The
PEAK Weber State University - Ogden Peak Communication - PRSSA
President Shaquille Heath
PEEK INSIDE THE PEAK: Client Reviews: COMMfest 2015 By Rachel Koch
Associates Degree By Zoe Hall
Student Spotlight:
Anastasia Drandakis
PR Pro-bono Benefits
By Melissa Reese
Vice President Camille Twitchell
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Account Executive Digital/Social Editor Publications Editor Laycee Moss Christa Lindley Chelbie Hunger
LOOKING BACK, AND LOOKING FORWARD
his semester has brought many different changes to our organization. As a young and new firm, we have worked hard to be taken seriously, and to grow and expand our awareness on the Weber State University campus. Competing with other clubs that have recognition and a large student following, of course we knew we would have our challenges. However, this Shaquille Heath semester has proven that the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) is here to stay. With the arrival of a new adviser, Dr. Nicola Corbin, and a brand new executive team, we wanted to change the face of PRSSA and give students a broader public relations experience. We added class lectures that focused on personal and professional growth in the areas of Online portfolios, resumes and unique personal brands. We changed the dynamic by working with an in-house client that gave students a different Ogden Peak Communications experience. We hope our graduating students feel excited to move
forward and prepared for the real-life work force. The entire Ogden Peak Communications firm wants to thank WSU’s Communication department for allowing us to work for you. Although we have found the work challenging at times, we know this only strengthens our PR skills. We also want to thank the department for its faith in our organization. Being able to attend the PRSSA’s National Conference was a once in a lifetime opportunity for which our executive team is extremely grateful. I have had an amazing experience being in PRSSA the last two years, and know that my involvement has had a direct impact on my knowledge and skills in the PR field. I wish all the graduating seniors good luck and thank you for letting me lead you!
FALL VOLUME IV, December 2014
OGDEN PEAK COMMUNICATIONS Client Reviews: Associate’s Degree in Communication
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he Communication department has been an enjoyable client. Our team is determined to interest new students and to increase the department’s popularity. To help achieve this task, the team conducted a department communication audit, a competitive analysis of other WSU departments and Communication departments at other colleges and universities in Utah, interviews with key stakeholders and a survey of students in select General Education courses. Most of the results confirmed a hypothesis that
there is a general lack of awareness about what can be done with a Communication degree after graduation. Most students think that a Communication degree is focused on speaking and interpersonal skills. This insight was confirmed with the finding that Weber State Debate is the most conceptually connected co-curricular organization to the Communication department, beating out The Signpost and KWCR 88.1 FM. From this research, the team suggested some strategies to begin filling the information void about the department. Our team has been dedicated to assist in the growth of the Communication department and is excited to see the our hard work pay off with its successes.
Zoe Hall
COMMfest 2015
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n PRSSA this semester, the main focus of our team was Weber State University’s first ever communication festival. At the beginning of the semester, we wanted to research perceptions and better understand what undecided, general studies and high school students feel about communication degrees. We created a survey in conjunction with Dr. Corbin that asked about feelings and perceptions of Rachel Koch those students. With the survey completed, we asked students who have not declared as communication majors, but who may have some communication classes, to participate. Students of entry level courses took the survey. Once we had the results about the
perceptions of students, we were able to go more in depth with the event—COMMfest. Our research results pointed out that there are many misconceptions and a general lack of information about what can be done with a degree in Communication. Using the theme “Majors to Myths,” COMMfest 2015 will incorporate contests for high school and Weber State students, information tables about all of the department’s concentrations, visual displays and interactive elements featuring the department’s co-curricular organizations. Weber State’s communication department hopes to host an event, to showcase the variety of communication programs offered at Weber. We focused on what will actually be at COMMfest, as well as ways that we can help undecided, general studies and high school students become aware of the exciting event as well as what a communication degree really has to offer.
“We believe PR should be practiced to serve the public interest, to develop mutual understanding between organizations and their publics.” – James E. Grunig
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: Anastasia Drandakis Why did you choose to pursue a degree in Public Relations?
Age: 22 Graduating: Spring 2016 Fav. Food: Mediterranean and Indian Fav. Book: Memoirs of a Geisha
I came to college believing I was doomed to a career in journalism, because I was a creative writer who didn’t want to become an English major. I have a passion for creating inspirational stories that come to life through all sorts of media and collaborating with others to make real stories impactful and productive influences in the world. After randomly selecting Communication as a practical field of study, I discovered the world of PR and sadistically fell in love with it, hoping to someday use those skills to benefit the work of myself and others. I am pursuing a degree in public relations, because it’s the only thing I can do with my life professionally that will still leave me satisfied as an individual and the causes that consume me.
What are the essential skills a PR professional should have? Genuine charisma and written eloquence are the backbone of public relations. People need to like and accept you as a real person if they’re going to trust you as a client, and once they give you something to say, you need to say it well enough for people to care. Outside of those basic abilities, you need to know what your true passions are and how the present day world views them. The passion for the project will be the only thing that drives you at times, and your intuitive awareness at trending information will be the thing stands between relevancy and obscurity for that project.
What do you like to do when you are not studying? I am most likely working on lyrics or stories. Creative writing is my escape, and any outlet I can master with words I like to indulge in. Throwing myself full throttle into mindless research for my writing projects, including reading books and watching movies to the topic, is also something I enjoy.
Come on Wildcats,
Join the PRowl! www.weberstateprssa.com
TOP 5 REASONS WHY DOING PRO-BONO PUBLIC RELATIONS IS GOOD FOR YOUR RESUMÉ
1. It is a great way to network for with other companies who are starting out. If you are doing pro bono public relations for them they are likely to recommend you to someone they know. Word of mouth is the best form of advertising. If you are willing to volunteer or do it for free, it is a fast way to get your face out there.
3. You are doing something good for someone who doesn’t have the capability to afford an expensive PR firm. When starting out doing free or volunteer work, your skills are a valuable asset to companies who want to build their public relations but just don’t have the money to pay someone. I have been helping brand my son’s school. I manage its Facebook and Instagram accounts. It is amazing to know that I am making a difference.
2. It is a fast way to build your skill set. If you are working with a nonprofit organization you are more than likely working on multiple projects, not just one. You have the ability to do it all because in a huge Melissa Reese corporate firm, the work is broken up into different teams.
4. You are helping yourself. Doing something good for someone else not only helps those around you but by doing free work you are building a larger portfolio at the same time. 5. You can change the world. Nonprofit organizations are there to build awareness for others around them. By offering your skill set you get to be part of that change. Those who benefit from your efforts will be thankful for what you did because you care.
STEVE CONLIN: USING A BAD SITUATION FOR GOOD PUBLIC RELATIONS
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teve Conlin, co-owner of Ogden’s Own Distillery, shared his experience of turning a bad situation into a golden public relations opportunity. Conlin, who is also a Weber State University alumnus, was left dealing with a media-frenzy after Idaho tried to ban Five Wive’s Vodka for its “offensive label.” He showed our PRSSA chapter how he was able to use the situation to create awareness about his product across the nation. After a public battle, Idaho approved distributing the vodka, and Conlin had to start rebuilding the relationship. Ogden’s Own Distillery is due to release a new liquor, Porter’s Fire, and is hoping to have an easier time bringing it into the state.
From Left to Right - Front Row: Megan Flint, Laycee Moss, Shaquille Heath, Camille Twitchell, Jamie Hamilton, Courtney Keeffer, Anastasia Drandakis, Christa Lindley Second Row: Rachel Koch, Rebeca Leger, Shaun Wilson, Steve Conlin, Chelbie Hunger, Grant Dellow, Matthew Norman, Dr. Nicola Corbin