Oglethorpe University communications students Alex Hausman, Ariel Saah, Valeri Cruz, Veronica Grimaldo, Zayra Alcantar and Nya Davis recently attended “The Gathering of PR Minds,” the 17th annual conference of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), held Feb. 24 in midtown Atlanta.
The PRSA Georgia conference welcomed both PR professionals and students from across the Southeast.
This yearly PRSA event brings together leading communications professionals with students from around the Southeast for informative and interactive sessions, professional development, networking opportunities and cross-generational perspectives on the public relations, communications and marketing fields.
In addition to representing Oglethorpe, the students who attended are members of OU student organizations PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America) and the Weltner Consulting Agency, a student strategic communications agency that serves both on- and off-campus clients. Both are advised by Dr. Kate Keib, assistant professor of communication studies.
This year’s conference featured five general sessions exploring relevant topics, including leadership; national media trends; diversity, equity, and inclusion; the future of work; and brand positioning. To complement the general sessions, there were also three “Ask Us Anything” discussions, plus three breakout sessions that covered what’s new in social media, government relations, and the Accreditation of Public Relations (APR) process.
“The conference was very enlightening,” said Grimaldo, a senior communication studies major. “It was a great experience to have other individuals with the same interest around, people that understand the same ideas.”
This opportunity allowed students to learn more about the PR industry, gain real-world experiences, and interact with PR pros — taking them one step closer to being ready to start their own careers.
“I am leaving with exciting contacts,” said Ariel Saah. “I appreciate that it’s a very tangible experience.”
Students pictured above (l-r): Alex Hausman, Ariel Saah, Valeri Cruz, Veronica Grimaldo, Zayra Alcantar, Nya Davis
A table of Oglethorpe communications students listen intently to a keynote speaker during the PRSA Georgia annual conference in Atlanta.
