SALUTE
Official Newsletter
Fall 2012 | Volume 18, Issue 1
James S. Measell Chapter of
Public Relations Student Society of America
Wayne State University
National Recognition for Commitment to Diversity
DETROIT On Oct. 16, 2012,
Wayne State Universitys James
S. Measell chapter of the Public
Relations Student Society of
America (PRSSA) received the
Dr. F. H. Teahan Diversity Award
at PRSSAs national conference
in San Francisco.
T he honor is awarded
annually to a chapter that
exemplifies an outstanding
commitment to diversity in
both its membership and
programming initiatives. It was
one of 11 national accolades
given to PRSSA chapters from
universities across the country.
Positive national
recognition for Detroits public
relations prowess is welcome,
says Mary Henige, director
of social media and digital
communications for General
Motors. Henige also serves as
the chapters professional
Wayne State PRSSA Receives
adviser. Were a huge,
diverse city of professionals,
so its no surprise that Wayne
States PRSSA chapter was
recognized for its commitment
to diversity.
Last winter, Henige,
along with Wayne State PRSSA
and the Public Relations
Society of Americas (PRSA)
Detroit chapter, coordinated
the student organizations
outstanding example of diverse
pre-professional programming:
the Ofield Dukes Diversity
Summit.
The summit was named
in honor of the late Ofield
Dukes, a WSU alumnus
and lifelong champion for
diversity in public relations.
The event featured interactive
presentations from innovative
leaders in the PR field. Over
120 students and professionals
attended the event, exceeding
the expectations of both
organizers and attendees.
Former Wayne State
PRSSA Chapter President
Greg Melvin was instrumental
in earning the Diversity
Award garnering national
recognition for the James S.
Measell chapter was a main
focus from the start of his
tenure as president.
Diversity is part of who
we are as Metro Detroiters
and as Wayne State students,
said Melvin. The University
is in many ways a microcosm
for the entire region. Every
culture and segment is
represented, and we try equally
hard to ensure our chapter
membership reflects the
diversity of Wayne State and
the region, too.
By Alex Bienkowski
 Wayne State University James S. measell Chapter Public Relations Student Society of America

Table of Contents Diversity in Detroit...

Diversity Award........... Alex Bienkowski.......Cover W ayne State achievement within professional
Diversity Detroit.......... Therese Padgham...Pages 2-3 University's James S. Measell public relations chapters and
National Conference... Meaghan Priebe......Pages 4-5
Chapter and its Melvin the student chapters
parent chapter, said, I was they mentor.
PRSA Annual Meeting.Amy Lafnear............Pages 6-7
PRSA Detroit, more thrilled about Detroits win
Navy Admiral Visit....... Catherine Mitchell....Page 8
both received reflects a
what it meant for the
EcoCAR2................... Katie ONeal............Pages 8-9 national willingness to
chapter, Wayne State
PRSA Detroit, Ethics... Jeffrey Adkins..........Pages 10-11 honors last respond to the shift
and Detroit as a whole, in population as
Carpe Diem................ Stephanie Gibson....Page12 October for
achieving for that matter. noted in Harvards
CNTRL: Beyond EDM.Katherine Addy........Pages 12-13
excellence in diversitydata.org 2000
Preprofessional Life.... Iesha Swilley...........Page 14
diversity. census of the metro area. The
Service Work Panel.... Amna Husain...........Page 15
Diversity was PRSA area defined as Detroit-Warren-
WSU PRSSA Board and Information..........Back Cover Detroits major theme and Livonia, shows a negative
focus this year, so winning change in population statistics
wsuprssa.org a national PRSA diversity for all race/ethnic groups except
Newsletter and Chapter award is affirmation of our Hispanic, which was up 32.4
Information Resource efforts, said Jennifer Flowers, percent, and non-Hispanic
APR, president, PRSA Asian Pacific Islander, up 36.5
ANNOUNCEMENT Detroit and manager, system percent.
communications, Henry Detroits 2011 U.S.
PRSSA Opens New Office Ford Health System. Were Census states an 82.7 percent
Location in 2013: especially proud we could black population. These
pay tribute to a champion for statistics correlate with national
Manoogian Hall trends in higher education.
Room 543 diversity in the public relations
field and a graduate of Wayne Bachelors degrees
State, Ofield Dukes, fellow, earned by race/ethnicity from
APR, through our newly created 1990 to 2009, as stated in the
Ofield Dukes Diversity Summit 2012 U.S. Census, rose based
we hosted with Wayne State on the 100 percent distribution:
University and General Motors. black, non-Hispanic from
Teahan Awards are just 5.8 to 9.8
one category of honors used to Hispanic from 3.1 to 8.1
acknowledge national Asian or Pacific Islander
from 3.7 to 7.0

