Issue #10: April 2010
Jane McNichol is currently on a research trip to Australia and New Zealand. She will write about her experiences in the next issue of the newsletter due out in June.
This February I had the opportunity to volunteer with the B.C. government at its International Media Centre at Robson Square. I met journalists from around the world and engaged in the practice of media relations. I worked with some notable journalists, including: David Muir at ABC World Today, Kevin Newman from Global National and the entire cast of NBC’s Today Show. From a pure public relations perspective it was an incredible experience, but looking back, I have more than just PR memories. To see Canadians come together on the streets of Vancouver, each and every one of them brimming with pride and a sudden injection of patriotism reminded me of the impact an Olympic Games can have on a city, a province and a country; it reminded me of Calgary ’88. Read about more news and events here
Growing up my only experience with Australia was this furry little koala bear, the kind that hugged my pencil ever so sweetly when I squeezed his stomach. I remember getting this little souvenir from the Calgary Zoo as a child, perhaps as consolation that our fair city wasn’t able to house the huggable guy. Needless to say, even at young age I knew I had to meet this Australian animal up close. Kimberly Gray Ducks covered in oil, cancer causing toxins, mutated fish, and harmful air emissions; these are just some of the themes I see in newspaper headlines every day. After two Mount Royal University directed field studies positions with two different oil and gas lobby groups, these headlines are what drive me to go to work every morning at the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP). 2009 Graduate Participates in Olympic Opening Ceremonies
As with any change, there comes adjustment. So it is with the roll out of the new Bachelor of Communication – Public Relations degree and its affect on the mentorship program. Because we will not have any senior students in our program this year, there will not be any new one on one partnerships in mentorship for 2010. However, your continued support and interest in our students is still valued and plans are being made to offer the students some networking opportunities to bridge the gap this year. Consider joining us to connect with students this fall. For those of you who have already applied for the program, your application forms will be kept on hand and you will be invited to participate in January 2011. For all alumni, please consider coming to an event to chat with students interested in networking. More information will be sent to you in the early fall. Stay tuned. Alumni Snapshot – Where are they now? Maxine McDowall Graduation Year - 1998 Bachelor of Applied Communication - Public Relations Paul Hagel Graduation Year - 2003 Bachelor of Applied Communication - Public Relations Bart Goemans, CAAP Graduation Year - 1991 Public Relations Diploma Program; 2010 Bachelor of Applied Communication – Public Relations Andrea Davis Sandra Braun Interested in connecting with old friends? Send your information to elennox@mtroyal.ca and it will be posted in the next newsletter. The Job Seekers Network began a number of years ago when Jim Wood, instructor, started spreading the word about openings in the field of public relations. It quickly grew and became an important avenue for businesses to find practitioners with the best training available. Where else but at Mount Royal! This network is now the responsibility of Elizabeth Lennox who accepts postings by e-mail and sends them out every Friday to over 200 alumni on the network. Send your postings to elennox@mtroyal.ca. Interested applicants will contact you directly. The Notice Board section was added to offer alumni an opportunity to post events, promote your business (on a one time basis only) or invite alumni to check out something of interest to all. If you would like to post something in this section of the newsletter, please send in your piece by June 20th 2010 for the next edition of the newsletter. It will be reviewed and you will be advised if it’s acceptable for our audience. There will be a limit to the number of items posted. Send to elennox@mtroyal.ca Robertson/Wood Scholarship Update Plans are underway to supplement the Robertson/Wood Public Relations Scholarship. The goal is to raise an additional $16,000 to reach the $20,000 mark, the level at which the scholarship would be endowed. Annual fundraising events are one of the ideas being discussed to continue building the fund beyond the $20,000 mark for future generations. If you are interested in being involved with this project, please contact Elizabeth Lennox with your ideas or to find out when the next chapter meeting will take place. Contact: elennox@mtroyal.ca Women in Need Event On April 24th, the Bonavista Downs Community Hall will host a fundraising event for women in need. The event will feature a quality consignment sale, mini make overs, 15 minute hair styling, raffles and door prizes. Check out the link below for more information. Meaningful Work: Green Jobs + Social Innovation Retreat www.albertaacts.ca/MeaningfulWork The purpose of this 2.5 day retreat is to provide a forum for young professionals in Alberta (~ages 20-35, but open to all) to spend a weekend with like-minded peers and inspiring professionals, deeply engaging with questions around vocation, sustainability, and social innovation. Join us for this unique opportunity to:
This is an opportunity to delve deep, challenge yourselves and each other, develop your own ideas for innovative social and environmental projects, businesses or not-for-profit endeavours, and connect with other inspiring individuals from a variety of personal and professional backgrounds. It’s a chance to take the time and space to engage in a process of inquiry about the connection between vocation and service to people a Become an active Mount Royal Alumni! We encourage all Mount Royal Public Relations Alumni to join the MRUAA Public Relations Alumni Chapter The Chapter Board is looking for alumni to fill vacancies on the board and also to submit ideas for future events. Check out the benefits offered to Mount Royal alumni.As a Mount Royal alumni, there are many reasons to become involved. Visit www.mtroyal.ca/alumni or contact the Alumni Relations office at 403.440.7000 for more information on the benefits, services and programs that are available to you. Remember to let us know when you move or change jobs so we can keep in touch and let you know about all the great things that are happening in our program.
The Public Relations Alumni E-Newsletter is produced once each semester and sent electronically to graduates of the Public Relations Program at Mount Royal. The next issue is due in June 2010. If you have a story to tell, send it to elennox@mtroyal.ca. Photos are encouraged. |
In this issue:
My Experience at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games 
Public Relations grad Candace Harkness performed at the Opening Ceremonies in Vancouver as part of a special Aboriginal Welcome to the athletes of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. 
Elizabeth Lennox