
1990 – Vernor Schenck, APR
1989 – Barbara Stallcup Miller, APR
1988 – Jean Bradley, APR
1987 – Ron Schmidt
1986 – William W. Marsh, APR

Award criteria

The William W. Marsh Lifetime Achievement Award reflects the leadership and commitment of its namesake.  It honors the lifetime achievement of an outstanding leader in the field of public relations.

This award is given to a PRSA Portland Metro Chapter member who has performed significantly in one or more of the following areas: developing public relations as a credible profession, accomplishing landmark professional achievements and furthering the goals of PRSA.

Nominations should contain the following information:

1. Does the candidate have more than 15 years of public relations service?  Has the candidate demonstrated leadership in support of PRSA and the public relations profession?  Examples may include ways in which the candidate has:
   a)  Engaged in professional practice
   b)  Demonstrated high standards of integrity and honesty
   c)  Helped affect positive change within an organization
   e)  Served in chapter, section or national PRSA leadership positions
   f)  Participated as a member of a national, chapter or section committee
   g)  Demonstrated a commitment to volunteer or pro bono service to the community

2. Has this candidate demonstrated exceptional professionalism?
   a)  Please provide examples of the ways in which the candidate has demonstrated their knowledge, experience and judgment in planning and managing public relations programs and activities.

3. Has the candidate demonstrated an ongoing commitment to his/her professional development and the professional development of others?  Examples may include:
   a)  Serving in a leadership role in the Accreditation of other professionals (e.g. serving as chapter/regional Accreditation chair, mentoring an APR candidate, serving as an APR Readiness Review panelist or teaching an Accreditation review course)
   b)  Serving as a mentor to other professionals
   c)  Serving as an instructor, speaker or panelist at seminars, workshops or programs on public relations
   d)  Publishing works (print or digital) that contribute to the practice of public relations
   e) Teaching at a college or university

4. Has the candidate achieved outstanding professional success during his/her career?  Examples may include:
   a)  PRSA Portland Metro Chapter Spotlight Award(s) or Award(s) of Distinction
   b)  PRSA Bronze Anvil(s) or Silver Anvil award(s)
   c)  Other PRSA awards (chapter, district, national)
   d)  Honors or recognition from other organizations reflecting excellence in the practice of public relations

William Marsh photos, Oregon Historical Society, #OrHi106901 and #OrHi105903