PRSSA at USF

The USF football team’s rapid success might be on the minds of many around campus, but something else has framed the topic of conversation for public relations students this semester: the Bateman Competition.

A national case study competition, the Bateman Competition is a unique opportunity for public relations students to design and implement a public relations campaign. Last year’s project: Chevrolet’s Safe Kids Buckle Up campaign. Students face many factors when deciding whether to apply for a position on the Bateman Team.

Many of the students who applied are currently enrolled in issues, writing, and research. Some students feel that a position on the Bateman Team is a good opportunity.

 “The opportunities that will come from gaining a position on the Bateman team can greatly influence my future career options,” said a senior public relations student who wishes to remain anonymous. “Aside from providing great portfolio pieces, a position on the Bateman Team provides students a chance to be a part of USF history.”

Other students feel that they will be better prepared for the competition next year. “I decided not to apply for the Bateman team this year because I am busy and the team members need to devote a lot of time and energy into it,” said Rose Rezaei, a junior majoring in public relations. “I plan on applying next year after I am further along in the PR sequence.”

Public relations professors are enthusiastic about this year’s competition. Imagination, hard work, diligence, and organization are some of the necessary qualities the team members must possess. Professors want to see the Bateman Competition as a main focus of those in the sequence.

“The real measure of success is not how many apply this year, but next year,” said Professor and PRSSA Faculty Adviser Bob Batchelor.

So what will winning the Bateman Competition do for USF?

“USF winning Bateman would be like the USF Bulls winning the National Championship,” said Batchelor.

                                                                                               -Lauren Murley, Alyssa Evans-Keene, Christy Walker
 

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2007 USF BATEMAN TEAM

PRSSA is proud to announce the team members of the 2007 USF Bateman team. These five individuals will have the opportunity to design and implement a campaign for Safe Kids Buckle Up program in the national 2007 PRSSA Bateman Competition.

ANGELICA BENJAMIN
Angelica is a 21-year-old public relations student from Orlando, Fla. She previously held a position on the marketing committee for Volunteer USF. Currently, Angelica is the business affairs director for Reynoir Clothing.

As a member of USF’s Bateman team, she hopes to further her knowledge base and skill about the creative aspects of the field. “I also hope to learn from my teammate’s experiences and knowledge,” said Angelica.

ALYSSA EVANS-KEENE
Bateman member, Alyssa Evans-Keene, 22, is from San Jose, Costa Rica. She currently works as the media relations intern at Moffitt Cancer Center. She formerly interned with The HLA Group and worked for A Bay Affair as an assistant event planner. She performs research, writes and edits press releases, coordinates media interviews and assists with other public relations functions.

Alyssa holds high goals for this year’s team. “I would like to see this team design a comprehensive, creative, and effective campaign that utilizes the strengths of all its members. I think we have an excellent chance of finding ourselves in the winner’s circle in May.”

LAUREN MURLEY
Lauren, 21, from Parkland, Fla. works at a local public relations firm, Harmon Tampa Public Relations. She has worked with the firm’s team for the past year and a half and helps to maintain client relations, assist in development, planning and implementation of public relations programs for the firm’s entertainment and hospitality industry clients by conducting research, writing press releases, maintaining media relations, planning events and more.

As one qualified team member, Lauren believes in this year’s team. “I am confident that our team has what it takes to be regarded as one of the best in the nation,” said Lauren. “This team has the desire, intelligence and passion to successfully implement the Safe Kids Buckle Up program in the Tampa area and that is something I am so honored to represent.”

MEG ROBERTS
Meg is a 21-year-old public relations student from Jacksonville, Fla. She currently serves as the Director of Media Relations for USF Student Government. She previously interned at Environmental PR Group and Baymeadows Primary Care. In addition, Meg held the Director of Public Relations position for the Pan-Hellenic Council.

Being on the Bateman competition is an honorable award; however, it will also clear a path for Meg to carry out her ambitions. “First, I want to help raise awareness about car safety for young teenagers. It's a cause I feel strongly about, and I know this campaign will save lives. Beyond that, I also want USF to realize the talent level of students in the PR sequence. We are a top program, and it's time we made our presence known on this campus while increasing the academic prestige of this university.”

DANIEL WADE
Daniel, 26, made his way to USF from Albany, New York. He currently interns in the public affairs office for Tampa Bay Water. Daniel is also the president of the honor society, Sigma Alpha Pi. He has prior experience as a sports editor for Daytona Beach Community College’s newspaper, In Motion.

The Bateman Competition is an outlet for Daniel to exercise his skills and to highlight the virtue of the public relations field. “I am honored and excited to demonstrate the knowledge and education I’ve learned from the public relations professors from USF. This year’s program, Safe Kids Buckle Up, is a prime example of how public relations can benefit the world.”