 In the summer of 2024, I had the pleasure of interning at Vitamix Corporation in Olmsted Falls, Ohio.
I had an amazing experience learning about the company and corporate public relations. This internship helped me figure out that I want to go into Agency PR so I can work with different clients and agencies. I hope to use this experience to guide me in my job search after graduation. I previously thought I wanted to go into corporate public relations, but I really enjoyed the work I did with Vitamix’s partnering agency, Marcus Thomas, so I am looking forward to getting agency experience. While at Vitamix, I worked on a variety of tasks, ranging from writing press releases to conducting competitive media audits to assess our performance in comparison to our competitors. During my first full week, I was tasked with writing a press release to coincide with a Mother's Day event the company had held prior to my working with the company. The press release was on the results of a maternal wellness survey Vitamix conducted to find out what the barriers are for mothers to achieve whole food nutrition and wellness in their lives. We found that by utilizing small kitchen appliances like blenders, mothers can save time in the kitchen and focus more on their health and not just their families. This was the first time I ever wrote in the brand voice, and I really enjoyed it. The press release has had the highest syndications and pick-ups ever since partnering with Marcus Thomas in 2020. I was extremely proud of myself and was glad I got to do that for the company. I also got the chance to do a couple of creative projects that utilized my creative and design skills, which I really enjoyed. Additionally, I got to practice corporate social responsibility, as well as get involved in DEI efforts at the company. We took an intern field trip to the Rid-All Green Partnership, an urban farm in downtown Cleveland, where we got to spend a day giving back to the community by doing yard work around the farm. Overall, I had an amazing experience interning at Vitamix and really felt that I got to put the skills I learned at Kent State to work in the real world, which was rewarding. I encourage all young Public Relations students to get an internship in a Public Relations sector they want to go into and also a sector they do not want to go into to diversify their public relations skills pre-graduation. This internship showed me that corporate public relations is an industry I am good at and should consider pursuing a career in.
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The Bateman Flashes for Libraries campaign targets Kent State students, faculty and community members to build support for the EveryLibrary political action committee (PAC), the first and only PAC in the United States dedicated to supporting libraries. The team uses in-person tactics, such as tabling and events, as well as social media outreach to build a network of advocates who support pro-library legislation and oppose book bans and censorship. Flashes for Libraries consists of six team members:
Become an EveryLibrary Student Activist Students looking for experience in advocacy can pledge to become a #EveryLibraryStudentActivist by posting on Instagram or TikTok about their favorite banned book or why they support libraries. Tag and mention @kentstateeverylibrary and @_everylibrary_ to get noticed! Students can solidify their support by filling out this form. Staying Informed Fill out this form to sign up for EveryLibrary’s mailing list to keep up with current events and opportunities to get involved. Library Tabling Flashes for Libraries is tabling on the first floor of the Kent State University Library on Thursdays from 5:30-7:30 p.m., and Fridays from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Stop by to receive complementary informational materials, bookmarks, stickers and donuts! “Voices for Freedom” Q&A Panel Event Flashes for Libraries hosted the “Voices for Freedom” panel event on Saturday, March 1, from 1-3 p.m. at the Reflections Gallery (room 141) in Taylor Hall. The event had Stephanie Smith, Ph.D, and J D Ponder, Ph.D, as guest speakers, discussing activism, book banning and disinformation. The attendees enjoyed pizza and beverages while listening to the panel. Then, competed in a banned book and library trivia game and the top three winners received themed gift baskets.  Bateman Team 2024-2025: Voices for Freedom Gavin Zivoder Kent State University is a diverse public institution shaped by hardworking students and faculty. Regardless of skin color, birthplace, religious beliefs or gender identity, we have built a community that lifts each other in times of adversity. On January 20, President Trump signed a series of executive orders aimed at eliminating what the White House is calling “wasteful government DEI programs and preferencing,” arguing that these initiatives were "illegal" and "immoral". While thousands of federal employees have been unemployed by DEI rollbacks, the Ohio government has launched Senate Bill 1, a sweeping higher education overhaul, backed by Trump’s 14-day deadline to eliminate DEI programs in schools, threatened with funding cuts if schools do not comply. As the bill waits for the Ohio House, students have voiced their concerns. From protests at Ohio University to students saying they will leave Ohio if this legislation puts public institutions like Kent State in hot water. How This Affects the School of Media and Journalism