APRIL REPORT Annual Report | 2017-18 Academic Year
‘Chapman Corner’ in Lake Superior Hall was named after former professor, Fred Chapman. EDITOR’S NOTE
Welcome to the second issue of the APRil Report, the annual report of the GVSU Advertising and Public Relations program.
It has been another busy year. We’ve had numerous faculty achievements, a long-time professor retired, changes to the curriculum, and a new scholarship for PR students named for Fred Chapman, a former professor.
We have also seen students excel in the classroom, in local community engagement, and break new ground on the national stage.
With the help of current students, we have launched a new efort to stay in touch with our alumni in a more meaningful way.
All of these things are featured in this annual report on the pages that follow. Don’t forget to keep up to date by reading our blog and following our social media accounts throughout the year.
Dr. Tim Penning, PhD, APR Professor Coordinator of the Advertising and Public Relations Program
CONTENTS
Advertising and PR by the Numbers 3
Faculty—Profles and Accomplishments 4-6
Program Updates 7-11 CONNECT WITH US
Students—News and Accomplishments 12-15 [email protected]
Alumni—Updates and Profles 16-17 www.gvsu.edu/soc/apr
Blog: enLIGHTen : MASTHEAD gvsuapr.wordpress.com
Editor: Tim Penning, PhD, APR, Professor and Twitter: @gvsuAPR Coordinator of Advertising and Public Relations Program Facebook page: GVSU Advertising and Public Relations Major Program Designer: Sawyer Johnson, 2018 LinkedIn group: GVSU Advertising and Photographer: Vanessa Lansdale, 2019 Public Relations Major Program 2 ADVERTISING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS BY THE NUMBERS 479 714 majors students 235 minors
289 ad emphasis 235 211 PR empasis internships in the 2017-18 school year
community businesses and Faculty 5 organizations served as tenure track clients in various courses 3 afliate 11 part-time adjunct
3 FACULTY
PROFESSOR BLOSSOM RETIRES AFTER 10 YEARS
After a decade of teaching in the came to teach full-time as a visiting Advertising and Public Relations professor and he made the leap to be program, Frank Blossom is retiring at a visiting professor, a form of full-time “Don’t graduate and the end of the 2017-18 academic year. adjunct professor. He said switching to the fast pace of the ad agency world then think about Blossom was frst hired as a visiting to the slower pace of academia was professor in 2008. He became an a challenge. But he never regretted what you wish you afliate professor in 2011. making the switch. would have done.” Before teaching, he worked as a Over time he taught Fundamentals creative director and managing partner of Advertising (CAP 210), Advertising at several ad agencies in Chicago, St. Cases and Management (CAP 310), Louis, Springfeld, Missouri and Grand Copywriting (CAP 315), Media Planning Rapids. His transition to teaching (CAP 413), and Advertising and Public and alumni. He may still be around by came after a few experiences in the Relations Campaigns (CAP 495). In working with Career Services and the classroom. all classes, he said the greatest joy of APR program to ofer career building teaching was seeing students achieve. and interviewing workshops. He “I had done a number of guest lectures already wrote two books on the topic, at diferent schools and enjoyed that,” “My strength as a teacher is helping “Brand You” and “The 7 Scenarios of Blossom recalls. “Also, in the agency I them learn and giving them Highly Successful Ad Students.” was the oldest person in the room and opportunities to succeed in and out of His last word of advice to students is to was teaching co-workers and enjoyed the classroom, such as connections I be as active as possible in college. that. And I had been in advertising have in the community to professionals 25 years by then and wanted a new I know from my own career and my “Get out of your comfort zone and try challenge.” own networking,” he said. things you haven’t before,” he stressed. “Take advantage of all the opportunities He taught as an adjunct for a while at As he looks to retirement, Blossom that are here. Don’t graduate and then Kendall College, Davenport University, said he won’t miss grading, but he think about what you wish you would and GVSU. Eventually the opportunity will miss the interaction with students have done.”
