2015 Scholarship Program a Success!
The annual scholarship luncheon is the culmination — or better yet, celebration — of many activities throughout the year. It’s one of the PR Round Table’s best events and this year did not disappoint. The event sold out early and members and guests who attended were given ample opportunity to meet this year’s scholarship recipients and their advisors.
Scholarship Chair Brenda Kahn and her team, which included Hattie Hamlin, Lisa Stockwell, Paul Matalucci, Eric Steckel and Mary Currie, did a terrific job soliciting applications and quickly working through the selection process. From the 16 applications received this year (possibly a record number), 10 students were selected for one-hour, on-site interviews.
Candidates were evaluated based on their applications, recommendations and writing samples, as well as their understanding of the profession and commitment to the field (volunteer work, internships and jobs, and membership in PR organizations). Ultimately, five students from Golden Gate, Dominican and Sonoma State universities and the University of the Pacific were each awarded $3,000.
New Student Support Program
As an added bonus for all of this year’s applicants, the scholarship committee is working with Round Table members to provide an opportunity for the students to talk with PR professionals in their area of interest.
“We were inspired by one student who was very clear on what we do and why this is the best career choice for her,” said Lisa Stockwell, who also served on this year’s scholarship committee. “Why? Because she had gone on almost 40 informational interviews over the past several years.”
If you’re willing to share your insights with one of this year’s 16 scholarship applicants on an informational interview, please contact Lisa Stockwell. (Thank you to those who’ve already responded to her earlier email on the subject.)
Thank You, Members and Sponsors
Our scholarships are funded largely from our annual Holiday Party and Auction — by our members who contribute, both by donating items and by bidding on them. Of considerable note, too, are our generous sponsors, who donate cash and in-kind services, and make the event possible.
- Delta Dental
- Harden Communications Partners, LLC
- Landis Communications
- TOBIN & Associates
- Singer Associates, Inc.
- Fineman PR
- Hamilton Ink,
- D&A Communications
- The Hess Collection, wine
- Abeck, graphic design
- Bacchus Press, printing
Calling for Holiday Party support
With the 2015 scholarships behind us, the process starts anew, as it has for the 20-plus years since the scholarship began. Right now, I am assembling the team that will put on this year’s Holiday Party and Auction. We need help, and if you can volunteer a bit of your time, we need you! Even if you’re just curious about what’s involved and how you might help, please give me call at 415-271-0023 or shoot me an email.
Best,
Terry Peckham
Chair