The Medium: Fall 2015

THE MEDIUM Virginia Tech PRSSA | Fall 2015 | Vol. 25, Iss. 1

VT PRSSA, The Medium

IN THIS ISSUE: The Man Behind The Medium: Steven White pg. 2 Ut Prosim PR Becomes a Nationally Affiliated Firm by Neeka Eghbali, pg. 3 Member of the Semester pg. 3 Personal Branding: Who Are You? by Megan Burpo, pg. 4 Thirty, Sturdy and Thriving by Melanie Ford, pg. 5 Resu(me) by Juliann Park pg. 6 Humans of Virginia Tech

by James Zogran-Werness, pg. 6 PRSSA 2015 National Conference Recap by Erica Hammett, pg. 7 The ABCs of Informative Interviews by Sara Lepley, pg. 8 (VT PRSSA) Membership Surges as PR Major Grows by Shannon O’Dowd, pg. 9

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The Man Behind The Medium: Steven White Vice President of Publications Katharina Elberti interviewed Mr. Steven White, the original creator of VT PRSSA’s endof-semester newsletter, The Medium: What year did you publish the first Medium?

Around 1991. We were inspired by the Marshall McLuhan phrase “The Medium is the Message.” That’s where the name came from.

What was your goal in creating it?

Back then, we didn’t have mobile devices or even email. Communicating with members was done with paper and wordof-mouth. We created the newsletter to talk to members and remind them of important dates, deadlines and meeting times.

How was the publication distributed?

I seem to remember putting paper newsletters in mailboxes and handing them out to members at meetings. Totally analog.

When first developing it, what did you hope for the future of The Medium?

Did you see it entering 20+ years of publication?

The Future Is Not As Dim As It Seems by Carley Armentrout, pg. 9

I don’t think we thought that at all. I wanted it to be a capstone activity for my own studies and work -- very selfish reasons, I suppose. It cracks me up that it’s still around and that it has lasted 20+ years. Wow!

Meet the Writers pg. 11

Why publish only once a semester?

2015 - 2016 VP of Publications, Katharina Elberti Copy Editor, Melanie Ford

I think it was more frequent then, but I’m not sure. Time was the likely reason: making sure I could work it into computer lab time, etc.

Is there anything else you’d like to mention about your time in VT PRSSA? Rachel Holloway was such an awesome adviser then. We never could have done the incredible things we did and learned without her. She inspired our hard work and energy. Theresa Caragol, too - the president at the time - was so important to growing VT PRSSA and making it stronger.

We had a great group of people. I just remember laughing a lot and doing these really ill-planned hot dog sales in dorms.

We’d buy the cheapest hot dog supplies we could find and make a few hundred bucks on hungry students studying for mid-terms and going out.

Fun Facts: The Medium debuted the same year that... ...Nirvana and the “grunge movement” went big. ...Pulp Fiction was all the rage. ...Agnew Hall housed the Department of Communication (a very ‘intimate’ building, according to White).

Fall 2015

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Ut Prosim PR Becomes A Nationally Affiliated Firm

by Neeka Eghbali

They say good things come in small packages, but for Ut Prosim PR, the student-run public relations firm at Virginia Tech, good things are sent in small packages. It all began with a single application. After working on the application for an entire summer, former firm co-directors Kaitlin Reese and Allie Sheets received news in November that Ut Prosim PR would be granted National Affiliation.

According to PRSSA Headquarters, in order to receive this title a firm must be soundly based in three areas: a solid PRSSA/PRSA connection, a high level of professionalism and an effective structure. Only 25 other PRSSA Chapters nationwide have been bestowed this honor.

“Some of the submission’s highlights included providing a case study that showed we understood and implemented the correct campaign process, drafting a directors’ letter showing how our firm was structured and operated and having our adviser draft a letter,” Sheets said.

Although the process was undoubtedly lengthy, both former co-directors agree that it was well worth the effort. As

various rounds of revisions took place under the guidance of faculty adviser Dr. Douglas Cannon, VT PRSSA members elected Rebecca Robertson and Katie Pesek as co-directors for the 2015-16 school year. The new directors were able to assist them throughout the rest of the process.

“Allie, Katie, Rebecca and I motivated each other over the summer to stay on top of the work until we received the answer,” said Reese.

With the success of Ut Prosim PR, Robertson and Pesek have already implemented original ideas to continue the tradition of excellence. Account Coordinators have been added to oversee client committees as well as timecards to determine member participation.