Frank Blossom works with a group of students at Grid70, a design hub in downtown Grand Rapids, on 4 an advertising and public relations special project. FACULTY
Dr. Tim Penning presents his research on donors’ preferred information to nonproft executives at the GVSU Johnson Center on Philanthropy. PROFESSOR PENNING PUBLISHES RESEARCH ON NONPROFIT DONORS, CORPORATE COMMUNICATION TEAMS Professor Penning returned from a fall He found that donors seek certain His other completed research project 2017 sabbatical with lots of completed types of information, such as the this past year is an article in PR Journal. research. In addition to his sabbatical mission of the organization, it’s The article, “High-Performing Corporate project, a chapter for a book he’s impact, and how it’s money is spent; Communications Teams: Views from working on about the public relations qualities of information, such as a the Top CCOs,” was a collaboration of American presidents, he had personalized appeal, a focus on specifc with Mark Bain, owner of upper90 completed editing and publication of a opportunities, and a results-oriented Consulting. The two interviewed top book chapter and a journal article. tone; and sources of information, such Chief Communication Ofcers and as an organizations communication then surveyed a larger number of The book chapter is titled “Nonproft tactics, other donors, or direct dialogue them to determine what really drove Financial Communication: Donors’ with organizational staf. high-performance and inhibited it for Preferred Information Types, Qualities corporate communication teams. and Sources.” The chapter is included In addition to publishing the book in the recently published Handbook chapter, he presented his research More information about both studies of Financial Communications and to 60 nonproft professionals at an can be found on Penning’s GRPR blog. Investor Relations. event sponsored by the GVSU Johnson Center on Philanthropy.
5 FACULTY
PROFESSORS THANK YOU, 2017-18 ADJUNCTS SPRING, WALLACE We thank the following advertising and public relations professionals who taught as adjunct professors during the 2017-18 academic year. PARTICIPATE IN They are listed here alphabetically with their full-time jobs, and the TEACHING WEBINAR courses they taught. Dino Baskovic: Digital Strategy Chris Penney: Freelance, dogbyte Professors Robin Spring and Adrienne Consultant (Technology in Films, (Technology in Advertising Wallace participated in a webinar that Advertising and Public Relations; and Public Relations) ofered unique teaching practices. Fundamentals of Public Relations) Tim Putman: That’s Cleverly Done The Association of Educators in Clayton Boothe: Owner, Boothe (Advertising Copywriting) Journalism and Mass Communication Creative Services, Inc. (Advertising (AEJMC) Public Relations Division held Basics, Advertising Copywriting) Adam Russo: Owner, COM 616, its frst virtual conference presentation Immediate Past President of West via the webinar “The Killer Crossover: Michael De Meyer: Strategic Brand Michigan PRSA (BS Advertising and Student projects that transcend Development Consultant (Public PR from GVSU) (Fundamentals of courses or semesters, resulting in work Relation Management and Case Public Relations) that makes an impact.” Studies, Advertising and Public Relations Campaigns) Benjamin Risinger: New Media and Panelists shared teaching ideas Community Relations Specialist, and projects that encourage deep Beth Dornan: Manager—PR, Social, Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation learning and provide strong portfolio and Content, Amway North America Hospital (Technology in Advertising opportunities, while providing (Fundamentals of Public Relations) and Public Relations) meaningful experience as students prepare for their careers. Chad Fopma: Freelance (BS, MS Kelly Rossman-McKinney: Partner, GVSU School of Communications) Truscott-Rossman Public Relations The teaching panel was moderated (Research Basics for Advertising and (Public Relations Cases and by Jay Adams from Virginia Public Relations, Fundamentals of Management) Commonwealth University, and in Public Relations) addition to Spring and Wallace its Jonathan Snedeker: Business panelists included Marcel Jennings, Jill Hinton Wolfe: Co-Founder, GO Development Coordinator, Virginia Commonwealth University; Scavenger Hunts (BS GVSU School WGVU (MS GVSU School of Shana Meganck, James Madison of Communications) (Advertising Communication), (Media Planning) University; and Hal Vincent, Elon Management and Cases, Media University. Relations Writing, PR Cases and Lyman Steiner: Independent PR Management) Consultant (Public Relations Basics) Wallace presented a segment titled: Helping Students Get 3-5 Years In, Stephan Hokanson: Senior Tim Swore: President, Sold Out Before They Get Out Copywiter, Mindscape (Advertising Michigan and Head Football Coach, Basics, Advertising Copywriting) NorthPointe Christian (Sports Spring presented a segment titled: The Promotion) Perpetual Handbook. Angela Peavey: Marketing Director, Wynalda Packaging, (MS GVSU School of Communication) (Technology in Advertising and Public Relations)
Professors Robin Spring and Adrienne Wallace were on a national webinar panel about teaching to make a lasting impact. 6 PROGRAM UPDATES
