A taste of cross-cultural communication...

Loyalist PR students wrapped up a week exploring cross-cultural communications with a delicious, multicultural feast (see sushi dish displayed at right by Mike and Eri, a Loyalist PR international student from Japan).

Thanks to everyone who shared their cultural artifacts with us, and who helped make this such an amazing week of learning!

Loyalist PR and Engine Communications to Co-host Next Quinte Tweet-Up (Feb. 18th)

Are you a Quinte Tweeter? Or just curious about social media?

If so, join us on Thursday February 18, 2010 for the next Quinte Tweet-Up, brought to you by Engine Communications and Loyalist Public Relations.

This networking event will be held at The Boathouse Seafood Restaurant in Belleville from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

There will be mixing, mingling and lots of giveaways! And make sure to look sharp (business casual is fine) -- we'll have pro photographer, Lucas Tingle of Winding Violets, covering the event.

We will also be accepting donations for Haiti relief efforts, through Flights for Hope, a local non-profit, humanitarian aid organization. So join the fun while giving back. Together we can make a difference!

We hope to see you there - happy tweeting!

Mandi Buma: OCAA Athlete of the Week

Congratulations to Mandi Buma, a current Loyalist PR student who has been named the "Women’s Athlete of the Week" by the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA).

Mandi plays for the Loyalist Lancers women’s volleyball program while at the same time maintaining a high average in the Loyalist PR program.

According to the OCAA, she "had a stellar week on the court, racking up an impressive 22 aces in two games this past week. She recorded 10 aces versus Fleming and another 12 against the Georgian Grizzlies."

The OCAA goes on to say, "At present time Mandi has 47 aces this season and is closing in on her own season record of 63. Mandi is also the OCAA All-time career aces leader."

Wow - we're proud of you, Mandi. Way to go, girl!

Loyalist PR throws a baby shower!

Congratulations to Professor Peggy Collins who will soon be leaving us here in Loyalist PR to go on maternity leave.

To celebrate, Loyalist PR recently threw a surprise, book-themed baby shower for Peggy and her new daughter.

Peggy teaches Digital Design I and Digital Design II in the Post-Graduate Public Relations Program here at Loyalist.

We'll miss you, Peggy, and can't wait to meet your new little reader!

Loyalist PR raises $1,100+ for Haiti!

Thanks to their "Hearts for Haiti" fundraiser held yesterday at Loyalist College, Loyalist PR students raised more than $1,110 for disaster relief efforts.

Special recognition goes to project organizer and Loyalist PR student Ashley Matheson who inspired us to get involved, and organized most of the details.

Even those students who weren't able to come to campus on their day off helped the day before by wrapping candy hearts and spreading the words about "Hearts for Haiti".

Thanks also to our Loyalist College family who pitched in and supported this amazing fundraiser.

See Belleville Intelligencer article here.

See Pioneer article here.

"We are the people we've been waiting for." -- Bono

Loyalist PR celebrates United Way Award

Loyalist PR students were on hand for the United Way of Quinte's Achievement Celebration last night at the Empire Theatre where Loyalist College took home a 2009 Spirit Award.

Along with College President Maureen Piercy and other Loyalist staffers, Loyalist PR students accepted the "Employee Workplace Campaign Award" for workplaces with over 500 employees.

Way to represent the college, everyone! What a proud moment for us all.

For newspaper article, click here.

Loyalist PR holds "Hearts for Haiti" Event

On Friday, January 22nd, Loyalist PR students will hold a "Hearts for Haiti" event on the Loyalist College campus (Kente Building) to help raise funds for earthquake relief efforts.

All donations will be directed toward the Salvation Army (cheques may be made payable to Salvation Army as well).

If everyone on campus donates just $2, we can make a huge difference in the lives of people just like us who have been affected by this natural disaster.

Thank you for your support.

Loyalist PR students head for the hills!

On Friday, February 19th, Loyalist PR students will be heading to Devil's Elbow Ski Resort in Bethany, Ontario for a great day of fun and relaxation.

Thanks to Nick Imrie, Loyalist PR student and snowboarder instructor extraordinaire for organizing this amazing day.

