Doing it right at Curry College

Today I wanted to recognize a student at Curry College (and the College itself) for outstanding achievements in public relations.

Specifically, last week, a Curry College senior, Ted Smith, who is majoring in public relations, was honored with the college Communication Department’s “Public Relations Award.”

One of the professors there asked me if I would be willing to write a letter congratulating him on this recognition. I was more than happy to do so (note: He interned at the agency for which I work, but I had nothing to do with the award or application, and I did not manage him). Rather than keep the letter available to just a small circle of people, I wanted to share with the greater Boston PR community the kind of professional that is coming out of our schools

The letter read as follows:

On behalf of the Boston Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, and its 400 members, I extend my congratulations to Ted Smith for being honored with Curry College’s “Public Relations Award” in recognition of his consistent scholastic achievements, successful completion of an internship at the premier PR agency for high-tech and medical companies, and unfailingly enthusiastic work as a Speech Associate in the College’s “Speaking Center.”

In addition, as a former PRSSA member myself and avid supporter of student-based public relations organizations, I am especially proud to recognize your work as the founding vice president of the Curry College Public Relations Student Association. You and your fellow board members have set a great example for others who follow in your footsteps. You have set the bar high by your own personal example of what an aspiring public relations professional can accomplish.

It is only with passionate advocates, dedicated to excellence in public relations, that our profession can grow, prosper and maintain public trust. You have amply demonstrated that dedication, and we, your professional colleagues, extend our sincerest congratulations. We look forward to welcoming you as a member of the Public Relations Society of America in the not-too-distant future.


Have you taken the time to interact with the next generation of public relations professions? If not, you should. But based on my experiences with Ted and the other interns at Schwartz - I am confident the new graduates will build on the work we have done and to steal a hackneyed cliche - The future is bright.

Congratulations Ted and congratulations Curry!

We want to give you $2,000

Well, only if you are a undergraduate or graduate college student studying in the Boston area...

Starting today PRSA Boston is accepting applications for its 2007-2008 Scholarship Grant Program, which provides financial support – on the basis of financial need and academic merit – to college students or researchers in the communications field.

The amount of this year’s grant will be $2,000 (Thanks to all of you that played poker).

Undergraduate and graduate students attending a college or university in eastern Massachusetts are eligible, as are individuals conducting communications or public relations research. Additionally, the grant can be used by a student working in an unpaid internship at a nonprofit organization.

Grant applications are available now. Applicants can obtain a copy by contacting PRSA Boston chapter administrator Beth Bryant at 617-926-9595 or bbwrites@verizon.net.

The deadline for applications is May 15, 2007. The winner will be announced at a chapter meeting during the summer.

This is the 7th year we have awarded the grant and I am personally glad we can help others with their PR education.

The Future is Bright

This past Friday, I had the honor of being a keynote speaker at the S.I. Newhouse School's New Media Series. (Thankfully Steve Rubel didn't speak on the same day as me) at Syracuse University.

When I first found out my scheduled speaking time, I was filled with some dread - as Friday afternoon's are not usually the best time for speakers at a college campus. I was told to expect about 40 students.

To my pleasant surprise, there were more than 110 students and five faculty packed into the auditorium to hear me speak about practical advice for social media. (The presentation was title: Social Media: Tales from a Converted Skeptic).

That type of attendance shows that professionals that are about to enter the PR workforce realize the power and importance of social media. They asked a number of insightful questions and I had a great discussion with a few of the students after the session.

The Syracuse students are not alone. As PRSA Boston president, I have had a chance to meet with students from many of the PRSSA chapters in the area. Their drive, intelligence and passion are evident in every interaction.

When you see a PRSSA student at a PRSA event, please take the time to talk with them. Your mentoring and advice will be appreciated, and you will come away re-energized, for the future is bright.