The ETSU chapters of the Society of Professional Journalists and the Public Relations Student Society of America will hold a social gathering for journalism and public relations students and faculty Sunday, March 20.
The goal of the event is to help journalism and public relations students get to know each other and become more comfortable with the program and its campus organizations, said Melanie Herrington, president of SPJ.
Herrington came up with the idea for the event when she realized journalism students had few opportunities to meet outside of classes and, as a result, might be reluctant to join the campus professional organizations that could be helpful to their careers.
“[SPJ] has given me connections with people I otherwise would not have met,” said Herrington, who is also the photo editor for the East Tennessean student newspaper.
“The experiences I have gained working at the paper and with SPJ has influenced my career decisions, as well as giving me more insight and knowledge on my field of study,” she said.
Herrington worked with SPJ and PRSSA Adviser Lise Cutshaw to organize and raise funds for the event.
“This is the first time in my experience in the communication department that journalism and public relations students will just meet and greet,” Cutshaw said.
“I think it’s a great idea, and a great chance to chat with all the public relations and journalism full-time and adjunct faculty in an informal setting.”
The event will take place from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. in East Tennessee Room on the third floor of the D.P. Culp Center. All journalism and public relations majors and minors are invited to attend. For more information or to RSVP, e-mail Cutshaw at cutshaw@etsu.edu or call 439-4199.

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