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PRSSA Sets December 7 for Annual Distinguished PR Alumni Honors

Posted in: School of Communication and Media News

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Third Annual Event to Honor Newest Class of 14 Former Students

Montclair, NJ — Two years ago, Montclair State University Public Relations Student Society of America chapter founder and current adviser Larry Weiner thought it would be a creative idea to celebrate the chapter’s 10th anniversary by honoring 10 former students who have gone on to success in the public relations and communication fields.  The inaugural Distinguished PR Alumni Honor was held on December 10, 2018, and the number of inductees eventually grew to 16.  The event was so successful, a second installment was held in December of last year, and now the current PRSSA E-board has announced it will present the third annual Distinguished PR Alumni virtually on Monday, December 7, from 7-8:15pm.

As the title of the award suggests, those inducted were selected because of the success they have achieved in their professional careers to date.  Notably, some of those inducted previously have risen to management positions in such companies as: Disney, Spotify, MWW, Fleischman-Hilliard, NY Times, Coyne PR, Professional Golf Association, NJ Performing Arts Center, American Heart Association, and many others.

Fourteen former students have accepted invitations this year, and they are: Lucy Binetti, publicist at Press Here Publicity; Jameka Carter, marketing and social media management for Imperial Dade; Khiavett Diaz, senior account Executive at Rogers and Cowan; Associate Account Executive at Discovery, Eric Daviou; Rich Efrus, corporate communications executive at Adidas; former Executive Director of the American Heart Association (Pennsylvania), Carly Hood; Megan Ferriera, Events Manager at H&M; Chelsea Kelsey, healthcare communication specialist at Chandler Chicco; Katelyn Milanes, senior account strategist at Group Nine Media; Emmy Award winner and on camera personality Halley O’Brien; JConnelly Senior Account Supervisor Lisa Palacio; Sierra Rauchbach, account executive at GumGum; Danielle Sandars, director of Global Communications at Converse; and Samantha Stavros, East Coast Producer for “On Air with Ryan Seacrest.”

The Montclair State PRSSA was granted its charter in 2008, and, over the years, the organization has hosted a number of prominent industry executives, including Tim Coolican, former president of L’Oreal Paris; Marie Audier D’ellasandris, former marketing chief for Coach; Elizabeth Fildes, publicist for Anna Nebrekko and Audra McDonald; retail, branding and financial consultant, Kristin Bentz; Rob Schnapp, Creative Director for Coyne PR; and, Dave Scelba, founder of SGW Integrated Marketing Communications.  The MSU PRSSA has held annual fundraisers for Autism New Jersey, raising approximately $50,000 in total for the organization.  Its Broadway headlining concerts for Autism NJ have featured Tony Award winners and nominees Stephanie J. Block, Laura Benanti, Melba Moore, Marin Mazzie, Rebecca Luker and Sierra Boggess.

The Distinguished PR Alumni event will be held on Zoom.  Introductory comments will made by the School of Communication and Media Director, Dr. Keith Strudler.  PRSSA President Gabi Bartnik and Vice-President Ally DeForge will host the event.  PRSSA E-board member Kristin Chang is producing the program. If you are interested in attending online, please contact Larry Weiner at weinerl@montclair.edu.