Meet the Leader-- Audie Lauf

Audie Lauf is a senior public relations major that transferred to Illinois State University last year. Lauf joined Illinois State University Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America and hit the ground running; immediately becoming an account executive for the student-run public relations firm, PRogressive Image (PRi). Lauf was just beginning his relationship with ISU PRSSA when he received the opportunity to join the executive board as the PRi Director. His outgoing personality and ability to lead others will take this young man far in the professional world.

Tell us about yourself.
I am a first generation college student. College was my choice to pursue. It took me awhile to figure out how to combine my love for art, interacting with people, and my strategic thinking, but then I found public relations to be an industry where I could utilize my strengths and work on my weaknesses. I am currently majoring in Public Relations and Apparel Merchandising and Design, while pursuing a minor in Spanish. I work as a public relations intern for WALK2CLASS, a boutique student realty company, and as a sales associate at PACSUN. I also work as a Marketing Coordinator for The Vidette, the ISU student newspaper, while also being a part of the public relations intern staff for the ISU Redbird Ice Hockey Club team. Somehow, I still manage to find time to be a Style Guru for Collegefashionista.com during my busy schedule. Also follow me on Twitter @audielauf27 and Instagram @audielauf27 for the latest and greatest street styles from Illinois State University.


What do you do in PRSSA?
I currently hold the position as the Director of the Chapter’s student-run firm, PRogressive Image. My responsibilities include supervising and mentoring the Account Executives, Assistant Account Executives, and the Art Directors. This year, PRi has three outstanding accounts: BraiZe, a pop up shop style restaurant, TV10, our broadcast journalism television station, and United Way of McLean County , a nonprofit organization.

How did you become a member of the ISU PRSSA?
I attended the first meeting of the Fall 2014 semester. I did research about student organizations months before attending ISU. I wanted to make sure I got the most out of my time here as a Redbird.

What have you gained from joining ISU PRSSA?
I have gained more experience in professional development. I also believe that I have gained better time management skills. No matter how well you think you are at organizing your schedule, there is always room to improve.

What are your goals for when you graduate?
I have done research about graduate school. My brother is stationed in Florence, Italy as a Heavy Machines operator. By the time I graduate, he will be able to live off of base. I have considered attending Lorenzo De’ Medici in Florence. I want to earn my masters degree in Fashion Marketing and Merchandising.

Describe your dream job.
The Red Power Ranger. If that fails, then I would love to be the Creative Director for a public relations agency of fashion house.

What is something a lot of people do not know about you?
I am an open book. In public relations, transparency is key.

What impact would you like to have on others?
I hope that I can encourage others to take advantage of every opportunity that comes their way. I like to be the first person that my friends call when they are in trouble, because I am always there to help. Oh, and that I am funny and have great style.

Is there any quote that really captures how you live your life?
 I have three:

“Some people never go crazy. What truly horrible lives they must lead.” –Charles Bukowski
 
“Do not let your fire go out, spark by irreplaceable spark in the hopeless swamps of the not-quite, the not-yet, and the not-at-all. Do not let the hero in your soul perish in lonely frustration for the life you deserved and have never been able to reach. The world you desire can be won. It exists.. it is real.. it is possible.. it's yours.” –Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged
“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”
               - A.A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh
 

Questions composed by Alex Danko

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