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Wayne State University James S. measell Chapter Public Relations Student Society of America

Wayne State Fosters Award Winning Diversity

US News & World the University of Michigan, status as a national leader in
Report College Ranking profiles internationally themed our commitment to diversity
Wayne States undergraduate coursework and numerous communication and initiatives.
enrollment at 20,589, with study-abroad programs all Melvins sentiment
around 40 percent minority contribute to the diversity is understandable. It is a
students from all 50 fostered at WSU. considerable achievement that
states and 65 Greg Melvin, last speaks to the combined efforts
countries. WSUs years WSU PRSSA of Wayne State, PRSA Detroit
position regarding chapter president, and our student organization.
diversity is clear; played a key role Recognizing and
cultural and ethnic in achieving the embracing our differences will
backgrounds, WSUs African dance class at the Teahan success. serve us well, as future diversity
and the Ofield Dukes Diversity Summit luncheon. Melvin interned trends in education show no
developed To see more of the event, visit www.storify. at Henry Ford indication of receding.
knowledge com/wsuprssa/the-ofield-dukes-diversity- Museum and at According to the U.S.
and skills of summit Eisbrenner Public Department of Educations 2005
all cultures, Relations in Annual Report on American
strengthen Royal Oak upon Schools,
American graduation. He Public school students
society. is now assistant increased 42 percent for racial
Located account and ethnic minorities.
in Midtown, executive Hispanic enrollment
Detroits for Mullen. tripled up to 19 percent,
historical and His humble surpassing African American
cultural arts Tyler Gawenda, Lily Medina, Ofield Dukes, APR, fellow response lacked student enrollment in 2002.
district, WSU is PRSA, and Greg Melvin at the PRSA Detroit Annual surprise. Public school enrollment
Meeting on Nov. 3, 2011
Michigans only Melvin said, is expected to peak at an all-
metropolitan research university. I was more thrilled about what time high of 50 million in 2014.
Its more than 400 programs, it meant for the chapter, Wayne The Department of Education
from schools of business, law State and Detroit as a whole, National Center for Education
and medicine, include several for that matter. Coupled with Statistics states the growth is
high-ranking health programs. PRSA Detroits chapter diversity fueled by rising immigration and
Research partnerships with award, we really raised Detroits the baby boom echo.
Michigan State University and
By Therese Padgham

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Wayne State University James S. measell Chapter Public Relations Student Society of America

PRSSA 2012 National Conference

Bridging the Gap

In October I was
privileged to attend
the PRSSA National
Conference in San
Francisco along with
another executive board
member and our faculty adviser.
While I prepared to leave
for four days, I could not help
but get excited about how much
I was sure to learn from the
experiences of so many key
speakers.
Though it was a lot of
work to reschedule school and
work responsibilities, I was
certain it would be worth it.
And? It was!
As a full-time student
who listens to a lot of
speaking each day,
I knew it would take a
very engaging speaker
to keep me interested.
And? There were
plenty!
The most
memorable speaker
was Matt Prince, Chapter President Meaghan Priebe, Chapter Adviser Dr.
Shelly Najor, Salute Editor-in-Chief Therese Padgham
By Meaghan Priebe, chapter president senior manager of executive
Meaghan Priebe and Mary communications for Disneyland
Sterenberg, chapter Resort.
adviser, Ohio State
University During his presentation
on personal branding,
he discussed the
importance of the
image you portray to
your publics, and how
this resonates with the
name and brand you
are representing.
Chinatown Prince also made
sure to include the
importance of your
reputation as it pertains
to networking; the PR
community is much smaller than
Dr. F. H. Teahan Award for Diversity we assume. Your reputation
becomes known throughout the
professional community very
quickly.
Though I gained a lot of
knowledge from the keynote
speakers on subjects like
creating events, social media

SALUTE, Fall 2012 4

Wayne State University James S. measell Chapter Public Relations Student Society of America

