The Agency enables Quinnipiac students to manage real clients, create professional campaigns and develop hands-on industry experience under the guidance of communications professors John Powers and Hilary Fussell Sisco.

The program earned the Tactical Campaigns Best in Show award for its GoodSAM social media initiative, along with a Gold Award in social media for the same campaign. Quinnipiac also earned a Silver Award for its DebtWise collateral and Bronze Awards for the Hamden Fire Department video and The Agency’s recruitment social media initiative.

“These awards highlight the professional-level work our students produce,” Powers said.

GoodSAM approached The Agency seeking a way to connect with audiences unfamiliar with its products. Students focused on understanding how new audiences consume content and what messages would resonate the most. They then developed product-focused social media concepts designed to draw in new users.

“Our students are creators and leaders in their respective areas, so these projects just exemplified the many different skill sets that they have and the way that they can use them immediately for real-world clients,” Powers said.

The recognition reflects The Agency’s growing reputation as a professional-level firm within Connecticut’s communications industry. Students were not judged against other universities; they competed directly with professionals and were evaluated by PRSA chapters across the country.

“The experience of working in The Agency at Quinnipiac directly prepares students for what they will face in the working world,” Powers said. “During the semester, as they are working with clients and each other, Agency members deal with highs and lows, challenges and accomplishments, all leading to providing their clients with the ‘best of the best’ deliverables at the end.”

The Agency serves as an entry point into the professional world while offering students the support of peers and faculty. Clients like GoodSAM benefit from creative, research-driven campaigns that introduce them to new audiences and bring fresh perspectives.

“The clients love the work produced by The Agency. This is shown mostly when they use the work done by students in their communication campaigns, on their social media channels, through their website and more,” Fussell Sisco said.

Looking ahead, The Agency hopes to continue expanding its client roster and taking on more complex campaigns. Each semester, students bring new ideas and perspectives that help the program grow and strengthen its presence in Connecticut’s communications industry.

“Every semester, the students raise the bar,” Powers said. “Their work continues to elevate The Agency and show what Quinnipiac students are capable of.”