and Kent State For decades, Kent State has valued itself on free expression, diverse perspectives and inclusivity in education. Outside Taylor Hall, 55 years ago, four students were killed and nine were injured for actively using their First Amendment rights. In an institution built on the power of their students' voices, the limitations of freedom of speech have no home here. “I will continue to support my students in whatever ways, they have full reign of their content,” Kent State Director of Student Media Katrina Chandler said. “I don’t need a law to tell me how to care for, involve or include somebody.” The threat to eliminate DEI may have profound effects on both students and faculty across not just the School of Media and Journalism, but all disciplines at Kent State. “I will say if a law is unethical and should not be followed, but I won’t be your president after I say that,” President Todd Daicon said. If we continue using words associated with Trumps 'forbidden list’ such as ‘black,’ inequality,’ ‘LGBT,’ ‘disability’ or ‘women,’ could we also be putting ourselves at risk? Can faculty ensure that students continue to have opportunities for fair and equal opportunities? What will happen to DEI-related job opportunities that were once a growing field within PR and corporate communications? Will MDJ need to adjust its curriculum to reflect a new era of anti-wokeness, or will it resist these changes? All of this is still unknown, but one thing is for sure, Kent State will not abandon its core values. “Our commitment remains steadfast: to ensure that all members of our community feel valued, supported and heard.” President Todd Daicon said in an email early last month. Faculty and Student Concerns: What’s Next for Kent State? For Kent State faculty, this presents an urgent dilemma. Either comply with the new restrictions or push back and risk losing funding. To ensure the shut down of diversity programs, Trump says he “will advance a measure to have them fined up to the entire amount of their endowment.” For students, the impact is both immediate and personal. Opportunities for accessible education, especially for those who have faced systemic oppression, may be limited. “Black women, in particular, remain one of the most disrespected and marginalized groups in America. They have to constantly work hard to prove their worth in a patriarchal society while also combating racism and systemic oppression,” said Chania Crawford, a senior Kent State student and president of PRSSA Kent. “Without DEI, these barriers become even harder to overcome, leading to fewer academic and career-building opportunities.” On behalf of PRSSA Kent, we have a deep connection to student activism and free speech. We will continue to support DEI programs and protect integrity and inclusivity. Welcome New Members!
We are so excited to welcome all the new members of PRSSA Kent:
Whether you’re a first-year student, a transfer or an upperclassman looking to dive deeper into public relations, you have made an excellent decision by joining our community. PRSSA Kent brings together students from all backgrounds to develop new PR skills, grow their network and build a portfolio that will last long after graduation. This semester, we have a variety of events and opportunities for our new members to get more involved. New members of PRSSA Kent who are interested in having a mentor or assisting the executive board are encouraged to take this survey. As you embark on your journey with PRSSA Kent, we encourage you to take full advantage of everything we offer. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, attend events and get involved. We’re thrilled to have you on board and can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’ll accomplish during your time with us. Contact our VP of Membership, [email protected], for any questions.  Q: Name, hometown, major/minor: My name is Caitlyn, and I’m from Hartland, Wisconsin, a town right outside of Milwaukee. I’m a sophomore majoring in public relations, and I have a minor in Event Planning. Q: How long have you been a member of PRSSA?: I’ve been a PRSSA member for a year and a half! Q: What do you enjoy most about being on the board?
As the Vice President of Fundraising and Community Outreach, I enjoy being able to help our chapter grow through fundraising. Through events I’ve led, like the Homecoming Silent Auction, we raised over $2000 for our chapter, which is a huge accomplishment! Being able to assist our chapter through this position has been such a rewarding experience. Q: What are your hobbies outside of work/school? I’m a big outdoors girl, my friends always tease me for how much I love going on walks, but I have to get outdoors every day. Whether it’s a short 45-minute walk during the winter or a six-mile walk on a sunny day, I enjoy them equally! Besides the outdoors, I love curating my Spotify and Pinterest, just enjoying media that connects to my personality. Q: Favorite movie and why? This is such a great question because I love movies. I’m the girl who logs everything I watch on Letterboxd. I’d tell you my top four, but I think my all-time favorite would be La La Land. Just the idea that loving someone is never a waste, no matter how short or long a relationship is. Love still serves a purpose, and sometimes, the absence of love helps us grow in ways we didn’t know we needed. That’s some of the messages the movie plays into. |
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