The Semesterly
Fall 2023
Welcome
Welcome to the Fall 2023 Semesterly! Our PRSSA-UD newsletter is dedicated to showcasing the exciting things we have accomplished within the semester. As this year's promotions director, it is my responsibility to curate our chapter’s Semesterly.
I am so excited to share all of the exciting things that have recently strengthened our chapter! Fall 2023 has been an exciting semester for PRSSA-UD. We learned from excellent guest speakers, had a great field trip opportunity, and hosted engaging skills slams. Beyond this, we were thrilled that our entire executive board was fortunate enough to fly to Nashville, Tennessee, to participate in PRSSA's ICON National Conference!
I want to express the ongoing appreciation we hold for our dues-paying members who have developed our organization so much. You all have made this semester a great success!
A Letter From The President
This past semester has been nothing short of transformative for our chapter of PRSSA. We have seen the dedication of each member, growing individually and collectively within the organization. After Fall 2023, we can look back and be extremely proud to have gained 25 new members, conducted 6 general meetings, organized 2 skill slams, enjoyed an amazing field trip, had coffee with a professor, and attended a 5-day national conference in Nashville!
My first semester as president has been extremely rewarding thanks to all of your attendance, participation, and dedication to your own professional development.
I have seen so many of you upperclassmen begin to thrive within the field; finding internships, jobs and putting yourselves out there to make connections. Underclassmen... you are a force to be reckoned with; your commitment and hard work truly shows! You are the future of our chapter, and that leaves me with absolute confidence.​
We had some of the most engaging meetings ever this Fall with guest speakers Julie Soloman, Michael Chesney, Valerie Light, and Sammy Chmara. I get filled with pride listening to your questions and enthusiasm; we even broke attendance records– our first meeting was standing-room only!
Beyond members, I’d love to thank the rest of our executive board for their dedication to the chapter. Anna Gleason, Jess Gardner, Kaylee Louima, Aby Romain, Jill Melendez, Brooke Piniak, and Megan Emmerling– You guys are the core of our thriving chapter and it is my pleasure to recognize all of your hard work. I can’t wait for another semester with this incredible team.
Alright folks! Spring 2024 here we come… and it’s a busy one! It is an honor to be your president, and I am super excited to see what we’ll accomplish over the next few months!
Sincerely,
​
Lindsay Fister
President, PRSSA University of Delaware
Our Executive Board
ICON 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee
This year, our executive board had the opportunity to attend the 2023 ICON National Conference held in Nashville, Tennessee. The experience provided valuable insights, as our board members engaged with industry professionals and had the chance to network with peers from around the nation. The event was further highlighted by keynote speakers, David Epstein and Michele Norris. Their words offered inspiration and key takeaways that will shape our approach as we navigate the dynamic landscape of our field. This ICON-ic experience has not only broadened our understanding but also strengthened our network, contributing to the growth and success of our chapter as a whole.
ICON Take Aways
"Reflecting on my many takeaways from ICON 2023, I am extremely grateful for the leadership and confidence building sessions that I was able to attend. I now have a greater scope of tools to help me succeed as a passionate and supportive leader!"
- Lindsay
Field Trip to Vault Communications
In November, PRSSA-UD had the chance to visit Vault Communications for our field trip. It was a great opportunity for 25 of our members to learn more about PR opportunities and critical points in our path to success. A big thank you to Brooke Piniak, our Director of External Professional Development, for organizing this amazing day. We're so appreciative, and can't wait for the Spring field trip.
Another huge thank you to Vault for generously hosting us!
General Meeting Recaps
We were fortunate to have Julie Solomon as our guest speaker at our First General Meeting! Julie, the Public Relations Lead at Next PR and a proud UD Alumna and former PRSSA member shared her wealth of knowledge and experience with us. With a proven track record in both B2B and B2C sectors, she was the perfect mentor, guiding us through the ins and outs of the industry.
We were honored to host Michael Chesney, the Senior Communications Manager at Christiana Care. Michael generously shared his career progression, transitioning from journalism to Public Relations. His insights into executive communications at a large organization provided a valuable perspective for our members. Michael's firsthand experience and knowledge offered a glimpse into the intricate workings of the field, enlightening our chapter about the interplay between journalism and PR in a corporate setting.
We were excited to welcome Valerie Light, UD alumna and Global Marketing Coordinator for Makeup by Mario. Valerie provided insightful lessons about self-advocacy and how to turn challenges into opportunities, encapsulating it with "how to turn cardboard into gold." Her invaluable advice resonated strongly with our members, particularly those who will soon begin their careers in the industry. Valerie's journey and wisdom guided us on the importance of resilience and resourcefulness in the ever-evolving landscape of the professional world. Valerie provided us with practicality and an understanding of navigating the early stages of a career in marketing.
Sammy Chmara, an Account Coordinator at Rebel Gail Communications in New York City, showcased her expertise as a UD Alumna (Class of 2021) and former PRSSA member. Specializing in beauty and wellness PR, Sammy offered valuable insights into her role, emphasizing her work with influencers to secure product and expert media coverage. Her experience and knowledge added a unique perspective, making her an excellent source of guidance for our members navigating the dynamic field of public relations.