London Keemer

DSU Mass Comm. Contingent to The Temple Regional PRSSA Conference: (From L to R/ Back Row: Eddie Cabrera Blanco,  Maximillian, Farley. L to R/Front Row: Jewel Phillips, London Keemer, and Quincee Tellis, President, DSU PRSSA )

On Saturday, March 24th, 2019, five Mass Communications students from Delaware State University attended the PRSSA Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference, which was hosted by Temple University. At this conference, students from all over the east coast were able to participate in different panels and key note discussions on many different topics. This conference was organized for those who major in public relations to update their knowledge, network, and seek new PR opportunities.

(Left to right) Lauren Bullock, Matt O’Donnell, Cherri Gregg, Adam Dvorin, and Jason Mollica. Pannelists of ‘“Fake News & Ethics”

Students and professors from various universities all over the east coast attended this conference. The day began with an introduction to Temple’s PRSSA chapter and its notable members/alumni, as well as a brief overview of what events the conference would consist of. The remainder of the day was left for the students to attend different panel discussions of their choosing. The panels were moderated by Public Relations professionals and practitioners as well as Public Relations professors from Temple University. The professionals were there to educate students on how to become  successful PR professionals, to answer critical questions, and to share their personal journeys and experiences.

Temple University PRSSA Turns 50.

One panel in particular entitled “Fake News and Ethics” really opened the eyes of the students who attended to things that happen behind the scenes of any given situation. The panel members consisted of Adam Dvorin, Assistant Vice President, Winning Strategies; Cherri Gregg, Community Affairs Reporter, KYS News Radio; Gabriel Escobar, Editor and Vice President, The Inquirer; Jason Mollica, Professional Lecturer, American University; and Matt O’Donnell, News Anchor, 6abc. The panel was moderated by Lauren Bullock, Assistant Professor of Instruction, Temple University.

(Left to right): LiRon Anderson-Bell, Mary Austen, Afia Ohene-Frempong, and Megan Smith. Keynote speakers of “PR in the Age of the #MeToo Movement”

The panelists were there to offer advice and tips to the students who aspire to be in their shoes one day. This discussion really focused on how to handle a situation dealing with fake news. “Fake news is something that we’re all going to have to really keep our eyes on to make sure we don’t get caught, not only in the news setting; but also, in the Public Relations, marketing, and digital and social media as well,” said Jason Mollica.

Following the panel discussions, the students attended a networking session where they were able to introduce themselves to different companies and organizations that were present at the conference. The session was held at Temple’s student center. This afforded the students to make the connections necessary to ensure a future internship and maybe even a job offer after graduation!

This conference was an extremely fulfilling experience for the students, which means it was a successful and productive day!