What better way to celebrate another successful semester than a little party? On Tuesday, Dec. 2, the Illinois State University Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America found time to celebrate the upcoming holiday season before heading home for winter break. The holiday social provided a great opportunity for pre-finals panicked students to relax.
Members had time to socialize, eat delicious desserts, and admire one another’s ugly holiday sweaters. Between tinsel wrapped sweaters and sweaters displaying polar bears skating on a pond, the evening’s attire was quite eye-catching. One of the night’s activities was a wrapping contest, although instead of wrapping presents, teams had to wrap executive board members Frank Hopper and Bridget Anders. The wrapping contest proved to be just as challenging as it was amusing. Aside from bringing their wrapping skills, Chapter members also brought different pet supplies items to the social. These items were donated to the Humane Society of Central Illinois to show appreciation for the organization's choice to use ISU PRSSA’s student-run firm, PRogressive Image, to manage its public relations. To remind members to bring pet supplies, they were encouraged to share a Facebook reminder about donating supplies complete with a picture of their pet, which was submitted into a cutest pet contest. Nick Hebert’s pug, Pizza, was voted the winner of the contest. The holiday social provided a great chance for students to unwind and catch up with other members. Between looking at pictures of cute pets, listening to holiday music, and eating various desserts, it’s safe to say everyone left the social in good mood and ready for the holidays. By Melaina Chromy
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Glitz and glam filled the night as members of the Illinois State University Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America enjoyed a “Great Gatsby” themed social Friday, Nov. 7. The 1920s-themed social included a roaring night of dancing and socializing, while members did not hold back when dressing for the occasion in feathers, sequins, and bowties. Members entered the world of “Gatsby” with elements including streamers, sparkles, and music from the film. Members recognized the development committee for its hard work with decorations and party favors that were just as flashy and dazzling as the 1920s. Attendees had a great time and enjoyed the themed social. According to Andrea Casali, sophomore and Humane Society of Central Illinois account executive, “It was fun to get all ‘gatsbied out’ and socialize with other members outside of weekly Chapter meetings. The development team did such a great job with the theme! Seeing everyone in feathers and sequins was the highlight of my weekend.” This fall social was a fun way for members to network with each other and left many encouraged to attend future socials. The theme was a fun opportunity for members to dress up and get a little taste of the “Gatsby” lifestyle. By Kelly Larson The Illinois State University (ISU) Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) embraced the fall season by holding its first mentor-mentee social of the year on Sunday, Sept. 28 at Director of PRogressive Image (PRi) Nick Hebert’s home.
The mentor-mentee program that ISU PRSSA offers allows new members to feel comfortable while adjusting to both their classes and ISU PRSSA. Mentors offer guidance to familiarize their mentee with the public relations industry and professional development opportunities. Attendees enjoyed sitting around a bonfire, eating grilled food, and familiarizing themselves with their mentees and mentors outside of Chapter meetings at a personal level. The event was held in an enjoyable, relaxed environment. “My favorite part of the social was getting to know the other mentees and mentors and talking to them about public relations and everyday things,” said freshman mentee Caitlin O’Donovan. Everyone had a great time and is excited to attend more mentor-mentee socials throughout the year. Most importantly, as members of ISU PRSSA, we look forward to growing as professionals in the Chapter this year and beyond. By Ashley Luecke Members of the Illinois State University (ISU) Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) traveled back in time Friday, Sept. 26. The theme of the night was glory days, and members were encouraged to dress up as high school stereotypes. Costumes included jocks, cheerleaders, goths, nerds and a variety of more creative ones. Over the course of the night, members traveled to three apartments decorated as a classroom, pep rally and prom.
The first apartment was the classroom, complete with a chalkboard and school supply cutouts on the wall. The “Mean Girls” inspired “Burn Book” excerpts completed the theme. Everyone then moved to the second apartment, which was decorated like a pep rally. Prom court nominations were announced and voting for prom king and queen began. The last apartment was prom and included a photo booth. At this apartment, the votes were counted, and prom king and queen were announced. Seniors Nick Hebert and Analia Voss were crowned king and queen of glory days. The evening provided a social, less formal opportunity for members to spend time together and get to know each other while reminiscing about their glory days. By Lauren Vahldick Illinois State University’s PRSSA Chapter’s talented development committee organized this year’s semiformal, which took place on Friday, March 28. The formal was held at Firehouse Pizza in Uptown Normal from 8 p.m. to midnight. When members RSVP’d, they were asked to request a song that they would like to hear at the event. This year’s theme was a red carpet event, and the upper level of Firehouse Pizza was decorated as if members were stepping into a Hollywood party. Pizza was served, and there was also a dance floor for members to dance the night away. It was a night full of laughter and flashing lights as members and their dates took pictures of a night to remember. During formal, twenty awards, ranging from “Cutest Couple” to “Most Likely to Forget the Cups,” were awarded to members who attended. Following the awards ceremony, attendees continued dancing as memories were made. By Analita Voss Illinois State University’s PRSSA geared up and backpacked through Europe on Friday, Feb. 28 for its spring apartment social. Beverages and snacks were available for all to enjoy at the apartments. Guests were encouraged to dress up according to one of the countries represented at the social, or try to incorporate all three within one outfit. The first stop was Greece at Ali Seys’ apartment. Guests took pictures and enjoyed their stay until it was time to travel on. Once everyone headed out, guests took a bus and traveled their way to Paris. Historian Abby Brennan’s apartment was decorated in the spirit of the “City of Light.” Member Cindy Kirchner also baked and decorated Paris-themed cupcakes to serve. The apartment was filled with decorations and food that went along with the theme. To finish the night off, guests visited Ireland at director of development Sarah McSheffrey’s apartment. Guests were greeted with food and beverages while everyone danced the night away. By Analita Voss Fall is in full swing, and on Saturday, Oct. 12, Illinois State University’s Public Relations Student Society of America kicked off the season with their first social of the year. It was a much needed “Chill and Thrill Kind of Night.” We started off the night at Treasurer Ryan Smart’s casual fall ball. This was the perfect setting for taking pictures and meeting other members from PRSSA outside of Chapter. Members arrived in costumes dressed to fit the three different themes. Zombies, pumpkins, cowgirls, cowboys, as well as many candy treats were spotted throughout the night. There was plenty of pizza to go around, plus candy corn and cupcakes. The next stop was Social Chair Jessica Perri’s spooky Halloween-themed apartment. Caution tape and bloody handprints on the front door definitely were not enough warning for what awaited inside. The webs, skeletons, hanging ghouls and black lights gave the college apartment a spooky, haunted-house feel. Everyone danced the night away and snacked on eyeball Oreos and mummified hot dogs. Later in the night, members followed the rainbow trail to the last stop, Director of Development Sarah McSheffery’s Candy Land. Her apartment was decorated like the popular childhood game, Candy Land. National Liaison Shelby Ray and Historian Abigail Brennan graced our presence dressed as Candy Land citizens Princess Lolly and Queen Frostine, respectively. There was a table filled with various sweets and treats for guests to enjoy, with wall decorations resembling the game board. It was a“sweet treat” for members to end the night and enjoy a taste of the Halloween spirit. The social was a great way for ISU PRSSA members to build stronger bonds within the Chapter and take a break from school. If you didn’t get the chance to attend this social, leave your calendars open for the next one. A special thanks to the development committee and volunteers; all of your hard work paid off! By Brandy Lewis |
AboutPRecisely PR is the blog of the Illinois State University Chapter of the PRSSA. We write about Chapter events, the public relations industry, member profiles, and more. Archives
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