“The timecards are a great way for members to keep track of projects they’ve worked on. Since they have a record of what they’ve done, they can bring up their experiences in future job or internship applications. The Account Coordinator position is a great way to gain leadership experience and get more involved with the firm,” said

Robertson.

Pesek and Robertson had the opportunity to discuss these programs during their presentation at the PRSSA National Conference in Atlanta, and were excited to witness members of other chapters show such enthusiasm for what they have done. Their current goal is to increase membership, and with that, client projects.

[Reese, Sheets, Robertson, Pesek]

As for national affiliation, all 29 firms are required to reapply in three years. Even though national affiliation is a title to be proud of, Pesek only asks for one thing. “PRSSA and Ut Prosim PR mean a lot to me, and I just hope that current and future members find that same passion that I have found.”

Member of the Semester: Casey Parrett

Year and major? Junior public relations major, business leadership minor, leadership and social change minor and marketing cognate Why did you get involved in PRSSA? I got involved with PRSSA my sophomore year because I wanted to learn more about the field of public relations. I came into VT as a university studies major and was a bit unsure of public relations. PRSSA taught me a lot about the field and all the opportunities within it. It also affirmed my choice of major!

Where do you one day hope to be career-wise? I hope to work for a company or agency I believe in.

I want to be in a supportive and challenging environment where I am continually pushed to grow and be better.

What has PRSSA done for you? PRSSA has given me so many opportunities to learn about public relations and network within the field.

What’s one thing you would tell potential PRSSA members? You should absolutely join PRSSA. It’s a great group of people and a wonderful opportunity to strengthen your resume and personal brand, and also advance your career.

VT PRSSA, The Medium

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Personal Branding: Who Are You?

by Megan Burpo

You’ve crafted the perfect resume, written a powerhouse cover letter, and checked your application twice—now what? Building a personal brand website has become the next step on the long checklist of “must do’s” for job seekers today.

While creating a personal website or an online portfolio may seem like one more hoop to jump through, it is a fantastic tool to increase one’s visibility, accessibility, and overall organization skills.

Visibility: As communication increasingly shifts toward online content there is ample opportunity to market oneself but also ample opportunity to fall behind. Being competitive in todays market means being visible at all times. A personal website that includes your portfolio gives companies the opportunity to view work not found on a resume or cover letter. While we would love to make our resume’s five pages full of our glowing attributes, employers would rather opt for the readers digest version. It is great to catch a potential employer’s eye with the descriptions of you’re summer internship and the skills acquired since; it is even

better to show them the exact steps made to organize the special event, an excel spreadsheet of results from your work, or the flyer created. A personal webpage transform you from sheets of paper into a person again.

Accessibility: After your potential employer has interviewed you (and recovered from your stunning answers) he/she is left with your resume and cover letter to keep their interest in you alive. While there are many times we have wished it were socially acceptable to pitch a tent in the lobby of “Dream Job Inc” until their final decision is made, we unfortunately are not there to answer any questions or expand on given answers. Though interview time is limited, the World Wide Web helps to keep us accessible to companies long after the final handshake. The ability to provide a link to our personal brand website means future employees have the tools to make connections through pictures, view the breadth of provided work, and evaluate our creativity based on our site itself. More than a reminder, a personal page has the ability to show the most current work without having to wait for another interview.

Personal Benefit: Enough of employers, what’s in it for us? Having a personal brand website allows all of your work to be kept in one place. No more rooting through disorganized computer files, all work samples and current resume are in one safe place.

Furthermore, adding work samples is a great way to reflect on what you have accomplished. Often times we

go through work without realizing the amount we have done to be proud of.

Writing out our goals and marketing our skills also allows us to remember the big goal; why we study, why we get up for work, and why we try so hard. Our passions. Sometimes in telling others about ourselves we also catch some motivate in return.

While nobody enjoys criticism, our self-reflection can also lead to a much needed wakeup call that lets us know we aren’t on track yet, but we soon will be. Often times the hectic schedule of everyday life get in the way of realizing that things are slipping through the cracks. Crafting our personal website can show us that there may be some holes in our portfolios that we would like to be filled; better found out through self-evaluation than through our interviewer.

Still not sold? Don’t worry, there are no rules for your personal brand website. With multiple mediums to use like Wordpress, Weebly, Strikingly, etc. you can pick the look and layout of your website. Whether it is used as an online portfolio or a creative way to introduce yourself to potential, the opportunities are endless!

