College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts
Glen M. Broom Center for Professional Development in Public Relations Fiscal Year 2025-2026
Message from Leadership
Dear Donor, Supporting public relations students, practitioners, and faculty continues to be my greatest inspiration in the work I do for the Broom Center. This past year, I found meaningful opportunities in helping students connect classroom learning to real-world professional experiences and in preparing them for an evolving communications industry. The most rewarding part of my work is engaging with students who are eager to learn, grow, and make an impact in the profession. This year, the Broom Center sent the largest number of SDSU public relations students to date to the national Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) conference. Students returned energized, inspired, and more confident in their future careers. Looking ahead, students are increasingly interested in how emerging technologies are shaping public relations. Understanding artificial intelligence and its role in communication strategy and storytelling will continue to be an important focus area. We are deeply grateful for the philanthropic support that makes these opportunities possible.
Kaye Sweetser, APR+M, Fellow PRSA Director, Glen M. Broom Center for Professional Development in Public Relations Professor, Public Relations
Philanthropy
Propelling the SDSU Community Forward Glen M. Broom Center for Professional Development in Public Relations Endowment Through the fund, seven Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter students attended the Public Relations Student Society of America’s ICON conference in Washington, D.C., and 16 students attended the PRSSA Western District Conference hosted by California State University, Fullerton. The endowment also supported five students in their pursuit of the Certificate in Principles of Public Relations, helping them further develop their professional knowledge and credentials. This year, Broom Student Fellow alumni interviewed and selected four seniors to join the newest Broomie cohort. Throughout the year, the cohort participated in conversations with industry leaders Kemi Giwa, Jerralyn Davis, Alexis Hooper, and professionals from Allison Worldwide. They also traveled to New York City for a three-day agency trip that included unique job shadow opportunities and a visit with NYC Mayor Mamdani’s social media team. Students in the JMS 585 capstone course also had the opportunity to represent clients including Library Foundation SD, Wildlife Madagascar, and the Diversity Action Alliance through projects supported by the Broom Center.
Broomies in New York City
Student Spotlight
Thriving in the Aztec Experience Calista Stocker, Class of 2026 Class Level: Undergraduate Student College: College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts Major: Journalism Calista Stocker’s journey at SDSU reflects resilience, leadership, and a deep passion for journalism. Originally from New Hampshire, Stocker said moving across the country to attend SDSU was difficult at first, but she is grateful she stayed and grew into the journalist she is today. During her time at SDSU, she served as editor-in-chief of The Daily Aztec and president of both the SDSU Society of Professional Journalists and Soundwave A Cappella. Through internships with EdSource, The San Diego Sun, and Times of San Diego, Stocker gained hands-on experience reporting investigative stories on public policy and public infrastructure alongside professional journalists. She credits mentor and instructor Louis Weiner with inspiring her passion for broadcast journalism and supporting her professional growth. “I hope our graduating class gives themselves grace during the job search process,” Stocker said. “Don’t dwell on the ‘should haves’ and instead focus on the ‘will do’s.’”
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Moving across the country to attend SDSU challenged Stocker early on, but ultimately shaped her into the journalist and leader she is today.
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Points of Pride
Celebrating Shared Success Statistics of Interest The Center funded 23 Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) students to attend national and regional conferences, supported five students pursuing the Certificate in Principles of Public Relations, and provided mentorship and networking opportunities through the Broomie cohort program. Students also gained hands-on client experience through the JMS 585 capstone course, representing organizations such as the Library Foundation San Diego, Wildlife Madagascar, and the Diversity Action Alliance. Recent Highlights In 2025–26, the PRSA Foundation and the Broom Center continued the Glen Broom Mentorship Award, a national award recognizing excellence in public relations education and student mentorship. During AY 2025–26, the Glen M. Broom Center for Professional Development in Public Relations expanded opportunities for experiential learning, mentorship, and industry engagement. The Center supported student attendance at both the Public Relations Student Society of America’s ICON Conference in Washington, D.C., and the PRSSA Western District Conference hosted by CSU Fullerton, providing students with valuable networking and professional development experiences. The Broom Center also continued its highly impactful “Broomie” cohort program, in which selected seniors participated in mentorship sessions with industry professionals and a three-day New York City agency experience that included job shadowing and meetings with communications leaders. In addition, students pursuing the Certificate in Principles of Public Relations received financial support to advance their professional credentials.
PR Career Access
23 PRSSA students gained mentorship, certification support, client experience, and national conference access.
Professional Development
National conferences, industry mentors, and NYC agency visits opened doors to careers for PR students.
Faculty and Staff Achievements
Kaye Sweetser, Ph.D. Title: Professor; Director, Glen M. Broom Center for Professional Development in Public Relations College: College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts Achievement: Received the SDSU Alumni Association Award in recognition of her contributions to public relations education, mentorship, and industry leadership. Dr. Kaye Sweetser is also nationally recognized for her research and expertise in digital public relations and communications. Dr. Sweetser’s leadership continues to create meaningful professional development opportunities for public relations students through the Glen M. Broom Center for Professional Development in Public Relations. With more than 30 years of industry experience and over two decades in higher education, Dr. Sweetser brings real-world insight, mentorship, and innovation into the classroom and student experience. Students benefit from her expertise in digital public relations, industry connections, and commitment to experiential learning. Under her leadership, students have expanded access to conferences, mentorship opportunities, networking experiences, and hands-on client work that prepare them for successful careers in communications and public relations. Dr. Sweetser’s dedication to mentorship and student success continues to strengthen the Broom Center’s impact and inspire the next generation of public relations professionals.
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Congratulations to Dr. Kaye Sweetser on receiving the SDSU Alumni Association Award in recognition of her outstanding leadership, mentorship, and contributions to public relations education.
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Thank you for your generous support.
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