FORUM
Spring 2019
Vol. 51, Issue 3
www.prssa.prsa.org/forum
After fifty years of stories, PRSSA’s national newspaper, FORUM, is coming to a close. This last issue reflects on
the publication while also looking towards the future of PRSSA’s brand.
Thoughts from
the President’s
Desk: Reflect-
ing on FORUM’s
History
By Ashleigh Kathryn
National President
As National President
of the Public Relations Student Society of America, I
congratulate the publications team on delivering the
final issue of FORUM. The first issue was published 50
years ago after the Society’s establishment and has
served as a recollection of celebration and growth. The
rich history of FORUM not only shows us where the
Society has been, but also shows us where it will go!
In the 1969 edition of FORUM, George Hammond,
PRSA president, shared, “The stated purpose of the
PRSA/PRSSA association — to create a favorable and
mutually advantageous relationship between students
and professionals — has been more than adequately
fulfilled since April 1968, when the first six Chapters
received their charters. The enthusiasm and dedication
of the students has been extraordinary. The contents
of the FORUM are proof of this. The eagerness of the
practitioners has been no less.”
Fifty years later, I still see the incredible dedication
and enthusiasm of Chapter (and Student-Run Firm)
leadership that Hammond mentioned. The Society
has expanded to more than 300 Chapters across
the country and internationally. Despite financial
challenges, student turnover and external obstacles,
PRSSA leaders resiliently share the mission of the
Society and shape the future of the public relations
industry.
In reviewing FORUM issues, Chapters put forth
hundreds of articles from key professional insights
to unique Chapter perspectives. I believe the single
thread that has tied all of this together for FORUM has
been our Society’s mission statement.
The verbiage of our Society’s mission statement may
have changed, but the fundamentals are still governing
today: “To provide exceptional service to our members
by enhancing their education, broadening their
professional network and helping launch their careers
Attend the PRSSA 2019
International Conference
Kayla Fernandez
International Conference Director
Join us this October in sunny San Diego for
the PRSSA 2019 International Conference.
This event will highlight all aspects of the
public relations industry through profes-
sional development sessions, career tours,
keynote speakers and more.
International Conference is an event that
brings public relations students and pro-
fessionals from around the world together
in one place to network with others. Stu-
dents will hear from many professionals
about their experiences and best practices.
Students also will have the opportunity to
go to the PRSA International Conference
General Sessions.
At this year’s Conference, we will be show-
casing “The Golden State of PR.” Public
relations/communications is a field that
is continuously changing and evolving.
Through “The Golden State of PR,” we’re
hoping to highlight some
of the constant trends
of public relations while
also looking to showcase
the emerging trends in
our field. We’re looking
to celebrate the innova-
tion, collaboration and
creativity that propel
our field into previously
unknown levels of prom-
inence.
California State University, Fullerton, has
enlisted four directors to fuse their pas-
sions and creative minds to create an excit-
ing Conference lineup that you won’t want
to miss. The panel lineup will highlight the
diverse areas in the field with topics rang-
ing from entertainment, nonprofit, corpo-
rate and more.
While San Diego is known for its gorgeous
weather and sandy beaches, what most
people don’t know is that it is the perfect
location to launch your career. Attendees
will have opportunities to gain firsthand
knowledge from experienced profession-
als. International Conference is a fantastic
opportunity to create connections that will
help immerse students in public relations.
Join us in San Diego this October to launch
your career, network with professionals
and make lifelong friends and unforgetta-
ble memories. We can’t wait to see you in
the finest city! Register today!
The PRSSA 2019 International Conference Committee
OPEN
FORUM
2
Learn why you
should join
PRSA and how
easy it is to do
so.
4
Take a step back
in time with us
and join us to
take a look at
the first issue of
FORUM.
6
Haven’t
registered for
Conference yet?
Check out this
promotional
video.