Interested in representing #HokiePR at National Assembly?

Visit prssa.prsa.org/events/Assembly for more information.

Fall 2015

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Thirty, Sturdy and Thriving

by Melanie Ford

Since VT PRSSA’s founding three decades ago, a lot has changed for Virginia Tech and the communications industry.

In 1985, the Internet was not yet commercially available to the public.

The Hokie Bird costume as we know it today was not created until the following year, and Frank Beamer had not yet coached Hokie football.

Smartphones -- and social media like Facebook and Twitter -- would not be invented until about two decades later.

alumni via a public Facebook event and posts; executive officers also personally invited alumni through call and email communication, if they had the contact information.

When the big day came, seven alumni joined about thirty students for the event on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015 at 8:30 a.m. After opening remarks, Professional Catering served brunch in the orange-and-maroon-decorated Moss Arts Center atrium. As they ate, attendees watched the Homecoming Parade progress along Alumni Mall, In these thirty years, the Chapter and alumni shared memories from grew from a humble beginning on their undergraduate involvement Aug. 16, 1985 to 132 members -- an during an “open mic” time. all-time high reached in fall 2015.

Members began traditions such Chris Bonelli (Detroit, MI), Dan as this newsletter and the annual Bowman (Northern VA), Cat Communication Connections event. Goergen (Winston-Salem, NC), VT PRSSA maintained its role in Katie Hanley (Northern VA), Virginia the Department of Communication, Hyer (Northern VA), Danielle Logan which is expected to exceed (Richmond, VA) and Jill Vaughan 1,000 enrolled students soon, as (Richmond, VA) attended as guests the leading student organization of honor for their involvement for students interested in public in the Virginia Tech Chapter. relations and communications.

The event was sponsored by the To celebrate the big 3-0 milestone, Department of Communication and the Chapter events committee invited alumni gifts were provided courtesy back alumni for a Homecoming of EcoCar3, the Virginia Tech Hybrid Weekend brunch. The invitation Electric Vehicle team (HEVT). was extended to all VT PRSSA

[Members networking with their peers]

[Dr. John Tedesco took the podium]

[VT PRSSA Alumni]

[Members enjoy the brunch spread]

[30th Reunion Attendees]

[Dr. Holloway & Dr. Denton]

VT PRSSA, The Medium

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Resu(me)

by Juliann Park

Disney and Pixar have found their success in going against my elementary school teachers. Adding every detail possible and bringing out the unique personality of each character, Disney and Pixar films have ignored the rules of how to write a summary.

While going against such “leaders of foundational education” may look bad for the image of Disney and Pixar, Nina Mufleh, Peppercomm, and Melanie Haselmayr say otherwise.

Nina Mufleh, originally, a Social Media Consultant and Strategist from

San Francisco, California, landed her dream job at Airbnb Inc. with a detailed resume. As Ms. Mufleh stated, instead of doing the same thing multiple times she took on new approaches.

Then there is Peppercomm, boldly stating that they “differentiate for a living.” This means that it is not implied - but highly - encouraged that you get creative and “pepper” up your resume because that is where good differentiation is found.

The most important point, however, is to talk about who you are as an individual. As Melanie Haselmayr explains in Forbes magazine, showcasing your personality is just as important as showing off your professional experience and skills.

As a result, don’t forget to use your bragging rights to the fullest. Make sure to not only flaunt your skills, but also the individual you are before any expertise, degree, or GPA defines who you are. Remember, embrace the “me” in resume.

Humans of Virginia Tech

by James Zogran-Werness

Humans of New York is an organization that began in 2010 that documents and shares unique stories of everyday New Yorkers. Although there are only two members of the team, HONY has acquired over 8 million social media followers and inspired numerous similar groups to form around the world.

One such group is here at Virginia Tech, aptly named “Humans of Virginia Tech.” Started in 2014 by Jaehoon Lee, it’s quickly grown in popularity gathering support (and stories) from students of all years and majors.

HOVT is a completely student-run organization with dozens of team members, consisting of photographers,

Chapter Statistics

132

dues-paying members

videographers, a graphic designer, IT manager, social media manager and the President, Sue Jung.

