Grates recognized as outstanding PR adjunct

Gary Grates G’99, an adjunct in public relations and an alumnus of the Newhouse School’s communications management program, is the recipient of the PR department’s inaugural Outstanding Adjunct Professor Award. Department chair Moon Lee presented the award at a faculty meeting Aug. 25.

The award was established by the full-time PR faculty to annually recognize exceptional contributions to the department’s students, faculty and alumni from a member of its dedicated team of adjuncts, professionals who are widely known and admired throughout the industry as well as in Newhouse classrooms. Criteria include quality of teaching, innovative coursework or course content, student feedback, longevity of service and contributions to students’ experiences and career opportunities.

Grates joined the Newhouse School in 1999, and in the ensuing years he established and taught highly rated courses in subjects including employee communications and strategic consulting. He was also instrumental in efforts to establish and advance the Weiss Center and the Real Chemistry Emerging Insights Lab. During his career he has been president and chairman of GCI/Boxenbaum Grates, president of Edelman’s employee engagement and change management practice, vice president of communications, North America for General Motors and principal of the W2O Group, which later became Real Chemistry. Earlier this year he founded the Grates Consulting Group.

In a letter of support for Grates’ award nomination, Keith Burton, principal of Grayson Emmett Partners, wrote, “Gary is revered by students and alums, and loved by those of us whose careers he’s lifted to greater heights…[he’s] no-nonsense, witty, compassionate for others and passionate about his work… he cares deeply and credits others and helps to advance their interests.”