Waynesburg University

TRENDING TOPICSChartered in 2010, the Waynesburg University CHapter of the Public Relations Student Society of america Strives to Prepare Members for their Future Profession through Experience, Opportunity and Achievement.

Do what you love. Love what you do.

Professional Development Day Reflection by Molly Winters

President Published in National Newsletter

A key component of the Public Relations Student Society of America is establishing connections with parent Public Relations Society of America organizations. The Waynesburg University Chapter of the PRSSA works to continually further relations with PRSA Pittsburgh.

Each fall, PRSA Pittsburgh holds a Professional Development Day featuring speakers from the region and across the United States. Dating before the Chapter was chartered, the PR Team at Waynesburg attended with less than 10 members. Last year, more than 20 traveled to Pittsburgh to further develop their interest in public relations.

On Oct. 30, the Waynesburg University Chapter of the PRSSA will again take more than 20 to the annual conference.

Additionally, the Department of Communication at Waynesburg University is co-sponsoring the event for the first time.

The theme of this year’s event revolves around rediscovering passion for public relations. All lectures and session reflect the slogan “Do What You Love. Love What You Do.”

Other sessions include ethics, developing meaningful relationships with the media and interdepartmental communication. Two topics will serve as particular interest to seniors, including de-stressing the job search and “from passion to paycheck.” For those entering the workforce, these may provide valuable insight.

Richard Borden, director of internal communications at American Eagle Outfitters, will

serve as the keynote speaker, with a lecture titled “Live Your Life, Love Your Job.” For those familiar with American Eagle, the brand uses the slogan “Live Your Life” and promotes youth and happiness.

With her attendance this year, senior public relations major Chelsea Cummins has participated each year she’s been at Waynesburg.

“When I went as a freshman, I had very little understanding of the profession,” Cummins said. “The experience was eye opening and really helped develop my passion for the field.”

Because the first public relations course occurs in the spring, this event exposes freshmen public relations majors to the profession. Each year, the conference offers programming

Last year, our PRSSA Chapter brought more than 20 to PRSA Pittsburgh’s Professional Development Day for the first time in our history. Before the conference, I was really looking forward to going because as a freshman I was excited to dive into the public relations field so soon. I had only been at school for about a month, so I didn’t know many of the PRSSA members. It was a great way for us to bond over such a great event. Being at the conference let me see how the public relations field operates in a large setting. The conference opened with speakers from the Pittsburgh area, follwed by question and answer time. Many of the members of PRSSA asked some really great questions, which made our Chapter look like we were interested in what they had to say (which we were, of course). Next, everyone had the opportunity to pick what section they wanted to go to next. There were two sections during the conference: one before lunch and

In August, Samantha Scribner, senior public relations major and president of Waynesburg University’s Public Relations Student Society of America Chapter, submitted an article to FORUM about how to stay active and involved following a summer internship. FORUM, the PRSSA’s national newsletter, published her story in the fall edition, which went live online in September. According to PRSSA National, FORUM strives “to offer advice, encourage discussion and serve as an informational resource for public relations students.”

Scribner met the editor of FORUM at last year’s PRSSA National Assembly in

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Issue 1

New Member SpotlightJordan Mitrik

Hometown

Major

Year

Pittsburgh, Pa.

Public relations

FreshmanAfter attending two of the offered overnight visitations and two classes with Chair of the Department of Communication Professor Richard Krause, Jordan Mitrik decided to attend Waynesburg University and study Public Relations. Mitrik is a member of five organizations on campus including PRSSA, the Firm, for which he is the account coordinator for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, the Mad Anthony Yearbook, The Yellow Jacket and the Men’s Volleyball Team. He chose Waynesburg because of the opportunity to get involved right away.

Alumni SpotlightHeidi Szuminsky

Location

Major

Organization

Waynesburg, Pa.

Communication

Waynesburg Univ.Heidi Szuminsky attended Waynesburg University from 2001 to 2005, and was the first student to graduate with the public relations option from the Department of Communication. She worked with Professor Krause to design the public relations option and helped with student recruitment and events like Media Day. In 2007, she earned her master’s degree in Human Resources and Leadership and took over as Director of Alumni Relations at Waynesburg University. This year, she was promoted to the role of the University’s Director of Donor and Alumni Relations.

