Indianpolis: The Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International, is the recipient of this year's prestigious Silver Anvil Award, sponsored by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). The Silver Anvil, which recognizes outstanding achievement in strategic public relations planning and implementation, was presented during the Silver Anvil Celebration Event held June 3 in New York City.

The honor society received the 2004 Silver Anvil Award for its "It's Up to Us. It's Up to You." Campaign in the Internal Communications: Associations/Government/Nonprofit category. This communications plan was executed to successfully educate members of the honor society's 2003 House of Delegates on the major proposed bylaws changes brought forth.

"The success of this communications plan was essential to the financial health and future of the organization," said David Sousa, chief communications officer for the honor society. "But we are equally proud to have been recognized with this icon of best public relations practices."

"The PRSA Silver Anvil awards are the highest watermark of success for any public relations practitioner," said Kelly Womer, APR, chairperson for the 2004 Silver Anvil Awards and senior counselor at Carmichael Lynch Spong. "We congratulate the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International for their public relations program that incorporated measurable and sound research, planning, execution and evaluation. This program contributes to the best practices of our industry."

The Silver Anvil Awards has grown in scope and stature since its inception in 1947. With the addition of a new category in 2004, Brand/Reputation Management-which reflects the importance and value of building and enhancing the overall reputation and integrity of an organization in today's marketplace-Silver Anvils are now awarded to programs in 54 categories. In the 57 years since the inception of the program, more than 1000 organizations have received Silver Anvils for excellence in strategic public relations planning and implementation.