Welcome to Loyalist PR!

This is what a PR internship looks like...

noreply@blogger.com (Loyalist PR) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 18:00:00 +0000

While our Post-Graduate Public Relations students are on internship this month, we miss them a lot!

But it's nice to get "postcards from the field" every now and then -- including this one, featuring current Loyalist PR student Sean Ashbridge, shown here with internship supervisor Bryna Jones, Director of Communications (and Loyalist PR alumna!) for Hardy Stevenson & Associates in Toronto.

In this photo, Sean and Bryna are touring the Portlands Energy Centre in preparation for Doors Open Toronto on May 26th.

Looks like fun, guys --- you just never know where your PR internship will take you!

As internships continue... be excellent!

noreply@blogger.com (Loyalist PR) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 12:35:00 +0000

Thought of the day:

"Excellence is not a singular act, but a habit. You are what you repeatedly do." ~ Artistotle

Loyalist PR student is Male Athlete of Year

noreply@blogger.com (Loyalist PR) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 13:14:00 +0000

Congratulations to Loyalist PR student Matt Woods who earned the title of Male Athlete of the Year at this week's Loyalist College Athletics Banquet.

Matt (originally from Pickering) told the Intelligencer newspaper this week, "As a small, family-oriented college, Loyalist has afforded me opportunities to develop and excel as a volleyball player which I might not have received elsewhere."

Way to go, Matt - we're proud of you!

What's your definition of success?

noreply@blogger.com (Loyalist PR) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 20:41:00 +0000

We love this definition of success by Ralph Waldo Emerson:

To laugh often and much;

To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;

To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;

To appreciate beauty;

To find the best in others;

To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;

To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.

This is to have succeeded.

Thanks for the inspiration, Mr. Emerson!

PRISM Awards celebrate student excellence

noreply@blogger.com (Loyalist PR) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 16:23:00 +0000

Yesterday the Post-Graduate Public Relations Program celebrated the 7th annual PRISM Awards at Occasions by the Bay in Trenton.

The Old Hollywood-themed awards event was planned by a team of five creative students (Chris Barnim, Amanda Oliver, Stephanie Mole, Elysia Geena and Ali Mir). Thanks to the whole planning team!

The recipients of this year's PRISM awards include the following:

2012 PRISM Award for Service
Winner: Lise Rouleau
Honourable Mention: Chris Barnim

2012 PRISM Award for Leadership
Winner: Stacey Wickens
Honourable Mention: Carlie McCann

2012 PRISM Award for Innovation
Winner: Kodie Trahan-Guay
Honourable Mention: Jenn Emon

2012 PRISM Award for Teamwork
Winner: Lucas Wales
Honourable Mention: Kodie Trahan-Guay

2012 PRISM Award for Spirit
Winner: Chris Barnim
Honourable Mentions: Doug Holt and Sean Ashbridge

2012 PRISM Award for New Media
Winner: Casey Telford
Honourable Mention: Jenn Emon

2012 PRISM Award for Professionalism
Winner: Lucie Stuart-Burton
Honourable Mention: Stacey Wickens

2012 PRISM Award for Mentorship
Wilf Wilkinson

2012 Campaign of the Year (Individual)
Winner: Lucie Stuart-Burton
Honourable Mention: Devon Taylor

2012 Campaign of the Year Award (Team)
Winners: Tara MacKinnon, Shannon Burke, Lucie Stuart-Burton
Honourable Mentions: Melissa Semenuk, Stephanie Mole, Chris Barnim, Garrett Coles

Kay Staib Memorial Scholarship
Winner: Stacey Wickens

Congratulations to all students, and thank you for an exceptional year!

It's March madness in Loyalist PR!

noreply@blogger.com (Loyalist PR) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 15:11:00 +0000

What a busy (but fun!) time we've had lately.

Last week, Loyalist PR students pulled off no fewer than FIVE outstanding events, raising money for a variety of worthy causes and holding a number of client events (including the "Work Your Wardrobe" fashion event, pictured at right).

Thanks to all teams for working so hard -- your success is evident as we pick up the newspaper or listen to the radio. You are everywhere!

Keep up the great work, guys -- two more major events this week before internships begin!

You'll do great!

Photo credit: Casey Telford, Loyalist PR

Speed networking event a success!

noreply@blogger.com (Loyalist PR) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 13:52:00 +0000

Thanks to the communications professionals who turned out for this year's Speed Networking event -- a great morning to meet and mingle for our Loyalist PR students.