APR PROGRAM DEBUTS CURRICULUM CHANGES IN 2017-18
The Advertising and Public Relations components of projects in later classes. Finally, whereas in the past all students program has more than 700 students in the School of Communications had in its major and minor. Due to the size, Also, the Fundamentals of Advertising to take Issues in Communications (COM and a desire to maintain excellence in (CAP 210) and Fundamentals of Public 495) as a capstone, now the Advertising the classroom, several changes to the Relations (CAP 220) courses are now and Public Relations Campaigns (CAP curriculum were put in place in the fall restricted to Advertising and Public 495) course counts as a major-specifc of 2017. Relations majors and minors only. This capstone. ensures that students in the program One change was reinforcing that can get into these classes, and also that In addition to applying all other Technology in Advertising and Public all students are ready and willing to do courses into a signifcant group Relations (CAP 105) and Advertising the hands-on projects in the classes. For campaign project for a client, the new and Public Relations Research (CAP students in other major felds, two new capstone course ofers modules for 115) would be pre-requisites for the classes were added to accommodate career readiness, including resumes, fundamentals classes in advertising their interest in the feld: Advertising portfolios, online personal branding, and public relations. In this way, Basics (CAP 209) and Public Relations and interviewing. students will be prepared to handle Basics (CAP 219). the research, digital and design APR PROGRAM CHANGES SOCIAL MEDIA IDENTITY
The Advertising and Public Relations The logo was designed by student Program updated its social media Casey VanderGraaf, graduting in identity at the end of the 2017-18 April 2018 as an APR major with an school year. The old social media logo, advertising emphasis who transferred a purple lightbulb meant to suggest in to GVSU with a graphic design ideas and creativity, has been replaced degree. He is the Graphics Chair on with a simple ‘APR’ in shades of Laker the GVSU Advertising Club Executive blue. Board and Creative Director for the GVSU NSAC’18 Ocean Spray Team. The ofcial logo remains the GVSU logo with Advertising and Public Casey has worked in the graphic Relations. But that logo is difcult design feld for 6 years and recently to recognize when used as a profle landed a full-time advertising job at picture on social media channels. So G5 Outdoors. He’s taken his passion for the new logo is easily recognizable but advertising, graphic design, and golf the social channels still clearly identify and started his own apparel company the program with GVSU. called Roar Golf.
Student Casey VanderGraaf designed the new identity for the APR program on social media. 7 PROGRAM UPDATES
Vanessa Lansdale is the frst recipient of the new Chapman Scholarship for PR students dedicated to community service.
VANESSA LANSDALE NAMED FIRST RECIPIENT OF CHAPMAN SCHOLARSHIP A new scholarship named in honor of a The scholarship is for students going former Advertising and Public Relations into a career in public relations and professor has its frst recipient. dedicated to community service.
Vanessa Lansdale will receive the frst Before his ten years of teaching at $1200 scholarship from the Frederick GVSU, Chapman was involved in A. Chapman Memorial Public Relations numerous activities that combined his Scholarship Fund. love of public relations and service. . He spent 36 years in corporate advertising Fred Chapman The scholarship fund was set up with a and public relations. He was heavily large initial gift from the family of Fred involved in community service, in in community service as well. She is Chapman in his memory. Chapman, which he served numerous positions a Springhill Teen Service Volunteer, who taught in the Advertising and for various organizations, including a vacation Bible school teacher, Public Relations program at GVSU local government. and a volunteer at Woman at Risk, from 1991-2001, passed away in 2013. International. The scholarship reached full funding Lansdale represents the qualities the last year after a fundraising drive scholarship is designed to support. “Through my major, minors, extra- involving current faculty and alumni. She is an excellent student, and is very curricular activities, and community involved outside of the classroom. service, I have found my passion for ‘Chapman Corner’ was She is Director of Alumni Relations nonprofts, public relations, digital named after Fred Chapman. for PRSSA, a member of the GVSU marketing, and photography,” Lansdale American Marketing Association, and said of her career goals. on the Laker Traditions Team. An APR major with minors in photography “I plan to use these skills to start my and nonproft administration, she own company and provide assistance also volunteered her services to take to nonprofts in the West Michigan photos for the APR program blog and community, thus allowing more annual report. awareness to be brought to their causes. Using my skills, I plan to give a Of campus, Lansdale has been active voice to those who do not have one.” 8 PROGRAM UPDATES
THE 70 CLIENTS SERVED DURING THE PAST ACADEMIC YEAR:
