Seven WCU students spent 3 days in Washington D.C. learning and networking with public relations professionals during the ICON conference, the largest bi-annual conference in the PR industry for professionals and students.
These communication students are just a small number that represents many many more who have been impacted in the 30 years of PRSSA’s WCU chapter.
This homecoming on Saturday, Nov. 8 the Communication Department will celebrate this anniversary. The event is at the Center for Applied Technology Building from noon to 2p.m.
PRSSA is a nationwide professional development organization for students interested in public relations and communication. As an organization, PRSSA at WCU has fostered an environment of growth, opportunity and mentorship for students.
During the event the Department will recognizing 10 outstanding PRSSA alumni and three professional advisors.
The event will also include enjoying lunch together, connecting alums and current students. The radio station 95.3 WWCU and the student run WHEE TV will simulcast the festivities and interviews with the guests.
Throughout the fall 2025 semester Public Relations professor Dr. Betty Farmer and her PR Case Studies students have worked together in the planning of this event.
“I am very proud to showcase the outstanding work of some of our public relations students over the last 30 years as part of the 30th Anniversary Celebration of WCU PRSSA. I am very excited to see alumni that I haven’t seen in many years and for our alumni to connect with each other and our current students. It’s going to be a great event,” Farmer said.
The class has been divided into several smaller groups of students who have spent the semester working on a specific tasks like crating profile stories for past student leaders, faculty and professional advisors; building a historical timeline of milestone moments and promoting the event on social media and the organization contacts build over the past 30 years.
Communication Department Head and present advisor to the WCU PRSSA chapter, Dr. Scott Eldredge, traveled with the students to Washington D.C. and says that student organizations like PRSSA provides opportunities for students to grow outside of the classroom.
“Our goal is not to just get students a degree; our mission is to help students build a strong foundation to launch their professional careers, connect them with the professional community, and grow the positive impact communication and public relations can have on our world. Celebrating this significant milestone for PRSSA at WCU reminds us of our mission and demonstrates our commitment to student academic and professional success,” said Eldredge.
Mykala Anderson a senior communication student has been involved with PRSSA throughout her college career at WCU.
“I am excited for this opportunity to meet and engage with alumni,” said Anderson “I hope to gain some good advice and even some ideas of where to apply.”
Anderson is graduating in May 2026 and is already looking for jobs. Attending professional conference and meeting alums provides a good opportunity to network and grow as professional.
Author is a student in the class organizing the event and member of PRSSA.
WCJ is a student run media news website under the Communication Department.