Jung says that despite the organization’s promising growth, they still try to take on as many photographers as possible. Many find the requested workload – one photo per week – too heavy. “A lot of people quit,” Jung said. “I would say, like, 40 percent quit.”

new members

72

18

Despite so many dropping out, HOVT currently has 15 photographers and four videographers. When out looking for potential interviewees, the photographers are told to avoid possible controversial topics and stick to three keywords for criteria: couples, dogs and hokiebirds. These words keep the stories mostly light-hearted or at least non-confrontational.

Due to the hard working students that make up HOVT, the organization has grown significantly, making it the second most popular college-based “Humans of” group. Speaking to HOVT’s progress and bright future, Jung added, “hopefully we’ll get bigger as a group so we can have a stronger sense of community.”

clicks to our blog: vtprssa.weebly .com/blog blogs posted this semester

497

Fall 2015

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PRSSA 2015 National Conference Recap

by Erica Hammett

In November I was fortunate enough to attend the PRSSA 2015 National Conference in Atlanta, Georgia with 11 other Virginia Tech PRSSA members.

Not only was this my first PRSSA national conference but it was also my first trip to Atlanta, so I was looking forward to exploring the city. After arriving we were informed by the bellhop that the Hunger Games was filmed in our hotel. Consequently Virginia Tech was speaking at a Chapter Development session and our topic was “Chapter Games: May the Brand be Ever in your Favor.�

The first thing on the agenda was agency tours. I selected a tour of Southern Company, a leading American electric utility company. It was a great opportunity to see inside the company and hear from their communications team about their job responsibilities. There was also a catered lunch provided while networking with some of the team. I got a sense of their culture and how their communications department functioned. It was my favorite part of the conference. I definitely recommend signing up for an agency tour if you attend national conference because it gives a glimpse of the real world.

During the conference there were general sessions and break out sessions.

In the general sessions we heard from accomplished leaders like Scott Williamson, VP of Communications for Coca-Cola Company and Ellen East, Executive Vice President & Chief Communications Officer for Time Warner Cable. It was fascinating to learn about their story, gain insight into their job experiences and interact through Q&A. The break out sessions was a time for everyone to focus on specific topics of interest. The sessions I attended included Writing Right, No Need to Panic: Crisis Communication Strategies and Transition to the Real World. My one major take away from the sessions was the emphasis employers put on writing skills. Speakers also said how important it is to practice writing and continually work on it. The No Need to Panic: Crisis Communication Strategies session focused on the importance of being prepared by have a written crisis communications plan and practicing for a crisis.

Previous National Conference Committee members hosted transition to the Real World. This session was an interactive Q&A where the panel offered their experience and advice of the workplace.

The PRSA conference was also taking place simultaneously. I was able to attend some sessions, which included hearing from Jim Cantore, Weather Channel Meteorologist and Daniel Lubetzky, KIND Snacks Founder & CEO. I really enjoyed the discussions and it made me look forward to joining PRSA after I graduate.

Atlanta was amazing! I got the opportunity to explore some popular attractions like the World of Coco Cola and Georgia aquarium and delicious local eateries and learn more about the public relations profession. I am thankful for having this experience and was able to make valuable connections for the future. PRSSA National Conference is a beneficial opportunity that every Virginia Tech PRSSA member should attend.

VT PRSSA, The Medium

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The ABCs of Informative Interviews

by Sara Lepley

A public relations professional who has never conducted an informative interview is like a chef who has never turned on the oven. Sure, you can make a lot on the stove, but come on.

Informative interviews are a networking tool that allows you to learn more about the industry and introduce yourself to someone in the field.

A quickie phone interview or coffee date can provide you with: • Advice on how to break into the field (and do a good job once you’re there!)

• Practice on how to carry yourself in a real interview • A better idea of what the job entails • A larger personal network

at Virginia Tech as well as a member of PRSSA. I noticed that you work for Awesome Sauce Public Relations, and I love the work you did on the 7-Up campaign.

As a public relations major, I would love to learn more about the industry and how you reached this point in your career. I would greatly appreciate one half-hour of your time to chat.

If you are at all interested, please contact me. I am more than happy to work around your schedule.

Thank you for your time!

The first thing you need to do is research. Find someone who currently has your dream job and learn about them.

A few tips: Don’t send your resume along, have someone else check for typos (they are easy to miss!) and if you are able, send the message via email rather than via LinkedIn. Also, know that the purpose is not to get a job, but to learn about the industry and let the industry learn a little about you.

They will likely respond and set up a time. Now that you have the interview, brainstorm some questions. My favorites are, “What is your favorite project you’ve gotten to work

Next, shoot them an email or message on LinkedIn that might look something like this:

on?” and “do you have any advice for someone who wants to work at your company?”

