Created in 1996 to honor the late public relations pioneer Donald G. Padilla, the award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and contributions to the profession of public relations, has contributed to the mission of PRSA and has volunteered their time and talents toward making our community better.

During his long career, Padilla devoted himself to helping civic, educational, human services and arts organizations communicate more effectively with their publics. And he was equally diligent in teaching the clients of his firm to see the many benefits of community stewardship. In 1986, Padilla received PRSA National’s highest honor for public service, the Paul M. Lund Award. He is the first Minnesota chapter member ever to receive this award.

Along with the award, Minnesota PRSA contributes $500 to a charitable organization of the recipient’s choice. Padilla donates another $500 to the same organization.

To learn more about the nomination procedure, judging criteria, and past recipients, click here:  Padilla Award

Award History

In 1995, Minnesota PRSA created the Community Classics Award to honor a person who is judged by the chapter’s leadership to have made selfless contributions of time and public relations talent to make our community a better place.

In 1996, the board re-named it the Donald G. Padilla Community Classics Award, in honor of the late public relations pioneer and chapter member’s legacy of volunteer service. During his long career, Don devoted himself to helping civic, educational, human services and arts organizations communicate more effectively with their publics. And he was equally diligent in teaching the clients of his firm to see the many benefits of community stewardship.

Don received PRSA’s highest honor for public service, the Paul M. Lund Award, in 1986. It is given each year to a public relations professional for contributions made to the common good through public service activities. He is the only Minnesota PRSA member ever to receive a Lund award. 

Don embodied the spirit of volunteerism and giving of himself. He gave his time and talents to help nonprofit organizations meet their goals and he encouraged everyone in our industry—both those at his own firm and members of this society—to give back.

For more information, please contact office@minnesotaprsa.org.

View Past Recipients