I LEFT MY HEART IN SAN FRANCISCO

National Assembly Awards Dinner

and advice on handling the until they announced that
media, meeting other PRSSA the diversity award was won
presidents from colleges byus! The conference
nationwide helped me realize experience couldnt have ended
how much you are able to learn better than with Therese and
from your peers. me walking up on that huge
Networking with other stage in front of 1,000 students
chapter presidents helps to and faculty advisers to be
create a more active chapter. honored, as I represented our
We were able to bounce best wonderful university.
practices, ideas and advice I am extremely grateful
off each other that are key in for the opportunity to attend
developing our own chapters Meaghan Priebe, Wayne State chapter National Conference this year.
president, and Jeannette Conklin,
all while eating, laughing and Michigan State chapter president I was, and still am, so proud of
becoming friends. our chapter. It confirms for me
an award that recognizes
The PRSSA awards why the sleepless nights and
a chapters commitment to
dinner took place on our long days working on chapter
diversity both in its membership
last night at the conference. responsibilities are so worth
recruitment and in program
We were thrilled to attend in it. PRSSA plays an important
planning. It did
our formal wear and join and vital role in developing me
not hit me
in the celebration of chapter Seals and the other PR students into
on
accomplishments. Amidst all of Pier successful young professionals.
the festivities, I forgot that last
years chapter president, Greg
Melvin,
applied for
the Teahan
Diversity Fishermans
Award, Wharf
Alcatraz

SALUTE, Fall 2012 5

Wayne State University James S. measell Chapter Public Relations Student Society of America
PRSA Detroit Annual Meeting
2013 Officers, Recognition and Awards
A
s a public relations
student, I am often faced with
questions regarding why I
chose to go into the field of
communications. I find my
answer to be difficult at times,
because many of my favorite
aspects are better seen than
heard. The PRSA Detroit
annual meeting that I had the
honor of attending on Nov.
8 at the Dearborn Inn was a
prime showcase of some of the
amazing things I sometimes
cant put into words.
My attendance was
based upon being the recipient
of the Donald P. Durocher
Memorial Scholarship. In
addition to inviting me, PRSA
Detroit also graciously extended
the invitation to two guests of
my choice. I asked my parents
to join us, in hopes they would
be able to gain further
SALUTE, Fall 2012 6
Amy Lafnear,
WSU PRSSA
vice president
professional
development
and
Donald P.
Durocher
Memorial
Scholarship
recipient
understanding into my world.
The night began with
drinks and mingling outside the
dining area. As expected from
a large group of communicators,
there was a buzz floating
around the room. In an attempt
to join in the chatter, my father
struck up conversations with
several of the professionals. He
was somewhat surprised but
incredibly pleased to learn how
strongly those in their careers
feel about helping students
like me become the best future
professionals possible.
At 6:45 p.m., colleagues
and friends alike were invited
into the beautiful ballroom to
begin the dinner portion of the
evening. After eating one of
the most delicious meals I have
ever enjoyed, I turned to the
front of the room, as the formal
program began at 7:30 p.m.
Sharon R. McMurray, APR,
SR McMurray
Communications LLC;
Amy Lafnear, Durocher Mary Henige, East Central
Award District Platinum Award recipient
and WSU PRSSA professional
adviser; Jennifer Flowers, 2012
PRSA Detroit president
2012 PRSA Detroit
Chapter President Jennifer
Flowers, APR, started by
reviewing some of the
successes of the past year. It
was incredible to see how her
vision of promoting diversity
was translated into different
areas of the organization,
and how from those efforts
PRSA Detroit was recognized
nationally at the 2012 PRSA
international conference as
recipient of the PRSA Chapter
Diversity Award.
A special honor, outside
of the normal program, was
given to Nancy Skidmore, PRSA
Detroits executive secretary
of 25 years. Many chapter
presidents from her years of
service came up and helped
present her with an award and
gift, as a thank-you for all she
has done and continues to do
Wayne State University James S. measell Chapter Public Relations Student Society of America

A special honor, outside of the normal

program was given to Nancy Skidmore,
PRSA Detroits executive secretary of 25 years.

