Ward Endows Scholarship to The University of Texas College of Communication, Commemorates 20th Anniversary

WARD CREATIVE COMMUNICATIONS ENDOWS SCHOLARSHIP
TO THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS COLLEGE OF COMMUNICATION,
COMMEMORATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY

HOUSTON (November 22, 2010) – Ward, Inc., celebrated its
20th year in business as one of Houston’s leading independent marketing public relations
agencies by endowing a scholarship to the College of Communication at The University
of Texas at Austin. The scholarship will provide financial aid in perpetuity for students
majoring in public relations and communications there.
Ward founder Deborah Ward Buks attended The
University of Texas at Austin on scholarships, grants and work-study financial aid,
graduating from the College of Communication in December 1982 with a Bachelor of
Journalism degree with a specialization in Public Relations.
“The University’s brand message declares ‘What Starts Here Changes the
World,’ Ward explained. “Certainly, what started there for me, changed my life. The
generosity and foresight of strangers who funded my education in one of the most
respected communications schools in the world made it possible for me to build a
thriving business, employ talented people and do the work my team and I love to do – for
clients we respect.”
Ward continued, “Business is all about creating opportunity and building
relationships. I’m especially grateful for so many wonderful clients and employees and
the opportunities to learn, achieve and contribute with them since the firm started in
1990.

“The significant investment being made today in the College of Communication’s
under-construction Belo Center for New Media, faculty and programming underscores
the importance of talented public relations professionals to the business community in an
era driven by digital communication. This scholarship will help make it possible for
young talent to seize the many opportunities available in our field today.”
The scholarship was officially awarded to representatives from The University of
Texas at Austin during Ward Creative Communication’s 20th anniversary celebration held
in Houston on November 18, 2010. Jessica Burford, Assistant Director of Development,
accepted the award on behalf of the College of Communication. The University of Texas
at Austin will administer and award the monies available through this endowment based
on a student’s financial need and merit, which includes an essay to demonstrate writing
ability.
”We are proud to be able to work with such shining examples of alumnae to
make a major gift to the College of Communication that’s not only meaningful to our
students but fulfilling for the donor as well,” Burford said. “The review committee
especially liked the essay question in the Ward scholarship
application.” The essay question reads:

Authenticity is a prerequisite to effective communication.
Communications professionals often are perceived as spin-doctors – the antithesis
of authentic communication. Give examples from recent or significant news when
authenticity was clearly missing. How did the event unfold? What could have
been different if communication had been more authentic between the parties
involved and media? How would authenticity improve the world?

About Ward

Founded in 1990, Ward is a full-service marketing public
relations agency serving both consumer and business-to-business clients. Based in
Houston, Texas, the award-winning firm has experienced steady growth and gained a
reputation for producing excellent results with a strong commitment to client service.
Learn more at www.wardcc.com.