Ohio Northern University’s Public Relations Student Society of America’s (PRSSA) group took third place in Rowan University’s 2012 National Organ Donor Awareness Competition (NODAC).

The six-person team was compromised of 2012 graduates Rebecca Risner, Catherine Clampitt and Elizabeth Fako and current students Katie Hozan, a senior communication arts major from Homerville, Ohio, Katee Johnson, a sophomore communication arts and public relations major from Forest, Ohio, and Jeni Kmic, a senior communication arts major from Delta, Ohio. ONU’s PRSSA chapter was awarded $200 for its third-place finish.

Participants of the competition were required to create a campaign and host a daylong event to help spread awareness and knowledge of organ and tissue donation. ONU’s group partnered with Donate Life (Lifeline of Ohio) to host an event where they increased awareness, encouraged discussion, and promoted facts and benefits of organ donation.

 “Working together with the team to bring the Ohio Donate Life representatives to share their stories with the University was an incredible experience,” said Risner, who also served as team leader.

At the event, the group welcomed 65 students, faculty and community members to a three-part event. Attendees were able to sign up to become an organ donor, listen to a heart transplant recipient and play games that helped dispel many of the misconceptions about organ donation.