We'll see you all on the slopes!

Loyalist PR welcomes Lora Turner of CNW

A big thank you to Lora Turner, Account Executive with CNW Group who was a guest speaker in Loyalist PR today.

Lora's overview of electronic media monitoring was both interesting and informative, and provided a great update on the latest in new technology as it relates to the field of public relations.

Great to see you again, Lora! Thanks for stopping by.

Loyalist PR students win athletic scholarships

Congratulations to three of Loyalist PR's star athletes: Mandi Buma (volleyball), Jami VanGrootel (basketball) and Mark Mullen (volleyball).

All three students have been awarded Loyalist College Athletic Scholarships for their outstanding academic and athletic performances last semester.

Way to go, guys!

Loyalist Grad Joins CPRS Edmonton Board

Loyalist PR congratulates alumna Ashley Edwards-Scott (third from the left in photo above) on her recent new role as a member of the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) Edmonton Board of Directors.

Since graduating from Loyalist PR in 2006, Ashley has been employed as the Communications Coordinator of RTL-Westcan Group of Companies.

Way to go, Ashley - keep making us proud!

Thinking of taking the plunge?

Have you been thinking about taking the plunge into Post-Graduate Public Relations at Loyalist College?

If so, we're now accepting applications for the fall of 2010.

This year's program was waitlisted, so we're encouraging all applicants to apply early at Ontario Colleges to avoid disappointment.

If you have any questions about the program, please feel free to e-mail Professor Kerry Ramsay, Program Co-ordinator at kramsay@loyalistc.on.ca.

Please note that all applicants must have completed a college diploma or university degree (in any program) by August 2010, and/or have a significant number of years work experience in order to apply.

Thanks, and we hope to see you in Loyalist PR this fall!

Loyalist PR tackles rock climbing challenge!

For those who have found themselves driven to climb the walls during the final weeks of the fall semester, yesterday's Loyalist PR trek to the The Boiler Room Climbing Gym in Kingston provided the perfect outlet for all our pent-up energies.

A motley crew of climbing amateurs and experts, we took to the walls at The Boiler Room with great enthusiasm.

Some among us overcame their fear of heights, others discovered new strength and agility, while all of us enjoyed the chance to be together, have some laughs and share in a great experience.

It was especially rewarding to see people get out of their comfort zone and go beyond their limits -- some even made it to the top of the 100-foot chimney stack, Canada's highest indoor climb!

Special thanks to Kelly McKinnon of Loyalist PR and Cory Mestre, Co-ordinator of Campus Fitness & Recreation at Loyalist College who organized the trip.

And a final WOW to the great team at The Boiler Room Climbing Gym .

Thanks for being so amazing, guys!

"Blink Twice."

As many of you know, our Loyalist PR class had the opportunity to attend a taping of CBC's The Hour this past October.

As a big fan of The Hour (that's me, pictured right, with host George Stroumboulopoulos earlier this month), I was thrilled to share the experience with my students.

Just recently, I was reminded of one of the many off-camera segments of the show, during which George (aka Strombo) told us about one of his motorbike racing adventures this past summer.

The part of the story that stuck with me was where George was talking about racing his bike at break-neck speeds, to the point where he had reached the edge of his fears.

At that point, he says he repeated to himself the words someone had once told him about breaking through the fear barrier: "When you reach the point of your fear, blink twice. And then just do it."

And so he did.

And so should we.

What fears are holding you back from reaching your true potential? Or achieving your wildest dream? Or living your best life?

Whatever that fear may be, I challenge you to look it in the eye. Then blink twice -- and sail right past it.

It's Uuuuuggly Sweater Season!

Loyalist PR students kicked off the last week of the semester today with an Ugly Sweater Christmas Party & Potluck (see some selected beauties above).

Highlights of the party included more incredible food than we could ever eat, the oh-so-Secret Santa gift exchange, not to mention an amazing, original track of ultimate seasonal tunes (featuring everything from the Jackson 5 to Britney Spears and Rick Astley - yes, sad, but true). Please don't judge us. It was rocking good times.

Ahead later this week: a trip to the Boiler Room Climbing Gym in Kingston, followed by lunch at the Copper Penny.

