The Department of Advertising and Public Relations hosts AdPR Week 2023
The Department of Advertising and Public Relations hosts AdPR Week 2023
The Department of Advertising and Public Relations at Grady College will celebrate its ninth annual AdPR Week on Oct. 16-20. This year, AdPR Week will feature an impressive lineup of programming and events, giving students opportunities to network and learn from industry professionals and alumni.
On Oct. 16, AdPR Week will kick off with its annual AdPR Giving Day Campaign. The goal for this year is to raise $7,500 in 24 hours. Donations will support Talking Dog Agency, AdPR’s student-led advertising and public relations agency, or the AdPR Excellence Fund, supporting the student experience by providing scholarships, experiential learning and professional development opportunities. Simply put, donors can choose where to direct their generosity.
“Our students and various initiatives within the department have benefited significantly from the generous support of our alumni, friends and leaders in the field. We call for your support on this AdPR Giving Day and during AdPR Week. Your contributions will help our students reach the next level of accomplishments,” said Dr. Juan Meng, Georgia Athletic Association Professor of Public Relations and head of the AdPR Department.
Monday will also feature a keynote speaker, Dr. Dietram Scheufele, the Taylor-Bascom Chair and Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professor visiting from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He will give a talk entitled “Communicating for Impact in an Age of Polarized Politics and Rapidly Changing Information Ecosystems.”
On Tuesday, Oct. 17, students can look forward to “Innovation, Inclusion and the Future of AdPR: Insights from Rising Stars,” a panel that will feature the following participants:
- Naria Frazer (ABJ ‘12), senior vice president and chief DEI officer, Praytell Agency
- Logan Frost (ABJ ‘15), Group Director, Digital Platforms at Fitzco
- Megan M. Milam, general manager, commercial communications, Delta Air Lines
- Gaik Ping (G.P.) Ooi (ABJ ‘07), senior vice president, employee communications and engagement practice, social impact and inclusion, Golin
- Josh Schultz (ABJ ‘16), director, digital investment, PHD Media Worldwide
The panel will begin at 12:45 p.m. in the Peyton Anderson Forum (room 238) and will be moderated by Dr. Meng and senior public relations student Jimena Somilleda. The panel will focus on leadership insights on innovation, inclusion and future trends in the industry.
On Tuesday evening, PRSSA and AdClub members can attend a panel featuring professionals from Fitzco and Weber Shandwick. The discussion will focus on understanding and navigating the difference between advertising and public relations agencies.
Fitzco panelists include:
- Lauren Walsh (BBA ’21), senior specialist, digital platforms
- Emma Held (AB ‘20), senior specialist, digital platforms
Weber Shandwick panelists include:
- Wendy Hsiao (AB ’09), account director, media relations
- Melissa Golden, executive vice president and general manager
On Oct. 18, students can look forward to Dawgs with the Dean on the Schnitzer Family Media Lawn. Grady students, alumni, faculty and staff enjoy this biannual Grady tradition.
Thursday, Oct. 19, will feature Erin Elder (ABJ ‘04, Advertising), head of eyewear at CHANEL, to deliver a talk surely to pique interest among students on her career journey leading to one of the top fashion brands, “From Ad Week to Fashion Week: My Journey to CHANEL.”
To wrap up the week’s events, on Oct. 20, the AdPR Vision Award will be accepting applications. This award recognizes an outstanding student in their studies and awards one AdPR student $1,000 to support their academic endeavors.
“We are so fortunate to have so many wonderful speakers come and join us on campus for AdPR Week. These speakers not only directly benefit our students, but they bring fresh perspectives that impact the research and teaching of our faculty,” said Dr. Michael Cacciatore, associate professor of public relations and assistant AdPR Department head.
The AdPR Department at Grady College continues to hold its position as one of the top-ranked programs in the United States. The department also features award-winning teaching and research faculty, successful alumni and industry leaders to guide our students as the next generation of leaders.
AdPR Week will share content on social media with the hashtag #AdPRide.