Fall 2017: Winter 2018: • American Cancer Society • Alchemy Hour Purchasing • Metro Health • Audrey Lane Boutique & • Apogee Therapy Center • Mini Mogul Academy Consignment Shop • Better Drinking Culture • Movies That Care • Brix Soda • Better Way Imports • Mud Lake Farms • Doody Calls • Blandford Nature Center • NOAH Project • Festival of the Arts • Blok Orchard • North Kent Connect • Field & Fire Café • Boks Sport • Ocean Spray Cranberries • GR.After.Hours • Center for Scholarly and Creative • One Trick Pony • Grand C.I.T.Y Sports, Inc Excellence • Perceptint • Grand Rapids Original Swing • Church of the Isles (FL) • Roosevelt Park Ministries Society • Comprenew • The 6 Eight Cofee Shop • Great Lakes Music • Consumer Credit Union • The Wet Mitten • Green Home Institute • Cottage Bar • Thornapple Brewery Co • Gunnar and The Grizzly Boys • Dime and Regal • Topcrest Stables • GVSU Campus Dining • Friends of GR Parks • Uccello’s Hospitality Group • Mind Meets Music • Gluten Free Bar • University Counseling Suicide • Mokaya Chocolate Store • Go Scavenger Hunts Prevention Program • Nutcase Vegan • Goodwill Indiustries of Greater • Village of Spring Lake • Open Systems Technology OST Grand Rapids • With Purpose (5 Bateman teams) • Rusty Warriors • GVSU Housing • YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids • Sheft • GVSU Sustainable Agriculture • Sluggers Sports Academy Project • smartdept.inc • Hefron Farms • Southern Hound Clothing • Honest Projects • Spoonlickers • J&R Printing • The Geek Group • Kilwins • West Michigan Therapy Dogs • MACKKite Electric Bike Place
RECORD NUMBER OF CLASS CLIENTS SERVED IN 2017-18
The Advertising and Public Relations program has long believed in “experiential learning,” which comes in various forms. One of the most robust examples is the clients in the class program, in which student projects are done for actual businesses and organizations in the community. Such projects are done in the fundamentals of advertising, fundamentals of public relations, media relations writing, corporate communications writing, Andrew Maternowski, MD., the owner of media planning, copywriting, and Nutcase Vegan, discuss media kits students prepared for him as an assignment in a campaigns courses. Media Relations Writing class. 9 PROGRAM UPDATES
INTERNSHIPSSpring/Summer 2017: • Herman Miller, Inc. • Sonya Archer • 95.7 Connie and Fish • Heart of West Michigan United • Steve Zaagman Townsquare Media Way • T-mobile • ACC Home Remodeling • ITS • Talent 2025 • Advisor Group • Janice Bunn • Terry Powers • Alissa Lane • JDRF - Michigan Great Lakes • The 2nd Amendment Depot • Alternatives In Motion West Chapter • Tick Tock Press • Angstrom Supply • Johnson Rauhof Advertising • TMB Partners • Bella Bleu Bridal Agency • Together We Rise • BlackTruck Media + Marketing • Kristen Taylor • Uccello’s Hospitality Group • Brewery Ferment • Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity • United Properties of West • City of Bay City • Louis Padnos Iron & Metal Michigan • CJ Devries Company • GVSU University Development • Crystal Downs Country Club • Mary Black • UniversityTees • Cull Group • Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation • Williams Group • Deksia Hospital • XO Mrs. Measom • DeLeeuw Lumber • Maryland Council on Economic • Yanfeng Automotive Interiors • Dennis Moosbrugger Education (MCEE) • DigitasLBi • McDaniels Insurance Agency Fall 2017: • Doner • Meijer, Inc. • Alternatives In Motion • Elsa Leigh Designs, LLC • Mental Health Foundation of • American Advertising • Eminence Mangement, Inc. West Michigan Federation of West Michigan • Endless Management • Michigan Department of • Armada Agricultural Society • Enterprise Transportation • ArtPrize • Farm Bureau Insurance • Mid-West Family Broadcasting • Auxiliary Inc. • Feeding America West • Modern Marketing LLC • Belwith Products, LLC Michigan • Moon Landing Marketing • CJ Devries • Fleece and Thank You Agency • Coleen Davis • Frederik Meijer Gardens and • North Kent Community • Commonwealth//McCann Sculpture Park Services • Cull Group • Frontier Promotions • Our Full Attention • Division of Inclusion & Equity • Funky Buddha Yoga Hothouse • Porteen Gear • Endless Management • G5 Outdoors • Professional Media • Exclusive Media Exchange • Gilson Graphics Management • Experience Grand Rapids • Grand Apps • Rethinking Dementia: • Family Futures • Grand Rapids Children’s Accelerating Change • Feeding America West Museum • Roman Creative Marketing Michigan • Grand Rapids Football Club Agency • Gemini • Grand Rapids Red Project • Rotor Zen Helicopters • Global Team Blue • Grand Rapids Sport and Social • Ryan Sundberg • GLP & Associates, INC. Club • Schuler • GR After Hours • GSVU Speech Lab • Shutterbooth • Grand Apps • GVSU Student Life • Sleeping Bear Gallery • Grand Rapids Children’s • Hagerty • Snelling Stafng Services Museum 10 PROGRAM UPDATES
All Advertising and Public Relations students are required to complete one 3-credit internship. Many do more than one. They are done all over Michigan, across the United States, and even in other countries. They are done at all diferent times of the year. Here are the 211 organizations who had our students as interns in the summer and fall of 2017 and the winter of 2018.
