Courtesy of PRSSA

club profile
Public Relations Student
Society of America

Club name: University of Alaska Anchorage Seawolf Chapter of Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA).

Faculty advisor: Vivian Hamilton, APR, Fellow PRSA

Professional Advisor: Nance Larsen, APR, Director of Communications, ACVB

Contact information: 786-4180 (Department of Journalism and Public Communications); PRSSA e-mail at abprssa@uaa.alaska.edu; or the Web site www.prssa.org.

Ruling members: Monica Terrones, president; Alysha Gobble, secretary; Megan Carle, treasurer; Ryan Mudd, webmaster.

Mission statement: PRSSA (national organization):

To serve our members by enhancing their knowledge of public relations and providing access to professional development opportunities;

To serve the public relations profession by helping to develop highly qualified, well-prepared professionals.

The Public Relations Student Society of America has more than 7,000 members in 227 chapters on college campuses across the country.

Current activities: For a spring 2004 project, in conjunction with Alyeska Resort and Anchorage Convention & Visitor Bureau, UAA Seawolf Chapter of PRSSA is providing public relations services for the Chevrolet 2004 U.S. Alpine Championships. This includes developing news releases, writing articles, Web design, photography and serving as media liaison with local and visiting media representatives. This series of races, March 18 through March 23, determines the eight 2004 National Champions in four categories for both men and women. The races, to be held at Alyeska Resort, are scheduled during spring break. Opening ceremonies are March 19 at 7 p.m. and features Pamyua, Alaska Native dancers and dignitaries. March 20 activities include a fun race, Return of the Champions, featuring Alaska’s Olympic skiers Tommy Moe, Megan Gerety, Heather Lindh and other Olympic skiers. The Return of the Champions will be syndicated and broadcast on ESPN in the fall. Opening ceremonies are open to the public and everyone is encouraged to come.

Established: UAA Chapter was established 1993.

Upcoming activities: The club meets monthly and features guest speakers. Check JPC bulletin board for more information.

Proudest moment: Earning the PRSSA National Teahan Award for the fundraiser Gala Gowns in 1999.

People should join the club because: The meetings provide excellent opportunities to meet and learn from professionals within our community and gain experience beyond the classroom with hands-on learning with an annual spring project; provides material for your resume.

Famous ex-members (what have they gone on to): Stacy Schubert is president of Anchorage Chamber of Commerce; Jennifer Thompson, Sr. Account Manager, Bernholz & Graham; Jackie Endsley, Community Relations Coordinator, IBEW Local 1547; Amy Murphy, Public Relations Officer, Alaska Village Electric Cooperative; Fiona Brosnan, Communications Specialist, Alaska Tourism Industry Association; Heather Slocum, Public Relations, TelAlaska; Rachael Grenier, Project Manager, Nerland Agency; Jinnie Nims, Marketing Specialist, Denali Alaskan Federal Credit Union.