Cherese Colton, of Eastern The Robert Hefty

Michigan University, and me. As Distinguished Service Award:
I made my way up to the stage, Barbara Bartos, APR
I was incredibly humbled to be Linda Hagan, Ph.D., APR
given words of congratulations The PRSA Detroit
from the professionals, Chapters Hall of Fame
professors and Award:
James Bianchi, APR Hall of Fame Award
presented by Jessica Killenberg Muzik, APR and
James Bianchi, APR
WSU adjunct professor Ronald Hall, APR
Lawrence Weis,
for the organization. APR. The end
Next, a formal of the meeting
election of the 2013 marked many
officers and directors milestones for
was conducted, PRSA Detroit as
followed by the an organization, as
passing of the gavel well as for many of
to President-elect its members.
John Austerberry As we
APR. Austerberry WSU PRSSA academic adviser Dr. Shelly Najor; John Austerberry, APR and 2013
returned to our
PRSA Detroit president; Glen Foldessy, APR Ally Financial Services and PRSA homes Thursday night,
gave a few remarks Detroit 2007 president; and CFCPAs dean, Matt Seeger
about his hopes for his my mother said that
time as president of the chapter. internship colleagues that I she wasnt just proud of my
As a future member of PRSA aspire to be in my career. The accomplishments, but that she
Detroit, after graduation in 2013, night continued with honoring was proud to see I had chosen
I hope to do my part to bring the many successes of PRSA to be a part of a wonderful
Austerberrys vision of bringing members, including: community of people who truly
PRSA Nationals PRServing Newly accredited care about their profession, and
America initiative to the metro members about one another. Knowing my
Detroit area. Ethics honor code parents had the chance to share
After the presentation participants the positive experience and
of new leaders, the evening The East Central District gain insight into a facet of my
moved onto the awards portion. Platinum Award: life was another indescribable
It began with the winners of the Mary Henige, APR (and feeling.
PRSA Detroit Scholarship: WSU alumnus and PRSSA By Amy Lafnear
professional adviser)
SALUTE, Fall 2012 7
Wayne State University James S. measell Chapter Public Relations Student Society of America

Navy Admiral
Visits Wayne State Engineers: National Competition
By Catherine Mitchell Catherine Mitchell,
communications team
W ayne States member; Dr. Jerry
Ku, EcoCAR2 faculty
EcoCAR2 engineering team adviser, Rear Admiral
was honored by a visit from Sinclair Harris; Kevin
Rear Adm. Sinclair Harris of the Snyder, head engineer;
Andrew Enajero,
U.S. Navy business team member;
during Detroits Navy Week Shaun Berkeley,
September 2. mechanical team
This was a great member
opportunity for WSUs
EcoCAR2 team to learn about
how the U.S. Armed Forces
support STEM initiatives and
projects like EcoCAR2, said
outreach team leader Jessie
LeTarte.
The rear admiral toured
the Wayne State campus before WSU STUDENTS PLUG INTO THE FUTURE WITH ECOCAR2 CHALLENGE
he and his staff went to the
EcoCAR2 team garage to see W ayne State University performance, safety or
the 2013 Malibu. is participating in the EcoCAR2 consumer acceptability. The
Harris expressed a Challenge: Plugging into the competition is designed to
keen awareness of Detroits Future. It is a three-year mimic the developmental
automotive past, and the future engineering competition stages and challenges that an
of hybrid cars, while conversing sponsored by the U.S. automotive company endures.
with EcoCar2s chief engineer, Department of Energy
Kevin Snyder. He explained and General Motors.
the armed forces initiative to The program
become more fuel-efficient is was designed to
evidenced by launching ships educate the next
with alternative fuel sources. generation of automotive
The rear admiral engineers. The
stressed that producing competition challenges
hybridized vehicles is not only students to reduce the
a national concern, but also environmental impact of
a topic that has taken center a GM-donated Chevrolet
stage on the international level. Malibu.
Year two of the The challenge
competition has EcoCAR2 team excludes
members hoping to achieve an compromising The MathWorks - October 2012 Boston, MA
accomplishment that will have Back row: Andrew Enajero, Amit Alandkar, Katie ONeal,
Megjia Cao, Ahmed Uddin, David Platt. Front row: Kevin
global impact. Snyder, Dr. Jerry Ku (faculty adviser), Musab Al-Hadrusi

SALUTE, Fall 2012 8

Wayne State University James S. measell Chapter Public Relations Student Society of America

