The Impact of Scholarships: 2025 Strikes for Scholarships Event Recap
Posted on Jul. 1, 2025 / Subscribe 0
On June 11, PR professionals from across Metro Detroit gathered at Garden Bowl for the annual Strikes for Scholarships fundraiser. Individuals and companies alike came together to network, enjoy pizza, and above all else, raise money for our local college students.
The Strikes for Scholarships fundraiser is an annual event put on by PRSA Detroit’s Scholarships and Student Services Committee. It serves as a staple scholarship fundraiser for the year and allows us to continue supporting undergraduate communications students on their academic journey.
This Year’s Competition
Across lanes, we had tough competition from teams representing organizations like Identity, Bosch, Wayne State University and many others.
With the support of our bowlers and generous donors, we raised an additional $1000, on top of funds continuously raised throughout the year.
Thank you to all the organizations and individuals who showed up and supported this great cause!
The Impact
The Donald P. Durocher Memorial Scholarship Award is awarded annually to two undergraduate students who are currently enrolled in a Michigan university, majoring in public relations, communications or a related field.
Liz Popovich, Account Coordinator at FINN Partners, was one of two students awarded the scholarship in 2024.
“Not only was it an honor to receive the award, it also gave me the opportunity to take my mind off some of the financial stresses that university brings. Being able to fully focus on my last year of studies and first few internships allowed me to take in every experience and learn,” Popovich said.
Leona Falconer, Strategic Communications Associate at Stryker, was a recipient in 2023 during her senior year at Central Michigan.
“At the time, I was balancing classes, job applications, and juggling both an internship and food service job to support myself through school," said Falconer. "The scholarship eased the financial pressure and allowed me to focus on finishing strong and preparing for life after graduation. More than anything, it felt like a meaningful recognition of the hard work I had put in over the past four years and gave me the final boost I needed to cross the finish line!”
The impact that this scholarship has on students lasts well beyond their graduation and helps to set them up for success as they begin their professional career. Further, it assists in bridging the gap between young professionals and PRSA Detroit.
“Without PRSA Detroit, I would never be as comfortable and successful in the industry as I am today. The chapter offers such amazing support to new professionals like me, from professional development to mentorship opportunities,” Popovich said.
Students thrive off of connections, learning and most importantly support from professionals both inside and outside the organization. If you were unable to attend and would still like to support our future PR professionals, please donate here.
Allison Gavagan is a rising junior at Oakland University studying Public Relations & Advertising and Psychology. She is the current intern at PRSA Detroit and OUWB.
0 Comments