Looking forward to a great last week together, everyone!

PR Alumni Return to Share Experiences

Big thanks to Loyalist PR alumni Sara Hamil, a Project Manager for SPAR Aerospace and Chris Thompson, Sports Information Officer for St. Lawrence College, who recently paid a visit to our Loyalist PR classroom.

Both Sara and Chris delivered excellent presentations on their current places of work, and their experiences since graduating from the Loyalist PR Program.

Thanks for stopping by, guys! You're an inspiration to us all.

Loyalist United Way Campaign Exceeds Goal

The 2009 Loyalist College United Way Campaign has set a new level of support for the community campaign.

United Way of Quinte Campaign Chair Mark Philbin, and Executive Director Julia Gosson visited the campus today to celebrate campaign receipts of $15,071. This total includes donations from individuals and groups within the College, as well as proceeds from special events held on campus.

The campaign was launched in October with “Casino Loyale” – an event organized by the Post-Graduate Public Relations students at the College.

Other events included a pancake breakfast supported by Quinte Sunrise Rotary; a book sale organized through the College bookstore, and a Run for United Way organized by students in Police Foundations.

“Loyalist College is pleased to support our community United Way campaign,” said College President Maureen Piercy.

“I want to thank the many individuals who helped in this year’s success; the students, alumni, faculty and staff and our partners in the cafeteria and the bookstore, for their efforts. I would especially like to thank the Student Government, the Alumni Association, and students in Professor Kerry Ramsay’s Public Relations class for “Casino Loyale”, and in Professor Larry Cook’s class for their “Police Run” organized in support of the United Way.”

Note: Special recognition also goes to Dan Truman, a Loyalist PR grad who is now the Alumni Relations Co-ordinator at Loyalist. Dan was instrumental in helping to raise funds for this year's United Way Campaign. Way to go, Dan!

On Campus Interview with Dan Truman

Check out this recent On Campus TV clip which features an interview with Loyalist PR grad Dan Truman (08/09)!

Loyalist PR welcomes "Students for a Day"

If you're interested in enrolling in the Post-Graduate Public Relations Program at Loyalist College for the fall of 2010, we'd like to invite you to become a "Student for a Day".

In the past, many prospective students have taken advantage of this free opportunity to take part in one of our Loyalist PR classes.

If you're interested in taking part in "Student for a Day", please contact Professor Kerry Ramsay, Program Co-ordinator at kramsay@loyalistc.on.ca or call 1-888-LOYALIST, ext. 2127.

Please note: Loyalist PR is a post-graduate program, so all applicants to the program must already hold a university degree, a college diploma or be coming directly from the workforce (portfolio to be evaluated by the program co-ordinator on a case-by-case basis).

We will begin accepting applications in January 2010 for the fall of 2010 class. This year's program was waitlisted, so avoid disappointment and apply early at http://www.ontariocolleges.ca/.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Charity Village speaker visits Loyalist PR

A big thanks to Susan Dafoe, Account Manager at Charity Village who spoke about the realities of the non-profit sector with Loyalist PR students yesterday.

Susan brought many amazing things to our attention, including that:

- Canada's non-profit sector is the second-largest in the world (the first is the UK)

- the non-profit sector accounts for 21% of the Canadian workforce (that's 2 million workers)

- 1/3 of the jobs in today's non-profit sector

Guest Blog Post: Quinte Tweet-Up Review

Today's blog post comes to us courtesy of Loyalist PR grad Sara Hamil (2008/09) who has graciously allowed us to reprint her review of Monday night's Quinte Tweet-Up. To visit Sara's blog, visit her at They Call It Gumption:

"This past Monday I had the great pleasure of attending the second-ever Quinte Tweet-Up at The Winchester Arms in Belleville.

One of my favourite things about social media is the way that it brings people together, and not just online. There’s something truly exciting about finally being able to put a face to that Twitter handle you’ve chatting and sharing ideas with. There’s something even more exciting, even satisfying, when you are able to get together with a group of people that probably never would have found each other any other way.