EcoCAR2 enables will consist of refining the and future engineers. This is
students to apply classroom design and making the vehicle achieved by educational visits at
knowledge to solve showroom-ready. local middle schools.
EcoCAR2
real-world Not only is the EcoCAR2 is a great
is a great
problems. team responsible opportunity for any student
opportunity for any
Students learn to for hybridizing the who is interested in automotive
student interested in
work side by side automotive industry work, Chevy Malibu, it is industry work, or who simply
with each other also responsible wishes to gain hands-on
or simply wishing to gain
to accomplish for reaching out to experience.
hands-on experience. The competition
mutual goals. the community and
Within the team introducing the vehicle to encourages students to get their
are sub-teams: mechanical, the community. hands dirty and learn. It is unlike
electrical, controls, business The communication any other student organization.
and communication. Each team works to maintain good EcoCAR2 makes the transition
sub-team is responsible for a relations with the students, from college to a career
different set of tasks that pertain faculty and guests at Wayne exciting.
directly to their field of study. State University, specifically
by holding events on campus. For more information about
The competition
Aside from spreading the Wayne States Hybrid Warriors,
completion is a three-year
visit ecocar2.eng.wayne.edu.
program, and each year there EcoCAR2 message, it is also
are different requirements. expected that the team educate
Year one consisted of choosing the next generation By Katie ONeal

the vehicle design, building

a platform of sponsors and
implementing an awareness
campaign.
Year two will consist of
assembling the vehicle and
securing funding for vehicle
components.
The last phase, year
three,

May 2012 Los Angeles, CA - Left to right: Rahul Harish, Dr. Jerry Ku (faculty adviser), Daniel
Eggert, Idan Regev, John Meyers, Kevin Snyder, Katie ONeal, Shaun Berkeley, Jagjit Singh,
Megjia Cao, Jessie LeTarte, Love Lor
SALUTE, Fall 2012 9
Wayne State University James S. measell Chapter Public Relations Student Society of America
ETHICSethicsethicsethicsETHICS
T he evolution of
communication is undeniable.
Now, social media has become
an important aspect of public
relations. Thanks to social
media, a person has the ability
to communicate with friends
and organizations with Internet
access in a real-time format.
Organizations embrace
social media as a valuable
marketing tool, discovering
they hold value in issues
management and reminding
public relations practitioners
about the importance of ethical
practices.
On Sept. 28, the Detroit
Chapter of PRSA held a social
media ethics workshop. PRSA
members, PRSSA (student
chapters) and professionals
were invited to attend. The
workshop featured a panel
SALUTE, Fall 2012 10
of three public relations experts:
Chad Wiebesick,
director of social media and
interactive marketing for the
State of Michigans economic
development agency.
Nikki Little, social media
manager at Identity, and
secretary of the Social Media
Club Detroit.
Dino Baskovic, vice
president of digital strategy for
The Quell Group.
The workshop
presented an opportunity for
PRSSA members to meet
knowledgeable public relations
practitioners. It also provided
examples of actual crisis
management scenarios that
played out on social media
channels.
Pure Michigan, an
organization devoted to
expanding tourism in the state
of Michigan, found itself in such
a situation.
By Jeffrey Adkins
After visiting Ann Arbor,
Jane Fonda blogged about her
enjoyable visit and experience.
Pure Michigan posted the link
on its Facebook page. Fans
were outraged and visciously
responded. Some called her a
traitor for her actions during
the Vietnam War.
Workshop attendees
collaborated to brainstorm a
plan of action for handling the
crisis. Chad Wiebesick led our
group through this hypothetical
situation, because he was
required to respond to the
actual dilemma.
To offset the negative
impact, rules of engagement
were posted. Ethical handling
reinforces mutual respect.
Pure Michigan reminded
everyone contributing to the
thread that the only appropriate
engagement does not
Wayne State University James S. measell Chapter Public Relations Student Society of America