My name is XYZ and I am a student

It’s good to ask something specific

How, then, do you go about setting up one of these babies?

to the interviewee like “I noticed you work with both 7-Up and Sprite.

How do you manage that conflict of interest?” It shows you did your homework, and have a genuine interest in your interviewee. (Also, knowing how to deal with conflict of interest is a FABULOUS skill to have in your toolbox. Kind of like an informative interview that way.)

You want to let the interviewee do most of the talking (sometimes what you don’t say is what says the most about your character.) If they ask about your work experience and passion, though, don’t be afraid to bring it.

After the interview, they may direct you to an open position. In this case, you can mention their name in your cover letter.

As always, send a thank you note afterward. Good manners are yet another thing you want to have in that growing PR toolbox of yours. photo courtesy of http://www.managingamericans.com

Interested in joining? Email mbford94@vt.edu to receive Listserv emails, internship opportunities and meeting information.

Join the Chapter’s NEW LinkedIn Group | enter ‘Virginia Tech Public Relations Student Society of America’ Website: vtprssa.weebly.com | Facebook: www.facebook.com/VTPRSSA | Twitter: @VTPRSSA Faculty Advisor: Dr. Douglas Cannon | Professional Advisor: Lori Greiner | Local PRSA Chapter: Blue Ridge

Fall 2015

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(VT PRSSA) Membership Surges As PR Major Grows

by Shannon O’Dowd

Public Relations was a popular subject this year and also was being involved in the advancement of PR. Our very own Virginia Tech Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America increased its numbers by 36%--an outstanding boost in membership compared to years past. This year, PRSSA had 72 new members join our chapter. Most of those new members were sophomores and freshmen who became incredibly active in the four committees--The Ut Prosim Firm, Event Planning Committee, Publications Committee, and Mentorship Committee.

How did we do it exactly? Although we can’t be sure, we’ve done a lot to get to this point. The Virginia Tech Communication Department, in addition to the University, has grown significantly in numbers. Although only 17 of those 74 new members are freshman, sophomore year is the year most people select their major within the communication department.

In addition, Chapter adviser Dr. Douglas Cannon offers a PR Standards and Practices course in the spring.

This course is the course required for students readying to graduate and recent graduates to take in order to take the test to receive a certificate in public relations. Virginia Tech is one of 13 schools that offers this course. A requirement to take the course is to be a member of PRSSA. Many renewing members are gearing up to take the course, but several seniors joined PRSSA to advance themselves in their career before they’ve even begun.

Chapter President, Melanie Ford, said, “we are very thankful for [faculty recommendations] because our preprofessional society has a lot to offer students as they gain experience and seek

internships and a post-graduate job.” a home for our Hokie PR family!

I’m so thankful for exec’s servant More specifically with the chapter, leadership; I feel like exec really cares VT PRSSA has branded itself to about the members and is passionate be a pre-professional organization about their professional development.” that prepares its members for the future and provides them with All in all, Virginia Tech’s chapter of opportunities, increasing interest PRSSAis a distinct organization that keeps in the organization. Executive members coming back for more because members have gone to big lectures of the opportunities it offers member to advertise PRSSA and all the and the friendships that our made within things that the organization has the organization. Rebecca Robertson to offer each one of its members. said, “PRSSA is unique because of all the benefits it offers to members Ut Prosim Firm Co-Director, not only is it a great pre-professional Rebecca Robertson, said, “We had society with lots of career opportunities, a big push for recruitment at the it’s a really social group of people and beginning of the year, and we’ve you can make a lot of friendships.” tried to have a variety of meetings that appeal to what members are interested in...I think we did a good job advertising and recruitment this year to get new members. We focused a lot on the benefits of PRSSA - how it can help you with jobs, internships, networking, and so on.”

The executive committee has worked tireless to ensure that each meeting is exciting and offers something useful to the members.

They listen to the members and really try to provide assistance so that when students graduate or move along in their schooling, they are prepared and confident.

