Wrapping it Up

By Lisa Sisk

Wow. That’s a one-word definition of the 2008 Atlanta Public Relations Experience Maymester class. But there’s so much more to say!

Twenty-two delightful young adults agreed to join me in the Atlanta adventure and I am very grateful to each one of them for many reasons. They all embraced the experience fully, participating in discussions with our hosts, asking deep and intelligent questions, and reaffirming why I love teaching in the School of Journalism and Mass Communications.

As you’ve read, our days were packed with visits and long bus rides from one to the next. We awoke early and stayed up late, but I rarely heard complaints that they were tired or bored. You also have read about the bonding and friendships they formed during the class and on the trip. For me, watching that happen was remarkable. We all come from various backgrounds, but we became a family. I already miss spending time with them!

Special thanks are in order. Dr. Shirley Staples Carter, director of the SJMC, had the idea for such a class three years ago and asked me to develop it and teach it with two colleagues. They’ve both retired, but I’m still here! She has continually supported this endeavor. College of Mass Communications and Information Studies Dean Charles Bierbauer also is supportive and encouraging, and introduced me to some of his former CNN colleagues with whom we visited in Atlanta.

Beverly Dominick is the SJMC internship coordinator. She graciously agreed to come along on the trip. I could handle the two weeks in class, and I could even handle all the details that went into planning such a trip, but I didn’t think I could handle being the only “adult” on the trip! Thank you, Beverly, for helping me corral the students. Terry Dixon, director of development for the College, and Elaine Taylor, the College’s alumni relations director, planned a lovely reception for Atlanta-area alums and my students on Wednesday evening. Elaine stayed with us the rest of the trip; I hope she enjoyed the students’ company as much as they enjoyed hers.

Professor John Besley agreed to accompany us for most of our time in Atlanta. I think Dr. Besley’s perspective was invaluable and we truly appreciate his taking time away from his family to join us.

Darwin McCray of Southern Connections Tours was our chauffeur for our week in Atlanta. He was so professional, delivering us safely to each of our destinations in busy Atlanta traffic. The air conditioning failed on our way to Atlanta. Mr. McCray drove halfway back to Columbia on Memorial Day to meet another driver so he could exchange the bus for a cool one. We were thrilled that he could join us on some of our adventures to CNN. Turner Studios, the Carter Center, the King Center, the alumni reception and the Georgia Aquarium.

You may have noticed that a few students’ bylines are missing from our blog. Bill Lane coordinated the blogging effort, collected the entries from his classmates, edited where necessary and added some polish to the site. Natasha Hopkins was our official photographer and our unofficial tour guide. She’s from Atlanta, and added some interesting insight about the city. Jessica Woods and Derrick Sprankle are May 2008 SJMC graduates; although they didn’t need any more classes, they were eager for the experience. I’m glad they came with us.

I hope you enjoy reading our blog. Please feel free to make comments. We’d love to receive them! And check back soon, as we’ll be adding photographs and other content in the days to come.

Lisa's Favorites

By Lisa Sisk

Where in the world do I start with this? The entire experience was indeed wonderful, but I’ll try to pick out a few of my personal favorite moments.

I sincerely enjoyed my time with these students. The way they bonded and became a family impressed me, even before we left Columbia. Our two weeks in class were rigorous. They researched the organizations we would visit in Atlanta and presented detailed background information to their classmates. Every day, we participated in current events discussions about Atlanta news to familiarize ourselves with the city. Students also researched trends and issues in today’s public relations practice and led class discussions about those issues. They have diverse backgrounds and beliefs, but always treated each other and their opinions with respect.

Oh … the ice-breaker exercises they came up with in class were lots of fun, and eye-opening, too!

I was extremely proud of them during each of our visits. They were eager to learn, enthusiastic to spend time with our hosts, and visibly appreciative of the time these busy professionals spent with us.

During our time off, I enjoyed getting to know them better, learning about their families, their significant others, their jobs and their interests. I loved observing them interact with one another. The way they came together as a class and as a group of friends was delightful to watch.

Therefore, the top entries on my list of favorites are the students.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t cite our hosts on this list, as the trip wouldn’t have been possible without them. They were so willing to welcome us into their busy lives, sharing tips and advice with upcoming practitioners. I believe they may have gotten as much out of it as the students did. Many told me they wished they’d had such an opportunity when they were in college.

During one of our current events discussions, we learned a pair of rare peregrine falcons had nested on top of the Sun Trust building in downtown Atlanta. That excited me! So each time we rode anywhere near the building, I craned my neck and contorted my body to try to catch a glimpse of them through the bus windows. No luck. I was terribly disappointed until Wednesday evening. The alumni reception was on the top floor of none other than the Sun Trust building! The babies had already left the nest, although I could see the remnants of the nest. But I was able to spend several minutes gazing out the window at the male peregrine, who perched majestically in all his glory. I was certain he did so just for me. Definitely a personal favorite moment!

As I mentioned in Brent Duncan’s blog entry on UPS, I also loved talking with the UPS guys about the company’s sponsorship of Big Brown’s jockey Kent Desormeaux. I think Big Brown is going to be our first triple-crown winner in decades, so getting some inside scoop was fun.

Lastly, getting home was a favorite moment, but not for the obvious reason. Yes, I was tired and ready to sleep in something other than a tall single bed. But the genuine warmth and sincerity the students showed when they said good-bye was deeply touching. And many have written to say they miss our all being together and want a reunion soon!

Writing a list of favorites is more difficult than I thought it would be. It seems that the entire experience makes the list!

A Lasting Message

By Chris Hudler

When I walked into The King Center and heard an audio recording of one of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s speeches, I was immediately struck by the strength in his voice. He sounded like a man who believed in what he was speaking of with his whole heart. Looking at some of the exhibits upstairs, we got a small glimpse into the personal side of Dr. King. There were displays with suits he had worn, his old and worn Bible, and other collections of his belongings.

