THE ILLINOIS CHAPTER OF PRSSAS PROGRESSIVE GROWTH

Just shy of its two-year anniversary on campus, the Illinois chapter of Public
Relations Student Society of America reaches its highest membership yet of 71 duespaying members. While still in its infancy stage, PRSSA continues to grow since its launch
in January 2013. Membership has increased from roughly 50 active members (but only 5
dues-paying members) during the 2012-2013 school year to 71 active members during this
past 2013-2014 school year. Currently, membership dues are being collected for this
school year and students from any college or major can still join. If you are interested in
becoming a member, please contact the chapters president, Danielle Ball, at
uiucprssa@gmail.com.
The Illinois Chapter of PRSSA is a student-run, non-profit organization that is
dedicated to furthering the education of public relations on the University of Illinois campus.
PRSSA looks forward to another successful year, specifically working for our client, Roger
Eberts Ebertfest Film Festival. Ebertfest is a five-day film festival held in Champaign, Ill.
celebrating 12 overlooked films that Ebert selected before his passing. Promoting Ebertfest
has given members the opportunity to gain real hands-on PR experience.
The eight-member executive board serves to provide enriching opportunities for the
chapter. PRSSA holds chapter meetings and professional events every month, as well as
career workshops, case study discussions and technology training sessions throughout the
year. Previous speakers have included employees from Zeno Group, Burson Marsteller,
Red Frog Events and McDonalds. The annual Chicago Networking Trip is another
developmental opportunity for members. Each year, a select group of chapter members
visit companies and venues to learn about various PR careers and experience the Chicago
PR industry in a holistic sense. On the trip, members gain valuable knowledge and hone

PR skills through company presentations, case study activities and tours. In recent years,
the chapter has visited Soldier Field, The Chicago Bulls, The Chicago White Sox, Golin
Harris, Edelman, Weber Shandwick, and Ogilvy PR. These visits led to three member hires
for full-time and intern positions.
The organization originally formed in the summer of 2012 under the direction of the
president Katie Bates and her executive board. The eight ladies worked with College of
Media Dean Jan Slater to structure the chapter and allocate the resources needed.
Together, they recruited Dr. John Wirtz from Texas Tech University to become the
chapters faculty advisor and Kelly Minter, a State Farm Business ideation manager, as
professional advisor. After creating the chapter bylaws and enduring several application
stages with the National PRSSA organization, the Illinois chapter of Public Relations
Student Society of America was officially sanctioned on December 5, 2012.

Alongside the PR Certificate Program and the College of Medias first PR hiring of
Dr. Wirtz, the organizations main goal is to further the public relations curriculum on Illinois
campus. The chapter looks forward to continuously expanding and providing members with
worthwhile opportunities as we grow in future years.