Contributing Writers

• Chelsea Cummins, editor-in-chief• Samantha Scribner• Mitch Graham• Kelsey Bradley

• Renee Bamford• Matt Giardina• Molly Winters• Brittany Semco

• Haley Greene• Kaitlyn Wood

The Competition ContinuesMajority ruled Thursday, Oct. 4 at Waynesburg Universi-ty’s Public Relations Student Society of America’s general body meeting. A new points system was passed and is now in place for this semester. Every member of the chap-ter must accumulate at least 40 points by the end of each semester to reap the full benefits of PRSSA, including the chance to run for office. Members can obtain the 40 points in numerous ways, such as meetings, professional devel-

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VOLUME 1

Charlotte, N.C., and was asked if she would be interested in writing for the newsletter. She began brainstorming about a topic that would be helpful, interesting, and relevant for readers and decided on continued networking and communication post-internship.

“As young public relations practitioners, we learn the importance of building and maintaining relationships,” Scribner said. “I wanted to maintain the relationships I established at my internship and encourage others to do the same.”

Scribner felt honored to be featured in the national newsletter.

“FORUM receives many submissions from across the country, so I felt honored to represent our Chapter as a contributor in the fall issue,” Scribner said. “I encourage all members to submit to FORUM, Progressions and other national publications because you never know what can happen.”

ment events, PRSSA planned activities and social media engagement. Some members go beyond the requirements and become engaged in all PRSSA events. The current top point holders, excluding the executive board, are Jorfan Mitrik, Abby Pittinaro, Haley Greene, Linzy Smith and Kaitlyn Wood. Mitrik leads the Chapter with a total of

30 points. He achieved this by attend-ing multiple general and firm meetings as well as the webinar. Additionally, he volunteered to assist with JacketFest during Homecoming weekend.

In second, Pittinaro follows with 25 points. Her achievement comes from attending the webinar and meetings.

Third place is occupied by a three way

tie, featuring Greene, Smith and Wood at 20 points each. This dynamic trio snagged the third slot through their involvement with JacketFest, the Firm and general Chapter happenings.

Congratulations to all members for of the hard work this semester. The competition is heating up. Let this be motivation to stay active and involved with all Chapter activities. as well.

interesting to practitioners both entry level and established. The balance makes the day inviting for all to attend and network.

Cummins looks forward to this day because of the opportunities it presents.

“In the past it was interesting to attend and meet professionals,

but this year it holds more value,” Cummins said. “Within a few months, these PRSA members are going to be my professional peers, which makes the experience that much more exciting.”

If you’re planning to attend this year, please be prepared to leave by 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30. Members will meet in the Stover parking lot and will leave in one of three school vans.

For those interested, PRSA Pittsburgh is selling “I Love PR” shirts for $10. Proceeds will go to CaringBridge in honor of a PRSA Pittsburgh Member.

Thoughts from the President

PD Day Overview Cont’d

Points System Cont’d

President Published Cont’d

Conference Reflection Cont’d

Greetings and welcome to the first edition of Trending Topics. Thank you to our Public Relations Director and Editor-In-Chief of Trending Topics, Chelsea Cummins and the many Chapter members who wrote, edited, designed and assisted with the production of this fine newsletter.

I’ve had the pleasure of helping to grow Waynesburg University’s Public Relations Student Society of America Chapter from a public relations team in my Freshman year to a highly accomplished, nationally affiliated Chapter in my Senior year at Waynesburg University. Along that journey, Chapter members have recognized and initiated exciting opportunities to develop this Chapter into what it is today.

This semester, I can confidently share that I’ve seen more initiative and

growth than ever before. We certainly wouldn’t claim as much success if not for the many talented individuals who worked tirelessly before us, and I truly believe that current members have made those individuals proud through this semester’s drive, passion and commitment to excellence.

In just the past two months, the Chapter’s Firm has gained prominent new clients such as the American Cancer Society and has researched, designed and developed new public relations tactics and campaigns. The Firm’s website will launch in 2013 and the group strives each day for national PRSSA Firm affiliation. Thanks to the Firm and the dedication of many Chapter members, our Chapter will meet all requirements for Star Chapter status before the end of the Fall 2012 semester. This semester, the Chapter

has instituted a new Facebook page, the newsletter and a blog.