• Grand Rapids Feminist Film • Campus View • GVSU Athletics Festival • CityFlatsHotel • GVSU Campus Recreation • GVSU Department of Housing • College Fashionista, Clique • GVSU Career Center and Residence Life Brands • GVSU Laker Store Allendale • Great Lakes Scrip Center • COM 616 • GVSU Ofce of Student Life • GVSU Athletics • Committee to Elect Rachel • GVSU Women’s Center • GVSU Campus Dining Hood • Holiday Pet Resort and Salon (Aramark) • DeMaria Building Company • Jeron Benson Construction • GVSU University Counseling • Dennis Moosbrugger • Kids’ Food Basket Center • Dick’s Sporting Goods • Lambert Edwards and • Holland Hospital • Dime and Regal Associates • Keller Williams Plymouth • Division of Inclusion & Equity • Legal Assistance Center Market Center • Elsa Leigh Designs, LLC • Lucky Brand • Kids’ Food Basket • Erikka Simpson • ManocoBlue • LifeWay Christian Resources • Essenburg Car Wash of Holland • Martin Transportation Systems • Lisa Gimelli • Everything AB LLC • MINDSCAPE • Liz Della Croce • Experience Grand Rapids • Mister-E-Liquid • Master Advertising • Grand Rapids Art Museum • Rethinking Dementia: • Matt Murphy • Grand Rapids Central Iron & Accelerating Change • McDaniels Insurance Agency Steel Inc • Rockfnch Realty • Meijer, Inc. • Grand Rapids Children’s • Roosevelt Park Ministires • New York Life Museum • smartdept. inc. • Proskauer Rose LLP • Grand Rapids Drive • Tasty Treats and Good Eats • Quicken Loans • Grand Rapids Grifns • The Right Place, Inc. • Roncelli Inc • Grand Valley Development • Townsquare Media • SDI Consulting Ofce • Truscott Rossman • Steelcase • Grand Valley State University • Tulip Time Festival • The McCahill Group • Tick Tock Press • Townsquare Media • Van Andel Institute
Winter 2018: • @Home Realty • AdShopUSA, LLC dba GR Birthday Deals • Alissa Lane • American Advertising Federation of West Michigan • American Cancer Society • Angela Peavey- Fourth Arrow • Auxiliary Inc. • Brenda Hofman Photography, LLC Student Bri Olsen works with internship supervisor Tyler Deur at Lambert, Edwards and Associates, a Grand Rapids public relations agency. 11 STUDENTS
STUDENTS HELP NONPROFITS WITH PR IN ‘CREATE-A-THON’ Create-A-Thon was founded in 1998 by Riggs Partners, a marketing consultancy in Columbia, South Carolina. It has grown from a single-market event to a 501(c)(3) organization that has attracted more than 100 marketing and communications frms, universities, corporations and professional clubs as ofcial Create-A-Thon partners.
Create-A-Thon has helped more than 1,500 nonproft organizations in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom by delivering pro bono marketing projects valued at more than $24 million.
