Before meetings, the Illinois State University Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America plays music while members gather and converse. A variety of genres is played to suit a variety of people, and it was only a matter of time until our shared love of music brought us together in a new context. On Feb. 8 members of ISU PRSSA gathered to watch the Grammy Awards for this semester’s first mentor-mentee social.

Throughout the night, mentors and mentees conversed over treats ranging from a healthy vegetable tray to PUB II’s infamous cheeseballs. Once the snacking was complete, members cozied up on the couches and glued their eyes to the TV screen to watch Madonna get down with her dancing bulls and Katy Perry sing a heart-wrenching ballad. It is also safe to say that when Beyoncé came on the screen, the room went silent in admiration.

During commercials, members switched their attention to their phones for some Twitter trolling, sharing commentary on the extravagant celebrity outfits (specifically commenting on Rihanna’s pink ball gown), and how Sam Smith was slaying the entire show (walking out with four Grammys to prove it). Popular discussion topics also included Taylor Swift’s dancing, Kanye West’s second speech interruption, and how adorable Ariana Grande and Big Sean are together. Overall, the bonds between mentors and mentees were strengthened. Who would’ve thought that some good music and cheeseballs is all it would take!

By Chloe Kasper

For the third Mentor-Mentee social, Illinois State University’s PRSSA Chapter attended the Bloomington Thunder vs. Fayetteville FireAntz hockey game on Jan. 24. The night began at Treasurer Ryan Smart’s apartment, before heading to the arena. Faceoff began at 7:05 p.m., and it was nothing but action from there on out.

All attendees were able to focus on the game while still enjoying each other’s company. Since President Hailey Lanier, National Liaison Shelby Ray and member Lily Sherer were the only “townies,” the rest of the group had never been to a game at the U.S. Cellular Coliseum in downtown Bloomington.

What most of the members really enjoyed was the entertainment at intermission. With tons of kids from local schools in attendance for a competition, the action never stopped. Principals from Sugar Creek and Towanda Elementary schools were there for a shootout against one another. To see the kids light up and cheer for their principals was not only entertaining but also cute and inspiring. I think we can all agree that the kids gave these hockey players something to play for. After all, the kids are the ones who scream the most.

The game resumed in the third period tied 1-1. Only 20 minutes left in the game and it was head-to-head. All attendees were completely intrigued. The Thunder hit a slap shot right into the corner of the net to score and go up 2-1 with six minutes left. Hoping the Thunder would not beat them, the FireAntz came right back with a goal to tie a couple minutes later.

Time was winding down and the buzzer went off in regulation with a score of 2-2 putting the game in overtime. After 60 minutes of play, the Thunder and FireAntz skated for 10 more minutes to finish the game. It wasn’t long till one of the Thunder players snuck in to get the puck and put it in the back of the net! The Thunder won the game by a score of 3-2 in overtime.

Members had an enjoyable time getting to socialize with their peers while watching the Thunder grab a win!


By Ryan Smart