Welcome Marissa McDaid, the new VP of Internal Relations!

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Marissa McDaidMarissa is from Wooster, Ohio and is a senior at Ohio University majoring in Strategic Communications. Originally Marissa was a news and information student in the journalism program but switched to strategic communications her sophomore year. She immediately became a dues-paying member of PRSSA and joined the social affairs committee. She also served as an associate for the Bird Arena account with ImPRessions. Through joining PRSSA and ImPRessions Marissa has learned a lot of valuable information. She said the majority of what she knows about PR was learned from her involvement with PRSSA.

“It’s where I learned to make a resume, write cover letters, create a portfolio and write press releases,” she said. “I’m 100% sure I would never have completed multiple internships at this point in my career if it weren’t for PRSSA.”

Read on to learn a little bit more about Marissa!

Hobbies? I like reading, hanging out with friends and family and traveling. I’m also a bit of a technology nerd and like to learn about digital trends and design in my spare time. Once when I was home on winter break my parents’ washing machine stopped so I took it apart and fixed it! I Googled how washing machines are put together, located the broken piece and replaced it while my parents were at work. Even though the Lowe’s employee probably thought I was a 12-year-old, I got the job done

Favorite OU memory? My favorite OU memory was walking down the middle of Court Street when Barack Obama came to campus last fall. There was so much excitement in the air and someone was blasting Bruce Springsteen out of his apartment window as the crowd filtered out of College Green. It didn’t feel like real life

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I would like to get a lot of agency experience at the beginning of my career but eventually I want to become some type of an entrepreneur. I’d really like to have my own business or collaborate with a partner. That’s exciting to me because I love creativity and innovation

Biggest pet peeve? People who spend way too much time being negative toward others! It’s just not worth it to be so nitpicky at what others say or do. We should spend more time bettering ourselves instead of worrying about what we disapprove of others

Favorite reality show? My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding – it’s seriously the WEIRDEST show!

PR idol? Definitely Demi Knight Clark for being living proof that studying PR does not limit a person to a cubicle. She teaches that public relations can be empowering and creative. Another would be the entrepreneurial spirit of Angela Krile. Angela mentioned once at PRSSA that she tells her young sons that both she and her husband are responsible for making money and working to provide for their family. That’s empowering to me because that’s something my mom and dad also tried to instill in me when I was growing up

Favorite animal? Koala

If you were an ice cream flavor, what would you be? Neapolitan because it’s a little bit of everything!

Get ready, Scripps! There’s a new VP in town and her name is Marissa McDaid. To contact Marissa, tweet her @mlmcdaid!

Please welcome the new VP of External Relations, Marisa Dockum!

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linkedinMarisa Dockum is a junior from Oxford, Ohio studying Communication Studies at Ohio University. Serving as the VP of Social Media last year, Marisa has had much experience with Scripps PRSSA and says the organization completely made her college career worthwhile. From San Francisco to New York City, Marisa has practiced PR nation-wide and she is an exemplary member of our chapter!

Enjoy getting to know some fun facts about our new VP of External Relations:

What has been your experience with PRSSA? I joined as a freshman and quickly fell in love and ran for an exec position for sophomore year. I served as the VP of Social Media and am eager to serve as the VP of External Relations this coming year!

Advice for incoming freshman? Most people tell freshman to get involved as much as possible, which is true, but my advice is to not be afraid of the upperclassman. Get to know the seniors and become friends with them! They aren’t scary and will become some of your most helpful and caring friends!

Hobbies? Traveling, watching Gossip Girl and the Bachelor, spending time with family and eating!

Favorite OU memory? It’s impossible to pick one memory after two years, but the 2012 PRSSA National Conference in San Fran was so much fun!

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? In ten years I hope to be running Dockum Communications, married to a handsome man, living somewhere cool and taking advantage of traveling opportunities!

What is your biggest pet peeve? When people are late! I’m a firm believer that if you’re 10 minutes early you’re on time, and if you’re on time then you’re actually late

What is your favorite reality show? The Bachelor!

Who is your PR idol? All of last year’s seniors!

What is an interesting fact about you that not many people know? I used to ride horses at rodeos and my best event was actually steer wrestling… I promise it didn’t hurt the steer!

If you were an ice cream flavor, what would you be? Chocolate chip cookie dough, it’s the flavor I get every time!

What is your favorite animal? Elephants!

With Marisa as our chapter’s national delegate this year she is off to a great start as the 2013-2014 VP of External Relations!

To congratulate Marisa, tweet her @MarisaDockum!

Say hello to Briagenn Adams, the new VP of Public Relations!

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BRIAGENN ADAMSJunior Briagenn Adams will be taking on the role of Scripps PRSSA VP of Public Relations this upcoming year. Briagenn is involved with both ImPRessions and PRSSA at Ohio University, and said participation in these organizations has inspired a love for the chapter and a desire to bring Scripps PRSSA to new and unprecedented heights. Catch up with one of the newest additions to the Scripps PRSSA Executive Board!

Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio

Major/Minor: Strategic Communications/ Public Relations with a Minor and Specialization in French!