GrandPR, the Grand Valley State the community. Leading by example, Local sponsors for Create-A-Thon at the University (GVSU) student-run public we want to instill a mindset of service time include: 8ThirtyFour Integrated relations frm, was selected as one of before our staf go beyond GVSU and Communications, SaboPR, Mighty only four student-run PR frms in the into the workforce.” in the Midwest, Boxboom Creative, nation by the Public Relations Student GVSU School of Communications, and Society of America (PRSSA) to host a Create-A-Thon is a 24-hour marathon to BlackTruck Media & Marketing. Create-A-Thon marathon. Applications develop communications campaigns to host Create-A-Thon marathons are for nonproft organizations. GrandPR’s As a nationally afliated student-run very competitive and have more than Create-A-Thon will be held on Friday, frm, GrandPR is among a select group doubled in the program’s second year March 23 from 7pm to Saturday, March of 23 student frms that met three with PRSSA. 24 at 7pm. criteria: PRSSA/PRSA connection, a high level of professionalism and an “We are honored to partner with PRSSA GrandPR will work with Grand Rapids efective structure. In 2016, GrandPR and Create-A-Thon to create campaigns Public Library, Friends of Grand Rapids won Campaign of the Year at the PRSSA for fve local nonprofts,” said Sabrina Parks, HQGR, Grand Rapids Community National Conference in Indianapolis, Antclif, GrandPR’s CEO. “We believe Foundation and Kids’ Food Basket to and had a Gold Key recipient, marking that giving back impacts more than just develop campaigns utilizing integrated the two highest honors bestowed the organization we’re serving; it also marketing techniques, public relations upon student-run frms nationally. empowers and motivates our staf and, strategies, creative digital and as the campaigns are implemented, broadcast tangibles, and more. DAN GOUBERT NAMED OUTSTANDING STUDENT IN THE APR MAJOR FOR 2018 Dan Goubert has been named team the “Best Market Research Award” town, Extra Credit Projects (ECP). Outstanding Student in the Advertising in the nation. “ and Public Relations major for 2018. He is a double major – APR and Writing Goubert has been on the board of the – and is also in the Honors College. He “He was a critical member of our 2017 Advertising Club for 4 years and is now is getting national notoriety for his NSAC team and helped launch them serving as President. He has been an “Cerealousy” blog about cereal and is all the way to 4th in the nation,” said intern for the American Advertising a person of interest for Kelloggs and Assistant Professor Robin Spring. “It Federation of West Michigan (AAF/ other cereal brands. was partially due to Dan’s deep dive WMI – Ad Fed) and is currently working into research that earned our NSAC at one of the most creative agencies in 12 STUDENTS
PRSSA CHAPTER LAUNCHES DIVERSITY INITIATIVE For many public relations students tourism management, English, writing “The goal of this campaign is not only at Grand Valley State University, the communications, and digital studies. to increase the diversity within GV classroom looks the same – white PRSSA and the public relations major,” females are greatly overrepresented Bryan also gave a diversity presentation said Bryan, “but to inspire change compared to any other group. GVSU’s to current GV PRSSA members during across the industry. If we all do our chapter of the Public Relations Student the group’s last meeting. Topics part, we can make sure that everyone Society of America (PRSSA) is taking discussed included the importance of feels included in the great profession action to diversify both the student diversity, microaggressions, and how of public relations.” group and the public relations industry. to advocate for change.
According to GVSU’s Ofce of Institutional Analysis, nearly three- quarters of GVSU public relations “In an industry that heavily depends on emphases are female and 82 percent are white or Caucasian. These numbers communication and cultural awareness, refect national trends. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 61 having a monolithic group is problematic.” percent of public relations specialists are female and 88 percent are white or Caucasian.
To better understand their chapter’s demographics, GV PRSSA surveyed their members only to fnd similar results.
“This is a big problem,” said GV PRSSA’s Vice President of Chapter Development Trevor Bryan. “In an industry that heavily depends on communication and cultural awareness, having a monolithic group is problematic.”
“We are just one PRSSA chapter out of 300 chapters in the nation,” said GV PRSSA’s Chapter President Bri Olson. “Our national award-winning chapter is passionate about making our presence known outside of West Michigan in more ways than one. After evaluating the outcomes of this diversity initiative within our chapter, we will take our fndings and insight to the upcoming PRSSA National Conference to educate the future PR industry.”
GV PRSSA has partnered with the Ofce of Multicultural Afairs to learn ways to attract more diverse students into the feld. GV PRSSA is currently reaching out to students in a broader range of classes, including hospitality/ PRSSA President Brianna Olsen, VP of Public Relations Aaron Robert, and VP of Chapter Development with their new Diversity Report. 13 STUDENTS
SUPERIOR AWARDS HONORS SUPERIOR STUDENT WORK Each year the Advertising and Public Relations Program hosts an end-of-the-year event called the Superior Awards. The name comes from the building where the program resides, Lake Superior Hall, as well as the fact that students can enter work completed in class to be judged as superior in quality as judged by faculty, alumni and area advertising and public relations professionals.