The first official Quinte Tweet-up was organized by @charlottehrb and her friends at @theyinspire. I was living in Toronto at the time so was unable to attend but from the sounds of things, it was a major success! On one hand I was bitter – I hate feeling cut-off from my communities (even when I’m only attached to them by a thread) and having to miss chances to get invovled. But on the other hand I was really impressed – You always hear about tweet-ups happening in bigger urban centres, but I don’t think many people give much thought to pulling together people from smaller areas.

Needless to say, I was excited when @QuintePR (see photo above, pictured with @kerryramsay) decided to pull together a second informal get-together before the holiday rush set in. Having just moved back to the area, it was a great way to meet new friends and catch up with old ones. The turn out was excellent, far better than I would have imagined (a very welcome wake-up call) and included a wide array of incredible people from diverse backgrounds.

Because it lacked any specific theme or agenda, and because the only requirement for entry was that you were a Twitter user from in or around the Quinte area, the floor was open to a variety of topics of conversation – from social media to local politics and everything in between. I think everyone felt very comfortable, learned a lot about each other, had a lot to say and contribute and left with a few more friends by the end of the night.

We had past and present students of Loyalist College’s Public Relations program come out, communications professionals, designers, local advocates, people who were new to the community and people who had traveled pretty far just to be there. It was an inspiring crossing of worlds that brought out lively discussions about the things we’re passionate about and provided a venue to share ideas about our community.

And that’s what it was, really: A community. I haven’t felt that close to my local community in a while and I enjoyed every minute of it! Hopefully we can follow this trend and continue to build upon the solid foundations we’re laying. Can’t wait for the next one!"

Thanks for the guest blog post, Sara! We'll see you at the next Quinte Tweet-Up!

Remembering Brant Bardy (1963-2009)

I was saddened to learn just recently of the sudden passing of Brant Bardy, Communications Officer and Director of Nation Building for the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte (Tyendinaga-Mohawk Territory).

Brant spoke to our Loyalist PR students just a few months ago (see earlier post).

In fact, I was about to contact him to visit our classroom again for the winter semester when I learned of his passing.

For more on Brant Bardy's career and legacy, please click here.

We'll miss you, Brant. Your passion and quiet dignity will never be forgotten.

Photo courtesy of Patrick Hutchison of the Online Pioneer.

Crisis Communications Week Kicks Off

Loyalist PR students kicked off Crisis Communications Week today with a visit from Retired Captain Ian Stock (now an investment advisor with RBC Dominion Securities).

With plenty of war stories (literally) from the field of crisis comms, Ian delivered a comprehensive presentation filled with excellent tips, guidelines and personal anecdotes.

Thanks for stopping by, Ian - it's always great to have you back in the classroom with us!

PR students enjoy trio of guest speakers

A big thanks to three wonderful guest speakers who helped wrap up the week for us here at Loyalist PR.

Yesterday afternoon, students enjoyed an excellent presentation on crisis communications made by Doug Mepham of the Toronto-based MacDonald & Company.

As chair of the Post-Graduate Public Relations Advisory Committee, Doug is considered family around here. His talk about the "unfortunate, unfamiliar and unavoidable" assignments often facing PR professionals gave us all a lot to think about.

Today, we were treated to two more excellent guest appearances.

In the morning, Rhonda Cunningham (see photo above), a Certified Fund Raising Executive (and the Executive Director) with the Northumberland Hills Hospital delivered an outstanding presentation on Major Gifts.

Rhonda's authentic approach to dealing with donors and the general public makes her a wonderful speaker and an ideal mentor.

Finally, Loyalist PR students welcomed Lisa Davis, Marketing Director for Marketwire in our afternoon class.

Lisa's presentation covered everything from how to create meaningful news releases and media lists, to SEO and digital communications. In this PR 2.0 age, Lisa's talk was both informative and timely.

Thanks, Doug, Rhonda and Lisa for taking the time to invest in the PR professionals of tomorrow!

Quinte Tweet-Up: November 23rd

Loyalist PR students and faculty are invited to join the next Quinte Tweet-Up on Monday, November 23rd at 5 p.m. at the Winchester Arms in Belleville.

Come out to meet local tweeters, and to network with Loyalist PR alumni and other area communications professionals and business people.

