Penn State’s chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America was established in September of 1997 to help all students, regardless of major, to broaden their background and knowledge of public relations and the communications industry. Penn State received its official charter on March 1, 1998. Since then the chapter has grown to be the second largest in the country boasting over 250 members. The chapter is named for its professional advisor Lawrence G. Foster who is reknowned in the public relations industry for his handling of the 1986 Tylenol crisis for Johnson & Johnson.
Regional Activity Coordinator
Andrea Crawford is a senior double majoring in public relations and English with a minor in business and liberal arts. She has been actively invovled in PRSSA for the past three years. Previously she held the position of event planning committee co-chair and was a member of the THON committee. Andrea currently held internships with Penn State Football Marketing Department and Our Lady of Victory Catholic School in the fall. This past summer she interned at UPMC Bedford Memorial. Additionally, she is involved in Happy Valley Communications, The Great Show Squad, FutuRES THON and works as a Resident Assistant. Please feel free to contact Andrea at acrawford1123@gmail.com.
Fun Fact: Andrea does not eat a single fruit or vegetable – really.
Creative and Development Coordinator
Carley Lang is a senior with a major in Public Relations and minors in Psychology and International Studies. This is her first year with PRSSA, where she is also a member of the Communications Committee. She also is a member of Sigma Kappa sorority and is an Account Associate with Happy Valley Communications. In her free time, Carley enjoys exercising, reading and laughing hysterically while watching Modern Family. She has completed multiple internships while in college and is currently with the External Relations Office for the College of Communications. Feel free to contact Carley at carleylang@gmail.com.
Fun Fact: Carley has a love of pickles that some might call an obsession.
Donor Relations Coordinator
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Chelsea Sweithelm is a junior majoring in Public Relations with a minor in Recreation, Park and Tourism Management. This is her third year as an active member of PRSSA. Along with planning the Regional Activity, she is involved with Penn State’s student-run PR firm, Happy Valley Communications, where she works with a non-profit organization. Chelsea is also a member of THON’s Rules and Regulations committee doing arena management. Last year, she interned with WPSU’s blog, Blue Robot, as a music reviewer. Chelsea’s extremely excited for the Regional Activity and looks forward to meeting tons of new people! To contact Chelsea about sponsorship or donating to the Regional Activity, email her at csweithelm@gmail.com.
Fun Fact: After a day of stalking Taylor Lautner outside his movie set in Pittsburgh, she was asked to be an extra in his movie Abduction!
Donor Relations Coordinator
Brittany Greff is a junior pursuing a dual major in Public Relations and International Studies with a minor in Spanish. This is her second year in PRSSA. Brittany has held internships with Wenner Media and JCPR, Inc. On campus, she is actively involved with PRSSA and A-7 THON. She is an account associate for the student-run public relations firm, Happy Valley Communications, and she works with several non-profit organizations. Brittany is currently studying abroad in Barcelona this spring, so although she’d love help you out, she’s having way too much fun in Europe!
Fun Fact: Brittany once ate at Sonic in Pittsburgh . . . dressed like Lady Gaga.
Finance & Logistics Coordinator
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Stephanie Williams is a junior Public Relations major with a triple minor in Business, Psychology, and Recreation Parks and Tourism Management. This is her third year as an active member of PRSSA. Last summer, Stephanie interned with WPSU-TV in State College, PA. On campus, she is currently the THON chair for her sorority, Omega Phi Alpha, and an account associate for Happy Valley Communications, a student-run public relations firm. If you have any questions about registration for the activity feel free to contact Stephanie at swill705@gmail.com.
Fun Fact: Steph has performed in the Spectromagic Light Parade in Disney World twice!
Outreach Coordinator
Brittany Thomas is a senior with a double major in Public Relations and Psychology. This is her second year in PRSSA, where she previously was an active member of the Event Planning Committee. She also holds the position of Membership Chairperson for Mortar Board and is an Account Associate with Happy Valley Communications. In her free time, Brittany enjoys fencing with the Penn State Fencing Club and performing with the Belly Dancing Club. She has held several intern positions in the past years, most recently with the External Relations Office for the College of Communications. If you have any questions regarding registration on promotional items for your chapter you can contact Brittany at brittany.thomas89@gmail.com.
Fun Fact: Brittany is incapable of floating – even in the ocean
Public Relations Coordinator
Cait Gossert is a junior with a dual major in public relations and art history, with hopes of one day working for the Smithsonian. She is an Account Executive for Happy Valley Communications and has been an active member of PRSSA for the past two years. She currently works as the public relations intern at The State Theatre in downtown State College. Cait worked for Tierney Communications this summer as a public relations intern and put together a full campaign for the United Way of South Eastern Pennsylvania. She also has a love for THON, has been involved for three years and is hoping to dance in THON 2011. If you would like to feature our Regional Activity in your media or are interested in speaking please contact Cait at caitgossert@gmail.com
Fun Fact: Cait’s golden retriever, named Willie after Willie Nelson, is her best friend.
Special Events Coordinator
Sarah Deem is a senior public relations major, double minoring in Spanish and business liberal arts. Sarah has been an active member of PRSSA for three years and previously served on the event planning committee. She is also involved in Happy Valley Communications and has had two PR internships, both at small advertising agencies. If you have any questions regarding Friday’s social please e-mail Sarah at shdeem@gmail.com.
Fun Fact: Sarah’s favorite thing to do is see Broadway’s touring shows in Philadelphia – she has a slight obsession with Mamma Mia 🙂
Social Media Coordinator
Valerie Faustine is a senior with a double major in Public Relations and Psychology. This is her second year with PRSSA and she has been actively involved in the THON Committee both years. She is currently an intern for The Penn State College of Communications, Office of External Relations at which her main responsibility is writing articles for The Communicator and Penn State Live. Valerie interned for Simon Public Relations Group, Inc., a boutique PR agency in Philadelphia, this summer. When she is not studying or working, you can find Valerie at her family’s bayside condo in Ocean City, New Jersey. If you have any questions regarding one of our social media sites, feel free to contact Valerie at vafaustine@gmail.com.
Fun Fact: Valerie can cross one eye and keep the other looking straight ahead.