PR Judges PR Winners, by category Ad Winners, by category • Adam Russo • Adrienne Wallace A Single Public Relations Tactic A Single Advertisement • Amanda St. Pierre (8 entries, 5 awards given) (2 entries, 1 award given) • Amy LeFebre • Sean Billisitz (2) • Riley Holbrook • Angela Peavey • Lauren Froman • Ashley Bovin • Sarah Pontbriand (2) Advertising Campaign • Audra Hartges (3 entries, 2 awards given) • Beth Dornan Public Relations Campaign • Group: Trevor Bryan, Cassie • Bradley Gordon (5 entries, 4 awards given) McAllister, Erin Stehlik • Chad Fopma • Madison Barnes • Stephanie Johnston • Chea Jackson • Keegan Bauer • Clare Wade • Evan Clark Advertising Media Kit • Daltyn Little Terpstra • Brooklyn Wilson (3 entries, 2 award given) • Dave Nitkiewicz • Group: Kyle Hams and Madison • Derek DeVries Public Relations Media Kit Cook • Dino Baskovic (2 entries, 1 award given) • Hannah Svendor • Heather Halligan • Lauren Froman • Holly Kroeze Advertising Case Study • Jeremy Witt Public Relations Case Study (1 entry) • Karen Kirchenbauer (3 entries, 1 award given) • Tom Crawford • Katherine Halloran • Group: Aaron Robert, Erin Stehlik, • Leah Twilley Bri Olson, Brooklyn Wilson. (This • Lindsey VanDenBoom same team took third place in the • Matt Jackson national Arthur Page Case Study • Sarah Lennon Competition) • Stephanie Kotschevar • Stephanie Rice • Tyler Lehner • Yasmin Gopal
Ad Judges • Ben Kaluski • Chad Ghastin • Daniel Spicer • John Barfuss • Ryan Lockwood • Tim Bulson
2015 graduate Lyndsey VanDenBoom was the keynote speaker at this year’s Superior Awards. 14 STUDENTS
STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN CHALLENGE FOR EMERGING LEADERS Four GVSU Advertising and Public Other colleges represented included These competencies were addressed Relations students were among 20 Ball State University, DePaul University through activities and assessments students gathered at DePaul University and Loyola University – Chicago drawn from eight core development in Chicago November 9-11, 2017 to and Marquette University. Students areas: self-awareness, listening skills, take part in the second Challenge were selected by their department confict management, organizational for Emerging Leaders, hosted by The chairs based on their high-leadership dynamics, business acumen, critical Plank Center for Leadership in Public potential, demonstrated achievements thinking, team leadership and ethical Relations. throughout their academic careers orientation. and their diverse backgrounds and GVSU Advertising and Public Relations experiences. The overall goal is to Along with the activities and students participating included develop and inspire these emerging assessments, students were divided up Madison Barnes, Erin Stehlik, Adrienne leaders and enrich the profession’s into teams to work through a diversity Kihn, and Amarandi Karaca. future. case study. Each group was assigned an industry advisor to motivate, With the overall goal of developing The Challenge emphasized encourage and provide feedback. and inspiring emerging leaders, the advancement in four key competencies: Challenge is an intensive, hands-on deepen understanding of leadership, On the last day, teams presented their leadership workshop. enrich leadership values and beliefs, case study fndings and were awarded a expand leadership skills and capacity, Certifcate of Leadership Achievement. “Research reveals that experiences and model appropriate behaviors. like the Challenge can energize young leaders, accelerate their development and inspire their vision for leadership,” said Dr. Bruce Berger, research director of the Center and program director for the Challenge. “Professionals in the feld have access to many development programs, but such opportunities are limited for students and young professionals.” Erin Stehlik, back center, participates in a team activity at the Leadership Challenge.
STUDENT TEAM TAKES 3RD PLACE IN NATIONAL PR CASE COMPETITION A group of GVSU Ad and PR included Aaron Robert, Brianna Olson, The annual competition is judged students placed third in the Case Brooklyn Wilson, and Erin Stehlik. by a panel comprising Page Society Study Competition in Corporate Adrienne Wallace was the faculty members and members of Page Up, a Communications. advisor. Their case was about Target’s membership organization for senior- transgender bathroom policy. Teams level communicators who have the The Case Study Competition in from DePaul University claimed frst potential to rise to a CCO or another Corporate Communications, which and second place. executive role. is sponsored by the Arthur W. Page Society and the Institute for Public “This case study competition “I am very proud of my team for working Relations (IPR), awards students whose truly challenges students to this hard outside the classroom,” original case studies best examine the take a 360-degree view of how said Aaron Robert. “To compete and practice of corporate communications communicating around a program or place alongside graduate students in a business issue or crisis. This year’s issue can have a signifcant impact on nationwide is a testament to our competition drew 105 entries from 36 the overall business of an organization,” work ethic and knowledge of public communications and business schools said Dr. Tina McCorkindale, President relations. We are honored to represent across the country. and CEO of IPR. “Winning this highly- the GVSU APR program on a national competitive award is a great honor.” level.” Students on the Grand Valley team 15 ALUMNI
Rachel Doane, Rep. Roger Victory, and Jared Rozycki in the chamber of the Michigan House of Representatives.