Why OU? I decided to attend Ohio University at the beginning of my senior year in high school after I learned about the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. As a senior, I was passionate about writing and had high hopes of becoming a news reporter, so I knew Ohio University would be the perfect fit for me. However, I didn’t fall in love with Athens until after my first campus tour. The people were so friendly and the atmosphere so warm, I knew I had found the place where I wanted to spend the next four years of my life

PRSSA Involvement: I have been a dues-paying member of PRSSA since my freshman year and I cannot even begin to explain how much this organization has benefited me personally and professionally. However, my involvement did not peak until my sophomore year when I began to write and blog for PRSSA’s website. During my sophomore year I attended every possible PRSSA event from PR Boot Camp, to pumpkin carving with Ad Club, to our annual Thanksgiving dinner, to the New York City networking trip in March. I also have been involved with ImPRessions for the past year as an Internal Account Associate, and I am excited to take on the new role and responsibility of Assistant Account Executive for Cardinal Health during the 2013-2014 school year!

Campus Involvement: I am an Ohio University Tour Guide, so I basically know all there is to know about OU and its history. It’s a very fun and rewarding job!

Why PR? I came to Ohio University with the full intent to study basic news writing journalism. As I learned more about the field, however, I began to get nervous about the dying print industry. I had been attending PRSSA meetings sporadically, and I really enjoyed the attitude of those involved. So, I made the switch from news writing to strategic communications my sophomore year, and I couldn’t be happier with my decision. Although writing is still and will always be my true love, I plan to bring these skills into my PR career and profession to further develop my personal brand and hiring appeal

Advice for Freshmen: This is pretty cliché advice, but GET INVOLVED! I know for a fact that I was so scared and intimidated as a freshman, but honestly there is not one single person in PRSSA who is not more than happy to help an eager freshman in need. PR people are generally the friendly type, so always feel free to approach us and ask for some guidance. We don’t bite!

Hobbies: I love reading, tweeting, singing, making brownies, painting my nails and watching The Office

Best OU Memory: Seeing President Obama speak in College Green right before the 2012 elections. I am an avid Obama lover, and it was such an honor that our President came to Athens to speak to us eager Bobcats. It truly was a day I’ll never forget

Dream Job: Ideally I have always wanted to do PR for a company like Procter & Gamble. I seriously have a HUGE addiction to buying the newest and girliest products available, so I understand the immeasurable impact PR and marketing teams have on consumers. Also, P&G is an international company, and I would love to work overseas

Favorite Reality TV: World of Jenks! (I have a gigantic crush on Andrew!)

PR Idol: I’m sure she hears this all the time, but Allison Jordan is definitely my PR idol. I only got to know Allison at the end of my sophomore year, but that girl is a ball of fun and fire with an energy I would kill for. She has such a personable attitude; you can’t help but like her. She is organized, efficient and effective, and any employer would be lucky to have her

Interesting Fact: Not many people know that I was born in London, England and moved to the U.S. when I was 6 years old!

To contact Briagenn, tweet her @Briagenn!

Meet the 2013-2014 Executive Vice President, Theresa Ianni!

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TIThe Hugh M. Culbertson Chapter of PRSSA is thrilled to welcome senior Theresa Ianni as Executive Vice President for 2013-2014! Serving as last year’s VP of Internal Relations for the chapter, Theresa learned valuable skills that make her a perfect fit for this position.

Enjoy getting to know Theresa through this Q and A session!

Hometown: Lyndhurst, Ohio

Major: Strategic Communication with a focus in Public Relations

What has been your experience with PRSSA? My experience with PRSSA has been nothing short of amazing. I have been a dues-paying member since freshman year, but didn’t begin to take full advantage until sophomore year. I have written and edited for PR Success, attended almost every meeting, and junior year, I was the Vice President of Internal Relations. Now, I am the executive Vice President, in charge of all PRSSA Programming. I have been on 2 networking trips, and have attended several COPRSA Events. My highlights from last year were planning regional conference and being a member of the 2013 Bateman Case Study Competition team. This year, I’m excited to be a member of the Scripps PRSSA Presentation team. My absolute number one highlight of PRSSA is the amazing relationships I have made. I have met my best friends through this organization and couldn’t be more proud to call them my future colleagues

Advice for incoming freshmen? Don’t be afraid! Don’t be afraid of the upperclassmen and don’t be afraid to get involved! The more you learn when you’re young, the bigger the PR star you’ll be. Be involved and take advantage of every opportunity and friend you make. PRSSA is a great opportunity to learn, grow and build relationships! Beyond PRSSA, take advantage of every moment at OU, and don’t rush the Bobcat experience! College flies by, and before you know it, moving into the dorms for the first time will be a memory

Hobbies: Singing, twitter, reading, hanging out with friends, watching Netflix and being an avid follower of Cleveland sports

Favorite OU memory? There are way too many to list. Last year during the last week of classes, we had an amazing send off to our current PRSSA seniors and another fabulous send off for Student Alumni Board. I also won Student Director of the Year! That week was filled with many laughs, tears and great memories. I will always remember that week

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? In ten years, I see myself in a big city like Chicago, NYC or Atlanta at a Public Relations firm… possibly with a husband and kids? That would be nice!

