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, a Graphic Designer with the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club 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