ETHICSethicsethicsethicsETHICS

poor reflection in the light of a

social media campaign, which
was in fact a matter of life and
death.
A relative who intended
to create awareness for a
personal cause, asserted an
expectation by many that the
company should pay on a claim
filed on behalf of a woman who
PRSA Detroit Ethics Chair Jim Burke presented the panelists after attendees were welcomed to the died in an auto accident.
workshop by then PRSA Detroit Vice President John Austerberry, APR. While her insurance
include attacking others or use conversation was once again policy did not cover her specific
of profanity. under control. situation, Progressive was
An portrayed as, and indeed
important factor appeared to be, robotic in
in ensuring your answering her family.
organizations In any interaction with
the public, especially a crisis,
social media
an organization must show both
channel is used competency and character.
ethically can be Despite legal contracts and
the development strict organizational guidelines,
of community concern for publics must be
guidelines. made clear.
Wiebesick PRSA Detroits Chad Wiebesick, Nikki Little and Dino Baskovic lead the Stakeholders must feel
also expressed panel discussion with factual cases from their professional experience. that their well-being is of utmost
the importance importance. At the same time,
of remembering your target Its important to the organization must show
audience. In this case, many remember that anyone can be a competence in the situation.
people interested in Pure publisher through social media The James S. Measell
Michigan are 40 to 50 years old. outlets. Organizations must be Chapter, WSUs PRSSA, is
fortunate to enjoy the ability to
With this in mind, many of them mindful of the fact that anyone
work closely with its sponsor
may remember Jane Fonda can generate negative brand chapter, Detroit PRSA.
more for her involvement with impact through social media. The opportunity to attend
the Vietnam War than for her Little and Baskovic also PRSA workshops offers PRSSA
career as an actor. contributed valuable lessons students an advantageous
Despite the high traffic through the examples of their learning experience. Meeting
volume on the page, the mood respective organizations. local professionals can solidify
shifted and the subsequent Little described a what students have learned,
posts were in kind. The Progressive Insurance social and also helps them to develop
professionally.
media crisis: the companys
SALUTE, Fall 2012 11
Wayne State University James S. measell Chapter Public Relations Student Society of America
Carpe Diem
By Stephanie Gibson
I woke early November
6 to exercise my constitutional
right to vote at an early voting
precinct. When I got there,
the line was literally wrapped
around the corner. While
waiting, I heard a passerby
making an announcement. I
looked up and saw an older
man in a bright red lodge suit
jacket walking quickly with a
security team behind him. You
know who that is, dont you? a
gentleman standing in front of
me asked. Perplexed, I slowly
shook my head back and forth.
Thats John Conyers, the man
said.
My eyes lit up. I wanted
to ask the congressman for
a picture but I was hesitant
to do so. When he got to the
corner, I saw people going up
to him asking for autographs.
I quickly jumped out of line,
thinking this was my chance,
but by the time I made it to the
corner, Congressman Conyers
had hopped into a security car
and was heading off into the
sunset, along with my missed
opportunity.
Networking is an intricate
part of college. Todays high
unemployment rate has led to
fierce
SALUTE, Fall 2012 12
competition in the marketplace.
Sometimes it is not what you
know, but who you know that
can give you that competitive
edge.
In the Journal
of Occupational and
Organizational Psychology,
a study was conducted on
networking that found among
its participants, 29 percent
obtained jobs through friends
and strong ties (Hoye, Hooft
and Lievens, 2009).
Keeping connections
could be your key to a
successful future. Networking
can be as easy as joining an
organization or volunteering
at a local nonprofit. Even a
previous job could lead you to
your next opportunity.
As Nicole Blaszczyk,
former Miss Michigan and
current assistant athletic
director of marketing and
promotions here at Wayne
State University, so elegantly
stated at a recent PRSSA
panel, The most valuable thing
you get from a former employer
is contacts. While you might
get rejected and told no a
dozen times, it only takes one
yes to set your career on the
path of amazing. Carpe Diem.
Seize the day!
cntrl
Beyond EDM
By Katherine Addy
O n November 16,
techno industry legends
Richie Hawtin and Loco Dice
brought their CNTRL: Beyond
EDM North American tour
to Wayne State University.
Open to students, the daytime
educational lecture took place
at Shaver Music Recital Hall,
and was paired with a nighttime
show at Detroits own TV
Lounge.
The tour was designed
to capitalize on the current
North American techno boom,
in addition to inspiring local
music producers and industry
hopefuls. What could be
considered a fad has opened
the door for DJs and promoters
alike, creating opportunities
within the techno genre that
were once nonexistent.
The panel of speakers
included Ean Golden, Carl
Craig, Seth Troxler, Jason
Huvaere, Loco Dice and Richie
Hawtin. They were introduced
to a room full of students and
aspiring professionals seeking
Wayne State University James S. measell Chapter Public Relations Student Society of America