What is your biggest pet peeve? “You’re” and “your,” just spell it right already!

What is your favorite reality show? The Bachelor!

Who is your PR idol? All the Scripps PRSSA grads! I have seen so much unbelievable success from the recent grads and only hope to follow in their footsteps. Each one is brave, bold and ready to take on the many challenges of the industry. They are forces to be reckoned with and true idols

What is an interesting fact about you that not many people know? I have a baby tooth and always will! It keeps me young

If you were an ice cream flavor, what would you be? I would be Peanut Butter Chocolate Pretzel Frozen Yogurt from Mitchell’s Ice Cream in Cleveland. It’s perhaps the best frozen yogurt ever! Like me, there are a lot of layers to the yogurt. The yogurt is very busy and tends to make people happy – that’s pretty similar to me!

What is your favorite animal? I love dolphins. I think they are absolutely beautiful and majestic. They are also really fun and smart!

We are so excited to have Theresa as our VP for 2013-2014! To contact Theresa, tweet her @Theresa_Ianni!

Meet Nicole Spears, the new 2013-2014 Scripps PRSSA president!

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Nicole Spears, PRSSANicole Spears is a senior at Ohio University studying Strategic Communications, Business and Anthropology. Her goal as the new president for Scripps PRSSA is to boost awareness about the chapter.

“I want to get the awesome work that our members and chapter is doing recognized,” she said. To do this, Nicole is already looking forward to PRSSA National Conference in October and is planning a new fundraiser in order to give even more members the opportunity to attend. Also, Nicole can’t wait to meet the incoming freshmen and begin the 2013-2014 school year!

FUN FACTS ABOUT NICOLE!

Hometown: Medina, Ohio

Experience with PRSSA: I joined PRSSA first thing freshman year. After experiencing the great leadership and mentorship the old executive boards offered, I knew I wanted to eventually become President. Now, I hope to further the humongous strides that Scripps PRSSA has made in the past few years and get to know each member on a personal basis

Advice for freshmen: “Let your faith be bigger than your fear,” in everything you do! Whether it means getting involved, switching your major or meeting new people. Also, lean on the upperclassmen, we can’t wait to help!

Hobbies: Social media, blogging and crafting

Favorite OU memory: This is a hard question! I’ll have to go with the night that the Scripps PRSSA Bateman team completed and turned in our final report. We were so proud of our work, forged great relationships from spending so much time together and had tons of fun celebrating

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? In ten years I will have my APR and see myself wrapping up a successful career in agency PR and taking on new opportunities

Biggest pet peeve: Let’s get honest here, I hate when people introduce themselves with “for those of you who don’t know me.” I think it makes an awful first impression to those people exactly!

PR idol:  How could I say anyone other than my predecessor, Allison Jordan! I’ve learned so much from her while also calling her one of my best friends; that’s a rare relationship to have. Her confidence and thoughtfulness make her a standout student now, and will continue to make her stand out in the professional arena. I can’t wait to see what she does and admire all that she has accomplished with Scripps PRSSA in the past year

An interesting fact about you that not many people know: I’m not related to Britney Spears

If you were an ice cream flavor, what would you be? Ben & Jerry’s New York Super Fudge Chunk. I’m all about the big city, there are many different components to my personality and I think I’m kind of super

Favorite animal? Giraffes!

Welcome Nicole as the new 2013-2014 Scripps PRSSA president! If you want to get in contact with Nicole, tweet her @_NicoleESpears.

PR Success

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Thank you to all the editors and writers of fall and spring semester. I enjoyed working with each of you to produce PR Success. I appreciate all your hard work and time. Without you, there would be no magazine. Best of luck and have a great summer!

PR Love,

Melaina Lewis, VP of Public Relations

Please click the link below to view PR Success:

PRSuccessSpring

Meet PRSSA adviser Aaron Brown

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By: Jess Carnprobst

Aaron%20BrownAaron Brown is the Senior Vice President of Fahlgren Mortine, and has worked at the agency since 2008. Brown is responsible for staffing and operations for the Public Relations team, and chairs Fahlgren Mortine’s company agency team. His primary area of focus is business-to-business communications with a specialization in material handling and manufacturing industries. Brown says his favorite part of the job is his ability to work with so many talented professionals that all have unique experiences.

If Brown could have any job in the world for a day other than his job at Fahlgren Mortine, he would like to be a White House Press Secretary.

“Only for a day though, after that I’m done,” Brown said.

Brown says that if he could go back and change one thing about his college experience, he would take more business classes. He explained that Public Relations professionals have evolved from practical practitioners and added the job of business counselor. He wishes he had more education from business classes.

Brown’s regret turns into advice for aspiring professionals; to take advantage of the business and marketing courses. He explained that it is a good idea to approach Public Relations from a business perspective.

Even though he didn’t take as many business courses as he wished he did, Brown received an amazing education at the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. Scripps gave him the confidence to handle the challenges of Public Relations and gave him practical experience and practical study.

The advice Brown chose to give Scripps PRSSA members is to look at the world through communications eyes. He said to put on your Public Relations lens and look at the world that way.