Flagler PRSSA chapter plans Communication Week

By Taylor Toothman

Flagler College will host Communication Week from March 5 to 9. The event will feature several returning and first-time speakers who talk to students about careers in public relations, broadcasting and journalism.

Organizers say overwhelming positive responses from students and last year’s speakers have led the Flagler chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America, which has volunteered to organize the event again this year, to make a few changes.

The event will now span an entire week, with keynote national and international speakers scheduled in the auditorium or Flagler Room at the college. There will also be three reception luncheons at Markland House to increase student’s opportunities to network with the professionals and discuss career and internship possibilities.

“It gives students the ability to interact with professionals from PR, broadcast and journalism, to learn from them as experts in their fields,” said Rosemary Tutt, assistant professor of communication and PRSSA faculty advisor.

Speakers include Aidan O’Connor, Chief News Reporter for Ireland’s regional newspaper The Kerryman, former PRSA President Cheryl Procter-Rogers, author and former political correspondent for Newsday Elaine S. Povich, AARP’s The Bulletin editor Jim Toedtman, Director of Public Information for the City of Jacksonville Susan Pelter, award-winning anchor with Jacksonville’s “First Coast News” Jeannie Blaylock and several Flagler College alumni.

Communication Week will provide students with opportunities to learn about the real world and get resume and internship tips to give them an edge in a highly competitive job market.

“It also enhances our profile and reputation as a communication department when other schools hear about us,” said Tracy Halcomb, Ph.D., chair of the communication department. According to Halcomb, the Communication Department plans to create a Communication Week DVD to spread the word about the event, raise awareness and to try to get the students enthusiastic about the opportunity.

“I’m very excited about Communication Week,” junior journalism major Alison Lannon said. “This is my first year here, so I didn’t attend the first one. I’ve heard great things about it.”