an insightful glimpse minimal workable sound differently. Know your

into the newly
exploded
D
etroit
is always number
scene. The one for
conversation Europeans,
began with an Dice said, its sad
to come to Detroit
examination
and hear how other
of the current Americans view it.
state of the
industry and an
attempt to create new meaning
for Electronic Dance Music.
It is the perfect
soundtrack for now and the
future, Hawtin said, Lets
go beyond the definition
of EDM. hear how other Americans view
The panel stressed the
idea of building a local platform. The discussion
They asserted that in order to
be successful, artists must take
every opportunity to create a
following. This includes being
a part of internet podcasts and
local radio; anything to get
yourself and your product out
there.
With a genre that is
always growing and taking
over more market share, it is
important to stay patient, be
selective, and come together
with other like-minded people,
according to Dice.
Build your base, Ean
Golden said of the concept.
Create and perform your
SALUTE, Fall 2012 13
product to get
feedback
that will be
viable.
As the
birthplace of
techno, Detroit is
considered a mecca to
industry professionals from
around the globe. The recital
hall filled with cheers at the
mere mention of this fact.
Detroit is always number
one for Europeans, Dice said.
Its sad to come to Detroit and
it.
transitioned smoothly from
the state of the industry to
technique, and Loco Dice was
quick to jump on the decks to
demonstrate.
First, dropping the needle
and playing just one record,
Dice soon added in a second
track, showing the audience
how to beat match when the
magic sync button doesnt
work.
DJing for me is constant
freestyle, Dice said. Every
club, sound system and record
music and play with emotion.
The long standing rivalry
between vinyl and virtual music
was discussed. But whether
you create music from vinyl,
CDJs (vinyl sound from CDs)
or music production software,
it all comes down to making
and playing tracks you love,
according to techno music icon
Carl Craig.
The panel insisted that
artists should never set out to
convince DJs to use different
equipment. They should
show them the different ways
available and let them decide
for themselves.
You cant convert a
DJ, you can only inspire, Dice
said. Your investment is more
important than your equipment.
All topics considered,
whether audience members
entered as fans or as
contributing members of the
industry, it was easy and almost
natural to leave the hall feeling
inspired and ready to create
innovative and imaginative
work to share with the techno
community.
For more information visit
www.urb.com/tag/cntrl-beyond-
edm/.
Wayne State University James S. measell Chapter Public Relations Student Society of America

PreProfessional Life
Discussion with Hubert Sawyer

O n October 18, the He also gave some

WSU James S. Measell Chapter practical advice on how to
of PRSSA welcomed Integrated meet and connect with the
Marketing Strategist Hubert right individuals. The more
Sawyers. He spoke with our successful people dont just rely
members about jumpstarting our on events to meet the people
preprofessional lives. they need to know, Sawyers
Sawyers gave many told the attentive group.
tips and strategies on how He explained that
to find a niche and how to shaking hands and collecting
develop it. This, he asserts, business cards at events is
will be something to offer the not the best way to make the Student Org Day on Gullen Mall. Jessie
professional world. right connections. Those who LeTarte, social and multimedia director;
are successful at networking and Katie ONeal, vice president of
He advised us to be
programming
especially mindful of what we take the time to get to know
publish in the world, especially individuals using avenues like
via the Internet. He said to be social media. Make sure you
sure it is something that will meet the right people and build
draw people to us.Its about those relationships naturally...
what youre putting out in the they are easily maintainted.
world. Build something and let Those interested in other
them come to you, Sawyers tips offered by Hubert Sawyers
said. can search Twitter using
#preprolife.
By Iesha Swilley
Mark your calendars:
PRSSA Regional Conference
Special Thanks
DePaul University
PR - the Chicago Way
PRSA Detroit, Parent Chapter February 23
Mary Henige, Professional Adviser http://www.prssa.org/news/national/news/
Shelly Najor, Academic Advisor (13 years) display/1203
Jane Fitzgibbon, Scholarship Sponsor
Bianchi Public Relations, Scholarship Sponsor
PRSSA 2013 National Assembly
Albuquerque, New Mexico
April 4-7
http://www.prssa.org/events/Assembly/

SALUTE, Fall 2012 14

Wayne State University James S. measell Chapter Public Relations Student Society of America