Member have classes with each other making PRSSA their connection to building relationships. The interactive aspect of PRSSA meetings get them talking to each other and learning more about their peers. Also, members Vice President of Membership get their friends to join PRSSA. Development, Addie Orrison, said, “I think we made meetings PRSSA is a great place for students to more fun and focused on members gain experience, be prepared for their more.” Melanie Ford added, “Exec future, and make lasting friendships. has worked really hard to apply Additionally, faculty and staff know how for awards, grants, scholarships, important PRSSA is for students. Those national affiliation for the firm, are aspect that have increased membership and to increase brand awareness at Virginia Tech’s chapter. The 2015of PRSSA around campus. This 2016 executive committee hopes that that year’s exec has really poured their will continue and the committees that heart and soul into making PRSSA follow them continue with their efforts.

VT PRSSA, The Medium

Page 10

The Future Is Not As Dim As It Seems

by Carley Armentrout

Asking a college student to know what he or she wants to do with the rest of his or her life is like asking a blind man to see.

How are students expected to know what they want to major in if they can barely decide what they want to eat for dinner? Many college students are spending their college career planning for their future. For the first two years, most are adjusting to being on their own; for the last two years they move towards a subject of interest that could potentially lead to a career. Many students struggle with the stress of not knowing what they want to do in life, as well as the uncertainty of their future. In order to dwindle uncertainty, students must remember a few key tips to help them ease into this thing called life.

Tips from various Virginia Tech professionals come to mind when writing to the readers of this newsletter. Dr. Alex White, a dairy science professor at Virginia Tech, presents “Uncle Al’s Tips for Success” throughout the country.

1. He administered his presentation to the student body of Virginia Tech in October, shedding light on

his mistakes in hopes students do not follow in his footsteps. He told students to not be discouraged, for the real world is not rainbows and bunnies. White’s first tip to becoming successful is to set goals. Although uncertainty is common, setting broad short, medium, and long term goals can help narrow the path of success.

White’s next suggestion is to take personality quizzes. By taking quizzes, it helps individuals have a better understanding of themselves.

This gives people the confidence they need to determine what major to pursue as well as what career could be best suited for them.

One more tip from White to students is for them to challenge themselves.

In order to succeed, students must be able to challenge themselves in order to do well. If something is not challenging, it is easy to lose interest.

Students must be able to fill their schedules with vigorous courses that are both enjoyable and beneficial.

A final statement from White summarizes his beliefs on success: “Go with a purpose; have your goals, go on with your character, and go out there with class. Take pride in yourself, and be confident in what you do.”

Another professional who has provided words of wisdom when picking a career is Lauren Belisle. Belisle is the director of marketing and promotions for Virginia Tech sports. She stated in an interview that being successful does not only require a degree, but real world experience is vital as well.

Relationships with people who are able to give guidance in the right direction are beneficial when shaping a future.

Belisle also stated she wishes she had tried other options in school before graduating. College is the best time to test hypothetical situations in order to figure out what it is that triggers happiness and satisfaction.

Belisle’s final thoughts about career searching concluded with: “If you find a job you love, or if you find anything you love, if you’re passionate about it, it’s not work.” She quoted Buzz William’s tweet that stated people get burnt out in their careers when they forget why they are doing their jobs.

This applies to college as well as careers.

Remember why a field was pursued, and let that be the driving force in success.

2.

3.

4.

5.

The 2015-2016 Executive Board

[from left to right]

Vice President of Event Planning, MacKenzie Wine Vice President of Publications, Katharina Elberti Vice President of Finance, Shannon O’Dowd Chapter President, Melanie Ford Firm Co-Directors, Katie Pesek & Rebecca Robertson Vice President of Chapter Relations, Sarah Harvey Vice President of Membership Development, Addie Orrison

Fall 2015

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Meet the Writers Meet the minds behind the Fall 2015 Medium. These talented writers have worked all semester to bring you the news on what’s-what in the PR world.

Carley Armentrout (Junior) Public Relations, Consumer Studies, Business Leadership Publications Staff Writer

Megan Burpo (Senior) Public Relations and Professional & Technical Writing Publications Staff Writer

Neeka Eghbali (Freshman) Public Relations Ut Prosim PR Member

Melanie Ford (Senior) Public Relations Chapter President

Erica Hammett (Senior) Public Relations, Hospitality & Tourism Management Ut Prosim PR Member

Sara Lepley (Senior) Public Relations, Creative Writing Ut Prosim PR Member

Shannon O’Dowd (Senior) Public Relations, Biology, Professional & Technical Writing VP of Finance

Juliann Park (Sophomore) Public Relations, Marketing, CreativeWriting Ut Prosim PR Member

James Zogran-Werness (Junior) Multimedia Journalism Ut Prosim PR Member