CWU Mascot Wins National Citation

November 13, 2003

ELLENSBURG, Wash.-- The man behind Wellington the Wildcat is up to more than entertaining crowds at sporting events. Scott Iwata, Central Washington University's mascot, also serves as president of the CWU student chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). And, for his efforts on behalf of the university chapter, he has received a PRSSA National President's Citation.

"It's great to be thought of in such high regard, especially because the award was only given to ten people in the nation," Iwata says.

The association has more than 7,000 members in 227 chapters on college campuses across the country. The National President's Citation celebrates and honors outstanding PRSSA members for their leadership and professional skills, strong understanding of PRSSA and their involvement at the chapter and national level.

Iwata, a CWU senior from Bellevue, received his award at the PRSSA National Conference in New Orleans, La., last month. A total of 15 members of the CWU chapter attended the conference, which was the largest contingent of any school in the Pacific Northwest.

"The national conference is an opportunity for students to enhance their knowledge, meet professionals and network with others who will be peers and professionals alike," Iwata says.

At the conference, CWU's proposal to host this year's regional activity was chosen from all participating chapters in the Northwest. This is the second consecutive year CWU's chapter will host such an event, which is said to be a rarity.

"This year's theme is crisis communication, and we sent our proposal in a first aid kit," Iwata explains. "We were highly regarded for our pitch. Our chapter is known for being very creative and active."

As chapter president, Iwata has inspired others at CWU to be active in the club. One of his goals for the chapter is to increase membership by 25 percent this year.

"Scott is a tremendously dedicated member to the society," Sarah Yeaney, PRSSA national vice president of member services, says. "Although he's experienced and a die-hard fan of public relations, it's Scott's light-hearted personality that makes a difference and inspires others to achieve."

Iwata's "light-hearted personality" led him to entertaining crowds at CWU events as the school mascot.

"As Wellington, I get to be a big goof and make people laugh," Iwata says.

Iwata had experience as a mascot before filling Wellington's shoes. Before coming to CWU in 2000, Iwata took three years off from college to work for the Seattle Mariners. He was asked to step in as the Mariner Moose one day when the real Moose was caught in traffic. He discovered that he liked the new role, and he continued performing as a back-up Mariner Moose for birthday parties and after-hours appearances.

When Iwata, who is minoring in tourism management, decided to return to college, he knew exactly what he wanted to do and where he wanted to go.

"I had talked a lot with the media relations people at the Mariners," Iwata recalls. "They told me, 'public relations is for you.' Central was a fit for me because it's a small school. I thought it would be possible to get hands-on experience on projects and activities."

Four years later, Iwata serves many roles on and off campus, beyond his efforts as PRSSA chapter president and school mascot.

He has served as public relations director for the National Broadcast Society and as a reporter for the CWU student news production "NewsWatch." He's a creative writer and marketing director for another student production, the extreme sports comedy show "Ellensburg Extreme."

He also arranges and gives guided tours of campus to prospective students as a visitation coordinator.