This year's speed networking professionals included:

Colleen Vickers (Loyalist PR alumna), Special Events Coordinator at City of Quinte West

Carol Snell, Media Relations Consultant with the Prince Edward Hastings Health Unit

Kasey Pollard (Loyalist PR alumna), Destination Development Coordinator at Hastings County

Katie Young, Communications Officer at Greater Peterborough Area Economic Development Corporation

Dan Orr, Communications & Education Technician at Lower Trent Conservation

Brenda Stonehouse, Communications & Strategic Planning Officer at City of Kawartha Lakes

Pam Sylvan, CEO of Pam Sylvan PR

Kerry Lorimer, Media Relations Specialist at Loyalist College

Thanks to everyone who took part, and those who planned the event.

Great job, everyone!

Grad Profile: Erica Holgate (2010/11)

noreply@blogger.com (Loyalist PR) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 15:15:00 +0000

Today's Grad Profile features Erica Holgate (Loyalist PR 10/11) who is now employed as the Community Relations & Fundraising Coordinator at Hospice Quinte. She is also the Community Relations Coordinator for Boston Pizza (Belleville) and does freelance PR work on the side.

Prior to enrolling in the Post-Graduate Public Relations Program at Loyalist College, Erica completed her bachelor's degree in music (minor in drama) from Queen's University.

Loyalist PR: Tell us what you're up to these days, Erica.

Erica Holgate: I hold a couple different positions right now. The majority of my week is spent at Hospice Quinte as the Community Relations and Fundraising Coordinator, and I am also the Community Relations Coordinator for Boston Pizza Belleville. In my spare time I am also heading up my own start-up PR business where I am currently a blogger for The Great Waterway and a social media consultant for a few local organizations.

By holding a few different positions, I believe I am continuing to gain a vast amount of PR experience in a variety of sectors.

Loyalist PR: What are some of your duties in these positions?

EH: A large portion of my time is dedicated to special events. Hospice Quinte has several events a year, with most of the focus being on "A Night oat the Prom" gala right now. Whether I am working at Hospice Quinte or Boston Pizza, creating general awareness is an important aspect of the position. I am continually reaching out to the media regarding our latest news, and to gain participation in our many fundraisers.

I also have a serious interest in social media, so I am consistently blogging and tweeting about the work I am up to as well. Social media is an important duty in today's age in every position, especially if you are in the process of setting up your own personal business.

Loyalist PR: What made you decide to take the PR program at Loyalist College?

EH: When I was trying to decide what my career path should be, my mother actually introduced me to the idea of taking public relations at Loyalist. Both my parents attended Loyalist as young adults, and when I was looking at taking public relations it just seemed like the right fit.

Loyalist PR: How did the PR program help prepare you for your current position?

EH: My year at Loyalist was all about networking, learning from other people in the business and their path in life. I believe that Loyalist PR gave us the opportunities to reach out to people in the community and the public relations field. From our several guest speakers, I was able to decide what sector of public relations interested me the most, and that is what has prepared me the most for where I am today.

It was also through the planning and execution of our own event that I truly learned what it took to run a successful fundraiser. In fact, it was through my Fill That Bus fundraiser last year that I gained the connections that have truly benefited me where I am today.

The real-life application of college really assisted me in understanding what the public relations field was going to be like, and the importance of building community partnerships and relationships.

Loyalist PR: What are some of the highlights from your year in Loyalist PR?

EH: Meeting a few of my closest friends. I've maintained a couple of really close friendships from my year at Loyalist, and I'm excited that one day I may be able to work with them again once I get my business in full swing!

I was also thrilled that out of Loyalist PR came the annual Fill That Bus event for the Gleaner's Food Bank. What started as a school project turned into a fundraiser in honour of Jim Parkhurst who was a dear friend of mine [the event takes place again this June 8th].

Loyalist PR: Any advice for current or future Post-Grad PR students?

EH: For future students: go into the public relations program for the right reasons. Understand that it is not an easy program and requires a lot of effort! I spent the summer before Loyalist PR reading up on public relations, experimenting with all popular social media tools and knew PR was going to be exactly what I wanted to do. You definitely have to have a passion for it.

For current students: Have fun at your internship! It will be the actual start of your PR career, and you'll learn an absolute TON! Also, never be afraid to shake a hand. Everyone has their strengths and you'll never know when that relationship will help you in the future.