We hope to see you there!

P.S. Don't forget to follow Loyalist PR on Twitter at @loyalistpr!

Loyalist PR Indoor Climb: December 17th

Hey, Loyalist PR students! Join us for an indoor rock climbing event at the Boiler Room in Kingston on Thursday, December 17th to finish off the semester in style!

We'll be leaving Loyalist at 10 a.m., spending a few hours climbing, then wrapping up the day with dinner at The Coppper Penny (mmmm, cheesecake!).

The cost of the trip is $10 (no fee for transportation - what a great deal!). You need to pay in advance, so please get your money to Kelly or Kelly as soon as you can.

We will be taking the school vans, but students are free to take their own vehicles if they're staying over in Kingston or travelling home after the event.

Be sure to bring comfortable clothing for climbing (there are changerooms there), e.g. shorts, track pants, work-out pants (no jeans) and a t-shirt. The $10 you're paying includes the cost of renting climbing shoes.

Even if you don't plan to climb, we can use all the belayers and cheerleaders we can get. It's sure to be a super fun time, so be a part of it!

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Kelly or Kerry.

We hope to see everyone there!

APEX Public Relations President Visits Loyalist

Loyalist PR students were inspired today by a visit by Pat McNamara, President of the Toronto-based PR firm of APEX Public Relations Inc.

Pat made an excellent presentation to students on life inside a PR agency, as well as offering great job searching tips, and opening students' eyes to the many options they have in the field.

"PR firms are a great launching pad for your career," Pat told Loyalist PR students, adding that since most people spend 2/3 of their adult lifetime working, "why not love what you do?"

With clients like Nike, Kellogs and the Bank of Montreal, APEX provides a wide range of public relations services, from corporate communications and brand marketing to government relations and issues/crisis management.

Pat's presentation included a great recent case study demonstrating agency work in action.

A group scenario challenge also allowed students to stretch their imaginations and focus in on a real-world challenge.

Thank you for a wonderful visit, Pat - we look forward to keeping in touch!

PR interns available for spring 2010

At Loyalist PR, we're proud to send some of the province's most highly skilled students out on internship each spring.

This year, students are seeking four-week, unpaid internships to take place in April or May 2010.

For those of you who aren't familiar with us, the Post-Graduate Public Relations Program at Loyalist College in Belleville, Ontario is a one-year (two-semester) course of studies covering all aspects of the public relations industry.

All students come to the program with a university degree, college diploma, or related years of work experience.

Most students seek internship opportunities in major urban centres, although some prefer to remain based at the local level.

While students are interning with an organization, they are fully covered either by college insurance or by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB).

If you have further questions about providing an internship opportunity for one of our students, please feel free to contact Professor Kerry Ramsay, Co-ordinator of the Loyalist PR Program at (613) 969-1913, ext. 2127 or at kramsay@loyalistc.on.ca.

Thank you!

"Gimme that Cookie!"

First, a big round of applause to Corey Black and Nick Imrie, two Loyalist PR students who are also members of the Lancers Men's Rugby Team here at Loyalist College.

The Lancers won the gold medal and OCAA title in their division last night, and Corey and Nick were definitely major contributors to the team's success! Way to go, boys!

What's interesting about the recent success of the men's rugby team, however, is the tie-in with a fun philosophy we've come to know as the "Gimme that Cookie!" principle.

As Corey explains it, the philosophy stems from a pro athlete's vision of cookies as representing the ultimate championship win. So when you say "Gimme that Cookie!" you're actually on a quest for success in whichever life arena you happen to be in at the time.

For those of us here in Loyalist PR, the "cookie" can represent a number of things: academic achievement, full-time employment or personal success on just about any level.

It's a fun, fresh view of winning that has left us all chanting "Gimme that Cookie!"and striving to be our very best (see photo below of Loyalist PR students with their "cookies"!).

What does the "cookie" represent for you? What goal are you chasing after? Why not apply yourself 110% this year to achieving that goal, and who knows where your dreams will take you!

P.S. Special thanks to Jeremy for supplying the Chips Ahoys Cookies for our gold medalists (and the whole class!).