Coordinators continue to add to the Chapter’s growing list of goals and achievements by planning multiple events in the month of October including a webinar, a national service initiative, professional development opportunities, fundraisers and festival activities for both the campus and community. I encourage all members to continue attendance at both general and Firm meetings and to follow the Chapter on social media outlets and the blog in an effort to stay up-to-date about the many events and opportunities in November and December. I’m so proud of the work we’ve been able to accomplish in two short months, and I hope to add exponentially to that work in the remaining months of 2012.

Waynesburg University’s Public Relations Student Society of America Chapter will kick off the month of November by holding formal nomina-tions for three high involvement ex-ecutive board positions. The Chapter encourages all qualified members to consider running for the positions of President, Vice President/ Firm Direc-tor and Public Relations Director.

Members considering the positions must be formally nominated at the Nov. 1, 2012 general meeting. The

meeting, held at 9 p.m. in Buhl 416, will host nominations according to the official Robert’s Rules of Order. Any dues paying member can nom-inate another dues paying member, provided that the nominee has met Points System requirements of at least 20 points

All nominations brought to the floor must be accepted by the nominee and documented by the Chapter’s secretary. The Chapter requires that all intentions to nominate by Chapter

members be voiced to the nominees ahead of time in an effort to eliminate declining during the meeting.

Following nominations, candidates will be responsible for submitting an official application to the Chapter’s secretary by 9 a.m., Monday, Nov. 5, in Buhl 416. Provided that the secretary receives full applications on time, candidates will prepare a 5-min-ute-speech to present to the general voting body Thursday, Nov. 8, at 9 p.m. in Buhl 416.

In this section of the newsletter, I’ll discuss upcoming social media platforms, how they work and how you can use them to elevate your client, business or agency. For the first column, I’ll discuss a big player in social me-dia, and one everyone should use: Twitter.

With more than 106 million users, Twitter is a micro-blogging site that allows users to post their content in less than 140 characters. Each blog post is called a tweet, and users can interconnect with relating content by using hash tags, which are terms or phrases following a ‘#’ sign.

Twitter is valuable to public relations prac-titioners because it allows organizations to track and analyze what people are saying about what they’re doing. And, if a crisis oc-curs, it allows organizations to interact with its audiences directly and immediately to ad-dress any issues. It also provides invaluable outlets for public relations professionals and publications to tweet about current issues and articles that allow followers to stay up-dated with the simplicity of checking Twitter.

Chapter Elections Process

Social Media CornerWith Mitch Graham

Oct. 25 Oct. 30 Oct. 30 & 31 Nov. 1 Nov. 8

Come to Buhl 416 at 9 p.m. to hear the candidates present their speeches and to vote for our future leaders. To those running, be sure to dress pro-fessionally!

For the second year, the Chap-ter will help raise money for Project Bundle Up. Come to Johnson Commons from 4 to 6 p.m. and stay for Pumpkin Bowling after.

This year, the Chapter is taking more than 20 students to the PRSA Pittsburgh event, where students will rediscover their passion and learn about the profession of public relations.

The Chapter is holding a pledge drive for the Dignity & Respect Campaign. If you’re interested in helping with the drive, con-tact Haley Greene at gre9052@student.waynesburg.edu.

If you’re interested in running for an executive board position for next semester, be sure to attend the next general meeting at 9 p.m. in Buhl 416.

Harvest Festival #PRSAPDDay D&R pledge Drive Nominations Meeting Elections Meeting

one after. The speakers were really interesting and they captivated the audience’s attention well. The best part of the conference (minus the incredible catered lunch) was getting the opportunity to meet public relations professionals. Being a freshman at the time, I hadn’t had

those opportunities before to meet people so advanced in the field. I hope that the students who attend this year view the conference as more than a day to get out of class. It is a day that will further public relations majors and give them tools to use not only in the future, but now.

The Firm Welcomes new clientWaynesburg University’s student-run Firm is pleased to announce the addition of its newest client, the American Cancer Society in Wash-ington, Pa. The relationship flourished from Firm Director Renee Bamford’s close profes-sional connection with Margie Smith, senior community income development representa-tive for the American Cancer Society.

“We’re thrilled to work with a client that is nationally recognized for creating a world with less cancer and more birthdays,” Bamford said.

In honor of October being National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Firm designed a ‘Pink is the New Greene’ campaign. The Firm will celebrate the conclusion of all of the breast cancer awareness initiatives in the community and will “paint the town pink” to show their support.

Members are already planning for the Ameri-can Cancer Society’s “Great American Smoke-out” Thursday, Nov. 15, by encouraging smok-ers to make a plan to quit smoking.