Loyalist PR: Thanks, Erica and good luck in your future projects!

World-class leader speaks to Loyalist PR

noreply@blogger.com (Loyalist PR) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 19:29:00 +0000

The students of Loyalist PR were honoured to welcome Wilf Wilkinson to our class this morning as the keynote speaker for our Leadership Week.

A member of Rotary International since 1962, Mr. Wilkinson served as the organization's international president from 2007-2008.

He was named to the Order of Canada in 2007 and was awarded the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal in 2001 by Pope John Paul II for his service to the Catholic church.

As a chartered accountant, he also founded the local firm of Wilkinson & Company.

As a class, we thoroughly enjoyed listening to Mr. Wilkinson's insights on leadership, and hearing his personal stories of meetings with some of the world's greatest leaders (everyone from presidents and the head of the United Nations to Dolly Parton!).

Thank you for gracing us with your presence today, Mr. Wilkinson. You are truly a leader to look up to.

CNW Group speaker visits Loyalist PR

noreply@blogger.com (Loyalist PR) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 19:35:00 +0000

Many thanks to Tarah Cherwoniak of CNW Group for spending the afternoon with us here in the Post-Graduate Public Relations Program.

Tarah made a great presentation on MediaVantage, a media monitoring and management system offered by CNW Group of Toronto.

Thanks for stopping by, Tarah! We enjoyed your visit.

Loyalist PR: one sweet program!

noreply@blogger.com (Loyalist PR) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:56:00 +0000

Not only do we have the world's best students in the Post-Grad Public Relations Program, we also have the world's best parents of students.

Thanks for the cookies (again), Ms. Ashbridge -- will you be our valentine?

Loyalist PR welcomes distinguished guest

noreply@blogger.com (Loyalist PR) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:41:00 +0000

Many thanks to Graham Murray, government relations specialist with the Government of Ontario who stopped by to spend time with our Post-Graduate Public Relations students this afternoon.

With more than 40 years of experience under his belt, Mr. Murray shared his wit and wisdom with our students today, as we wrapped up Government Relations Week here in Loyalist PR.

Thanks for taking the time to travel from Toronto to spend your day with us, Mr. Murray!

University grads: considering post-grad PR?

noreply@blogger.com (Loyalist PR) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:24:00 +0000

"I knew I needed more than my degree in the competitive field of international development.

I saw the Post-Grad Public Relations program as an opportunity to gain hands-on skills and combine them with my university theory.

At Loyalist I’ve gained the confidence to tell employers 'I can,' rather than, 'I think I can.' I could not be happier with my career."

~ Alex Sancton, Internal Communications Manager, World Vision (Canada); Alex is a graduate of Loyalist PR and Dalhousie University's International Development Program.

noreply@blogger.com (Loyalist PR) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:44:00 +0000

Loyalist PR students set volleyball records

noreply@blogger.com (Loyalist PR) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:06:00 +0000

Congrats to Kyle Donnan (pictured above) and Matt Woods, two Loyalist PR students who recently set records in men's OCAA volleyball.

According to the OCAA, "fifth-year left side Kyle Donnan (Pickering, Ont.) broke the all-time Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) career record for kills last Sunday in a 3-2 (25-27, 25-19, 23-25, 25-21, 15-12) victory over Boreal.

Donnan's eight kills now gives him 724 for his career, surpassing the old record of 719 set by Redeemer's Ryan Talsma during the 2009-10 season. Donnan entered this season in third place on the all-time list.

Earlier this season, fifth-year teammate Matt Woods (Pickering, Ont.) set the all-time OCAA record for service aces. Woods now has 157 to his credit, surpassing the old record of 133 set by Trent's Ian Rettie in 2009-10. Woods entered this season in second place on the all-time list.Both Donnan and Woods have eight more games remaining to pad their records. Loyalist is currently in fifth place in the OCAA East region with a record of 8-4. The top six teams earn a post-season berth.The OCAA men's volleyball championship will take place at Nipissing University in North Bay, Ont. from Feb. 23-25."

Way to go, Kyle and Matt!

Focus group training for PR students

noreply@blogger.com (Loyalist PR) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:36:00 +0000

Loyalist PR students were honoured to welcome Ellen Cooper, President of Quadra Research to our classroom yesterday.

Ellen provided us with some excellent teaching on how to hold an effective focus group, and even provided the opportunity for some Oscar-winning role playing!

