Photo Credit: Ava Aldrich '24
By Shermarie Hyppolite '23
The UMass PR Student Club became an official Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) just in time for the start of the spring 2023 semester at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. For several members of the executive board, it was the perfect way to begin their final semester.
“We always wanted to give PR students the best resources we could,” UMass Journalism student Alana Zeilander said, a graduating senior and founding president of the UMass Amherst Chapter of PRSSA, who also served as a founding board member of the original PR Club. “By becoming a PRSSA Chapter, we are part of an organization that gives us more opportunities, such as access to career fairs, scholarships, competitions, and conferences. We also have the ability to work with other chapters and professionals that are a part of PRSA.”
The executive board, in coordination with their faculty adviser Journalism Professor Jennie Donohue, worked diligently last summer and throughout the fall semester to prepare for this transition. First, the club was recognized as a UMass Registered Student Organization (RSO) in October 2022. Then they worked on the PRSSA Chapter application, as well as developed a communication plan to keep their members updated throughout the process and to promote their new chapter once their charter was approved.
Becoming a PRSSA Chapter means a lot to the founding members because it shows that hard work pays off.
“To see how the organization has grown in the past four years is truly rewarding,” Zeilander said. “We came together as a team and persevered throughout the pandemic, planning and hosting meetings virtually when classes were online. Nothing stopped us really, and to say that we did that during such trying times just shows our grit and dedication to our members.”
Student members have been able to learn a lot about the PR industry through the organization’s activities. For example, they’ve received insights from industry leaders, developed skills through hands-on workshops, and networked with other students interested in public relations. And now that the organization is a part of PRSSA, the foremost organization for students interested in public relations and communications, that means even more events, guest speakers, and resources.
“What's most exciting is all the opportunities that come with being a part of such a close-knit community,” Zeilander shared.
UMass Journalism student Caroline Roscoe, a graduating senior and the Chapter’s founding vice president agreed with Zeilander and voiced a call to action for more students to join the organization.
“In my opinion, what excites members the most is the access to new resources and closer relationships with PRSA professionals. Future members should join because this club is only going to get better,” Roscoe added.
With senior year coming to a close, Zeilander and Roscoe not only reflected on what the organization has accomplished but also on what it could look like a couple of years down the line when they’re officially alumni. For example, Zeilander hopes to see the next generation of UMass Amherst Chapter of PRSSA students take up national leadership positions. She also hopes to give back to the organization that has been a huge part of her college career.
“I am so thankful for this organization; I have learned so much over the past four years, and I know that our chapter will continue to provide more and more resources to students interested in PR,” she said.
The newly elected executive board is already starting to plan for the fall 2023 semester. New and existing members can expect fun and engaging events that will continue to promote career development and community. And with the added resources, the UMass Amherst Chapter of PRSSA will continue to positively impact the university by encouraging students to pursue a public relations education and career.