Temple Public Relations Society honored at National Conference

Temple University’s chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America attended the 2017 National Conference. Five members from PRSSA and PRowl Public Relations executive board traveled to Boston to attend five days of workshops from October 6-10th on career development sessions while growing their network through professionals and fellow members from the across the nation.

While attending the conference, Temple was honored with the Star Chapter Award out of all 47 chapters nationwide for the first time. The award, established in 2009, is given to the chapter that successfully completes eight out of ten development goals.

President Marissa Piffer talks on the growing successful of Temple’s chapter.

Marissa Reale, Alexa Vecchione, Marlie Derstine,Clarissa Ford, Marissa Piffer,

“It is a tremendous honor for Temple PRSSA to be nationally recognized as a Star Chapter for our work this past year,” said Piffer, “As a chapter, we are constantly looking for ways to improve our organization to help members grow into successful students both personally and professionally. I couldn’t be more proud of the initiative we put forth to make this award possible, and I look forward to seeing where our chapter goes this year.”

Temple alumna Kimberly Leung was PRSSA’s president for the 2016-17 school year. Leung was honored at the National Conference with the National Gold Key Award, given to a member who displays academic excellence and leadership within their respected chapter which are demonstrated among the Temple chapter’s core values: leadership, networking, and mentorship. Leung is the first Temple student to receive this honor in over ten years.

“PRSSA was a huge part of my college career,” said Leung. “I’ve always been quietly confident, but taking on leadership roles within Temple’s chapter really challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and become more vocal. I truly believe PRSSA helped me realize my strengths as a leader and a young professional, so it was extremely gratifying when I learned I was a National Gold Key recipient.”

Faculty advisor, Gregg Feistman, had nothing but kind words to say of Leung.

“The students have worked hard to achieve Star Chapter status and past president Kim Leung was a star in the making as a student and will be a future star in our profession. I’m very proud of all our students.”

Temple PRSSA is the largest and longest standing chapter in the region of Philadelphia with 120 members. The Public Relations Student Society is the leading pre-professional organization for students with a strong interest in pursuing careers within the public relation and communication fields.

Clarissa Ford, Director of Temple’s first and only student run public relations firm PRowl, wrote a blog post on their website discussing how PRSSA made a difference at the conference. PRSSA donated $175 worth of feminine hygiene products to Rosie’s Place, a non-profit women’s shelter.

“Being able to attend PRSSA National Conference is such an enriching learning experience. However, being able to make a contribution to the host city is extremely rewarding. I’m proud our firm and chapter were able to make a donation to Rosie’s Place, an organization that helps so many women in Boston,”

Congratulations PRSSA!