Service learning Panel Discussion

Wayne State University
hosted a PRSA Detroit panel
discussion on service learning.
On October 29, panelists
featuring Wayne State Drs.
Donyale Padgett and Shelly
Najor were accompanied by
Professor Lolita Cummings
Donyale Padgett, Ph. D., assistant professor, Wayne State University; Shelly Najor, Ph. D.,
PRSSA faculty adviser, Wayne State University; Lolita Cummings Carson, APR, professor,
Eastern Michigan University
Carson, APR, from Eastern
Michigan University.
Panelists emphasized
that service learning
benefits students, as well as
enhances the work efforts
at public relations firms and
organizations.
The panel shed light
on different aspects of service
learning a teaching and
learning strategy that integrates
instructed community service
into course curriculum.
Panelists presented their
individual experiences.
They stressed how
this hybrid method is mutually
beneficial for both students
and the organizations they
serve. Students get hands-on
experience and participate
actively in the community. to go out and make change. It
Clients, on the other hand,
receive first-rate service and
innovative ideas to enhance
their clients public relations. Dr.
Padgett outlined the three major
approaches to service learning-
skills-based, civic responsibility,
and activism which reflects
most educational institutions.
She provided illustrations of
successful campaigns that were
developed by students and had
been implemented by clients.
Dr. Najor emphasized
the importance and benefits
of team work, as it prepares
students for the real world. She
recalled her student days, when
one professor motivated her
to give back to the community.
Ill never forget when, as an
undergrad over 25 years ago,
the beloved Dr. Bernard Brock
challenged us to go out and
do good with our talents and
skills. He said it was our ethical
obligation, as sophisticated
communicators,
had such an impact on me that I
have shared this message with
every one of my classes since
his death in 2006, said Dr.
Najor.
Professor Carson of
Eastern Michigan University
shared a similar perspective on
the value of service learning.
She said, At Eastern, because
we believe its important for
public relations graduates
to leave our University with
the appropriate balance of
education and experience,
all students are required to
complete AS-L projects, as
well as internships. Professor
Carson added, This increases
their value in the job market
as well as gives them a
sense of community, and the
importance of giving back to it.
Other take-home lessons
that were highlighted for
students include setting clear
goals, communicating points
of views effectively with clients
and time-management.
While addressing the
professionals and organizations
in attendance, the panel
emphasized the importance
of providing a healthy work
environment for students,
strong communication and
clear direction.
These essential elements
ensure successful long-term
relationships and facilitate
harvesting optimal results.
By Amna Husain

SALUTE, Fall 2012 15

Wayne State University
James S. Measell Chapter

2012-2013 Executive Board

Meaghan Priebe President mpriebe@wsuprssa.org
Amy Lafnear VP Professional Development alafnear@wsuprssa.org
Alex Bienkowski VP Public Relations abienkowski@wsuprssa.org
Veronica Fiegel VP Chapter Development vfiegel@wsuprssa.org
Iesha Swilley VP Member Services iswilley@wsuprssa.org
Katie ONeal VP of Programming koneal@@wsuprssa.org
Shelby Caverly Alumni Relations scaverly@wsuprssa.org
Therese Padgham Salute, Editor-in-Chief tpadgham@@wsuprssa.org

Membership Benefits
Hands-On Experience
Writing opportunities to expand your portfolio exists in our blog and newsletter, Salute. The National
PRSSA blog and newsletter, Forum, present a larger-scale opportunity to have your work published.
Additional opportunities for hands-on experience include event planning, national campaign
competitions and fundraisers. Visit www.wsuprssa.org.

Internships & Employment Resources

PRSSA members have exclusive access to the PRSSA Internship Center and the PRSA Job Center.
These resources represent the best available career opportunities for aspiring public relations and
communications professionals. Visit www.prsa.org/jobcenter.

Awards and Scholarships

Become a member of PRSSA and be eligible to apply for funding from PRSA National that exceeds
$30,000 annually, in the form of scholarships and awards. National also recognizes individual
chapters for outstanding acheivement. Visit www.prsa.org.

Professional Development
Annual events include but are not limited to guest panel discussions, resume writing, portfolio and
social media workshops and private tours of local public relations agencies. Like us at Wayne State
PRSSA on Facebook.

Networking
Close relationship with our sponsor chapter, PRSA Detroit, allows members to connect with public
relations and communications professionals in Metro Detroit. Follow us at WSUPRSSA on Twitter.