The Public Relations Student Society of America, PRSSA, is a national organization for students studying public relations. The Associated Students of the ÐÔ°®ÎåÉ«Ìì PRSSA chapter, a recognized club in the Donald W. Reynolds School of Journalism, recently sent one member to the PRSSA National Assembly to vote on national bylaws, elect a new national committee and participate in various competitions and workshops.
Lindsay Panko, a 21-year-old journalism student, applied to be the ÐÔ°®ÎåÉ«Ìì, Reno’s PRSSA delegate through an application process and was selected by a student and professional panel. As the current vice president for the University’s Theodore Conover chapter, Panko left for Seattle last month, anxious and excited about going alone.
“Not only was I taken out of my comfort zone by not knowing the city, I didn’t know anyone when I arrived,” Panko said. “But it was a great way to test my adventurous spirit. The people I met that weekend are now people I know I can talk to about our individual chapters and love for PR throughout my life.”
The conference started unofficially with a competition. The client for this year’s competition was Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” initiative, a program to help eliminate childhood obesity. Panko’s group suggested a school field trip event called “Let’s Move with the Mariners,” including Seattle’s Major League Baseball team and inviting Seattle’s Public School District fourth graders to participate.
Panko’s group presented a comprehensive PR plan and was selected the winner of the competition for having the most creative and best overall campaign for the client. Each member of the group won $50 and bragging rights.
Following the day of competition, there was a chapter development day where “we learned about national initiatives that our chapters can be a part of and were able to share individual problems our chapters face and learn ways that others have overcome them.”
Panko has returned to the ÐÔ°®ÎåÉ«Ìì “excited to help make PRSSA Nevada even better than it already is,” she said “I would like to hold a regional conference next spring showcasing the amazing professionals we have in our unique area. I would also like to see more members attend the national conference, this year held in Orlando, Fla. in the fall. I would also like to see PRSSA Nevada recognized through national awards offered through PRSSA National. We are lucky to have a great relationship with our professional chapter, , and that deserves recognition.”
“I honestly believe anyone who has the chance should attend a national event. It motivates you to be your best self and encourage your fellow students to be their most excellent. My energy has been renewed and I’m excited that I can share that with my chapter and fellow PR students at UNR.”