Thanks for stopping by, Ellen!

PR students attend writing workshop

noreply@blogger.com (Loyalist PR) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:26:00 +0000

Big thanks to Greg Frankson (aka Ritallin) who joined us yesterday for a dynamic performance/workshop session on slam poetry writing.

Why slam poetry in a PR class? To loosen the brain muscles and get us thinking in new and unexpected ways, of course!

This week has been all about challenging ourselves to get back in the creative groove -- and it's definitely produced some great work (not to mention lots of laughs).

Thanks for an amazing workshop, Greg. Always a pleasure!

Grad Profile: Kasey Pollard (2010/11)

noreply@blogger.com (Loyalist PR) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:17:00 +0000

Today's graduate profile features Kasey Pollard (2010/11) who is now employed as the Destination Development Coordinator with Hastings County in the Planning and Economic Development Department.

Prior to enrolling in Post-Graduate Public Relations at Loyalist College, Kasey completed a Honours B.A. in Tourism and Environment at Brock University.

Loyalist PR: Why did you choose to enrol in the Post-Graduate Public Relations Program at Loyalist College?

Kasey: I chose to go to Loyalist after I took a tour of the campus. I was impressed by the size of the classes and the way the school felt like a community.

After attending larger campuses, like the University of Waterloo and Brock University, I knew I wanted to study somewhere were the instructor to student ratio was lower. However, the main deciding factor was that the only program coordinator to send an in-depth email that answered my questions, and then some, was from Kerry, which basically sealed the deal for me.

Loyalist PR: Can you describe some of your current duties as a Destination Development Coordinator with Hastings County?

Kasey: My primary duties involve coordinating the Premier-Ranked Tourism Destination Development Project and acting as a liaison between the many tourism stakeholders across the county.

Some tasks include organizing meetings, managing the website, promoting tourism initiatives and increasing online presence through social media, and assisting tasks groups with developing tourism assets (like recreational geology, the Arts Route and wellness tourism).

Loyalist PR: How did Loyalist PR help prepare you for your current position?

Kasey: The PR program gave me a wealth of tools that enabled me to make use of the degree I got in University. I didn’t know how to connect the dots between theory and practice after I graduated, and knew I needed some hands on skills that would bridge the gaps.

Since Loyalist PR, I can now effectively communicate the knowledge I have on sustainable tourism and community development. From print interviews to presenting ideas to different audiences and knowing how to writing for various platforms, I’m now prepared and feel confident with my work.

Loyalist PR: Any highlights from your year in Loyalist PR?

Kasey: When I look back on the year, it seems every day had a highlight of its own – thanks to the colourful personality of classmates. If I had to pick two, the United Way Fundraiser and the Christmas Party at Wayne’s were definitely memorable.

Loyalist PR: Any words of advice for this year's students?

Kasey: Now that the second semester is here, it’ll soon be time for internships. Make sure to give it your all wherever you find your placement and go above and beyond with your work. Whether or not your internship turns into a full-time job, you’ll gain invaluable contacts that will someday make or break a future opportunity.

Loyalist PR: Thanks, Kasey - and good luck with your career!

Grad Profile: Troy Stewart, Snap Design

noreply@blogger.com (Loyalist PR) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:39:00 +0000

Today's Grad Profile features Troy Stewart (2010/11) who is now employed as the Marketing Strategist at Snap Design in Belleville, Ontario.

Prior to enrolling in the Post-Graduate Public Relations Program at Loyalist College, Troy completed an Honors Bachelor of Arts at the University of Western Ontario.

Loyalist PR: What made you decide to enroll in Loyalist PR?

Troy Stewart: I chose Loyalist PR due to the great reputation it had. I researched online and found this blog, and also spoke with Kerry Ramsay through emails. The active online presence plus Kerry’s quick email responses were a large factor.

Looking at the various course outlines on the Loyalist PR site also appealed to me more than other competing PR programs. They seemed much more specific, and were fit into a one year program rather than two or three year diplomas.

Also, the smaller city size of Belleville was a large factor as I did not want to move somewhere within the GTA. Coming from London, I had already experienced a large city and I liked the small, picturesque city of Belleville

Loyalist PR: What are some of your typical duties in your role as Marketing Strategist with Snap Design?