FROM CAMPUS TO CAPITOL: ALUMNI WORK TOGETHER IN GOVERNMENT PR
Rachel Doane and Jared Rozycki The Henry Ford Museum, Art Prize, in the Constituent Relations division have gone from the GVSU campus in and even had the opportunity to try of the Executive Ofce of Governor Allendale to the state capitol in Lansing. out and electric bicycle when the Rick Snyder during the crest of the Both graduates of the Advertising and committee was considering a bill that Flint Water Crisis. In the winter of 2017, Public Relations program, Doane (2013) would allow the use of e-bikes on state he interned at Truscott Rossman – a and Rozycki (2017) now work together trails.” Doane said. “I tag along with the PR frm that specializes in grassroots as communication advisors in the representatives to take photos of the issues – at their Grand Rapids branch. Michigan House of Representatives. committee proceedings and include them in my press release about the “Through all of the connections I made Doane works on the Health Policy research the committee is doing to at both internships, I was able to apply Committee and Tourism & Outdoor further Michigan’s tourism industry. “ to the job where I am at today,” Rozycki Recreation Committee. Rozycki covers said. the Military and Veterans Afairs, Rozycki’s work is similar for his Oversight, and Insurance committees. committees and legislators. He also Doane, who had several other jobs handles media relations, writing before landing in her current position, Doane says her job is to ensure the and pitching op-eds, working with also remembers the media relations public is informed of the legislative journalists to set up TV interviews, and writing class and the newsreporting activity that happens in the committees organizaing press conferences. class as setting her up for what she for which she is responsible at every does at work today. stage of the process--bill introduction, “I write for all 63 representatives of committee testimony, House passage, the Republican Caucus,” Rozyci said. “Now I know that if you want to write and ultimately, signage by the “It defnitely took a while to get a efective press releases, you really have governor. In addition to writing press hold of all 63 of their voices in my to know how to think like a journalist releases and drafting speeches for writing – especially since some are if you want the media to have any legislators, she said joining committee really conservative while others are interest in your content,” Doane said. members for visits around the state is a moderate.” fantastic part of her job. Rozycki also expressed appreciation for Both credit internships as a key to media relations writing and the various “I’ve joined the committee at them landing their current jobs. In the types of writing he learned in the class. Muskegon Winter Sports Complex, summer of 2016, Rozycki was an intern
16 ALUMNI
“There are some days where I write 3 pitch as well. Because of the pitching Doane and Rozycki both have advice op-eds or 35 press releases within the techniques I learned, many of the for current students interested in work day,” he said. “CAP 321 helped the op-eds I have written have been careers in PR and government. Rozycki prepare me to write quickly but covered in big-time publications such stresses paying careful attention to efectively. Sometimes in government as the Detroit News, MLive, Detroit the news. Doane, who minored in PR, there isn’t 45 minutes to fnish a FREEP, Crain’s Detroit Business as well political science, credits that and some press release or op-ed, there is only 5 as getting press releases in nearly advanced knowledge of the political minutes. Politics is very opinionated, every Michigan publication and some process with helping her to get and so op-eds are more frequent in in Wisconsin and Ohio publications.” succeed in her job. government than other avenues in PR. CAP 321 helped with how to In addition to internships and classes,
ALUMNI MIXER KICKS OFF OUTREACH
In January of 2018, the Advertising and Public Relations program held an alumni mixer at the ofces of 834 Design & Marketing in Grand Rapids. 834 is owned by Kim Bode, a GVSU alumna.
Students from the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter formed an alumni relations committee in 2017, and the event was one of their initial eforts to conduct more formal outreach and engagement of program graduates.
Alumni interacted with current students and faculty at the event. In addition to the fun, refection and networking, the event was useful to gather ideas and input for future alumni activity.
Students, faculty, and alumni enjoy conversation and refreshments at an alumni mixer. 17 [email protected] gvsu.edu/soc/apr