Troy Stewart: Typical duties include meeting with clients, preparing marketing reports, handling social media/PR and overall marketing of Snap, creating proposals and attending networking events. There are a lot of different roles that I play depending on the day.

Loyalist PR: How would you say Loyalist PR helped prepare you for your current role?

Troy Stewart: Pretty much everything in Loyalist PR helped me with my current role! The overall introduction to marketing and branding really helped me to understand not just PR, but marketing in general. Now that I am doing marketing, and not just PR, it has been a huge help. As well, PR professionals will need to know marketing, even if they just focus on PR.

The focus on social media helped immensely as well, since it is such an emerging communications channel. I’ve continued to keep up my “class assignment” blog while simultaneously running Snap Design’s blog.

I find the key to social media is not just making a post and waiting for people to comment, but to actively seek out popular bloggers and Tweeters, and then create a discussion with them.

Working with clients, especially in the second semester, really helped with learning how to deal with clients and understanding their desires. With my university background I was comfortable with writing reports, and Loyalist PR helped refined those skills.

Loyalist PR: Can you share with us any highlights of your year with Loyalist PR?

Troy Stewart: The trip to Toronto and meeting George Strombolopolous was a great experience. That was a highlight for me. Got to see Steamwhistle and their great marketing team while also seeing George who has always been an icon to me since his days at Much Music.

Another highlight was the Christmas Party at Wayne’s! Held at Castle Carruthers, it was great hearing Santa rap, while having a great time with secret Santa.

Lastly, the PRISM awards were a great highlight for me as well. The team I was in won the Respect Campaign awards, which was a great accomplishment because we put a lot of effort into that report! It’s great to see what the campaign has done this year, and it is great to know that we may have improved the College for the better.

Loyalist PR: Any advice for current or future Loyalist PR students?

Troy Stewart: I would say networking as soon as possible is key to success. I really believe that if you have a passion and connect with people, you will be successful. Get out there, get people to know you and when it comes time to search for an internship or job, people won’t just see you as another resume, they’ll know you for who you are.

Loyalist PR: Any final thoughts?

Troy Stewart: It was a great year at Loyalist PR and thanks for having me write a guest blog post! I hope all students of this program the best of success in whatever path they choose.

Loyalist PR: Thanks, Troy and we wish you continued success in what promises to be a wonderful career!

Thought for today:

noreply@blogger.com (Loyalist PR) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:59:00 +0000

"When you're finished changing, you're finished." ~ Benjamin Franklin

Guest speaker from TalentEgg

noreply@blogger.com (Loyalist PR) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 23:01:00 +0000

Today Loyalist PR students welcomed an alumna of the program, Amanda Attard (Loyalist PR 2006/07) back into the classroom, this time as a guest speaker.

Amanda, who is now a Client Relations Specialist with TalentEgg (based in Toronto), guided students through the agency's web site and job search features which are ideally suited for many graduating college and university students.

Thanks for dropping by, Amanda -- it was great to see you again!

$29,805 for the United Way of Quinte!

noreply@blogger.com (Loyalist PR) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 18:36:00 +0000

Loyalist PR students were on hand today to help present a cheque for $29,805 to the United Way of Quinte.

In addition to Loyalist PR's "United Way Truckload Sale" which raised $18,611, the Loyalist College community donated an additional $11,194 thanks to pancake breakfast, employee donations, the annual Police Run and other fundraising efforts.

Way to go, Loyalist!

Photo by Martina Sansom

Guest speaker from Canada Dry Mott's

noreply@blogger.com (Loyalist PR) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 20:22:00 +0000

Big thanks to Alison Bing, Communications Manager for Canada Dry Mott's who stopped by to speak to Loyalist PR students this past week.

Offering great case studies and branding insights from a corporate point of view, Alison held our attention and inspired us with her energy, skill and enthusiasm.

We appreciate you stopping by, Alison!

Loyalist PR at Kingston conference

noreply@blogger.com (Loyalist PR) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 23:52:00 +0000

Today Loyalist PR students took part in a full day of conference programming at National Philanthropy Day in downtown Kingston.

The day was filled with learning, networking and general merriment (of course!).

Thanks to AFP Kingston for the opportunity to take part in this important conference. We'll see you again next year!

Loyalist PR student in Rick Hansen Relay

noreply@blogger.com (Loyalist PR) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 13:04:00 +0000

Congrats to Loyalist PR student Casey Telford who recently took part in the Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay in Trenton.

We're proud of you, Casey!