There was also a display about Gandhi, whose philosophies on non-violent protest had an immense effect on Dr. King while he was in college. Seeing our second Nobel Peace Prize of the day was also awe-inspiring. To get to learn so much about two individuals, Dr. King and President Jimmy Carter, in one day was truly an awesome opportunity.

Unfortunately, we did not get to meet with anyone from The King Center to discuss public relations and the site at Ebenezer Baptist Church where Dr. King was pastor was closed for renovations. However, I believe they would engage in many of the same activities in order to attract attention to their organization. Overall, our trip to The King Center was very informative, despite the small amount of time we were able to spend there.

Overall, it was great!

By Star Jones

We came, we saw, and we networked. We started our journey at 9 a.m. every day and finished at that lovely traffic time, 5 p.m. Sounds like a job, doesn’t it? The Atlanta field experience offered the opportunity to go behind the scenes of those dream jobs. We left with an understanding of what it takes to run a company such as CNN, Coca-Cola and others.

“I once heard someone say that your college experience is half inside the classroom and half outside the classroom. The Atlanta field experience is a perfect example of that; I will appreciate everything I have learned and the connections I made forever,” said recent SJMC graduate Derrick Sprankle, who accompanied us on the trip.

At some of our stops, we were greeted by SJMC alumni. This offered the opportunity for us to see where our education gained at USC can lead us. Starting with Manning, Selvage & Lee we met with our fellow Gamecock Stephen Brown, who is Senior Vice President there. Alison Carnes showed us around Turner Studios, where she works as Edit Operations Supervisor.

“I had a blast getting an inside look at Atlanta’s best corporations and agencies. I learned so much and I am very excited about entering the public relations field. One of the best parts of the trip was the time spent with my classmates,” said Lauren Fabian

One thing we all can say at the end of this trip is that we left with more knowledge of how the field of public relations works. There are endless possibilities of what we can do, whether we are allowing fish lovers to swim with sharks at the Georgia Aquarium, or we are flying overseas to China to launch a new Coke.

Last but not least is the bonding. We left as 24 strangers and came back as 24 close friends. We the Maymester Atlanta 2008 class would like to thank all of you who made a wonderful trip possible, with special thanks to Lisa Sisk, who taught the class and arranged the trip, Beverly Dominick, the SJMC internship coordinator who came along as a chaperone, and Dr. John Besley, who joined us for four days of the tour.

Hot Nights in Hotlanta

By Aaron Jarvis

Whether it was the ice-breaker games, the time spent sharing stories on the bus or the traveling tours through Atlanta, the public relations May trip to Georgia was an unforgettable experience.

The premier night when we arrived at Georgia Tech would be the classic example of how college students can get to know one another. Several rounds of “Never Have I Ever” ensued, where we all learned something new about our classmates, and helped bring everyone closer together. The mornings were early, the nights were late, but we were all together and the fun was exactly what I was anticipating.

The class was invited to the one-and-only Mr. Stephen Brown’s condo in downtown Atlanta, which furthered our understanding of what the public relations lifestyle can be like on a hot Atlanta night. Stephen is the Senior VP of Manning Selvage & Lee, which our class had the honor of touring before attending a nice get-together on Stephen’s behalf.

Everyone’s doors were open in the Georgia Tech dorm where we lodged for the trip. At night it was a constant leap-frog type of mingling, somewhat of a door-to-door getting to know everyone better, and that is exactly what happened.

I am extremely satisfied with the class and even more satisfied knowing that I am taking away valuable memories and experiences from having been a part of it. Many deserved thanks go out to Lisa Sisk, who taught the class and coordinated the trip, Mrs. Dominick, Stephen Brown, and everyone else who opened their doors to our class while in Atlanta.

The days were hot, the nights were exciting and the overall trip was unforgettable.

Last stop...UPS

By Brent Duncan

Our meeting with UPS public relations professionals on May 30 was a terrific way to end a week of very informative and valuable meetings with public relations practitioners around Atlanta. Our class met with two officials from UPS, Ken Sternad and Dan McMackin. Both Sternad and McMackin have more than 30 years of experience with the UPS communications department.

UPS has a specialized way of balancing its goals as a corporation with the needs of the communities they serve. For example, UPS partnered with the Georgia Aquarium to provide free transport for two whale sharks from Taiwan to Atlanta. The company had to plan the entire process, including reconfiguring a Boeing 747 with containing units. They also constructed a marine life-support system to ensure the animals’ safety across the Atlantic.

Sternad and McMackin said UPS maintains open communication with their publics by being consistent in how they deliver their messages. Through consistency, UPS is able to give the attention to details that go into public relations planning. As a class, we learned UPS divides its communication efforts into several areas. Those areas include media relations, message development, crisis management, sponsorship and product publicity.

The class also learned how important it is to tailor public relations practices to a certain area. McMackin gave an example of how UPS worked closely with Chinese officials to plan for the delivery of Zoo Atlanta’s new pandas from Beijing. UPS had to show the Chinese people that the pandas would receive great care on their trip to Atlanta since they have deep respect for the animals. Also, McMackin told us that within this unique opportunity, UPS could use branding as an advantage to gain international support and recognition.

Personally, I enjoyed visiting UPS because they have very strong ties to the city of Atlanta. They support many causes that are important to the community in which their headquarters is located. This adds to my respect for them as a major corporation that promotes equality.

NOTE FROM LISA SISK: While I thoroughly enjoyed hearing the valuable information Ken and Dan shared with my students, I must say one of my personal favorite parts of their presentation was learning about UPS’ sponsorship of Big Brown's jockey. Big Brown is the horse who won both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes. Can he win at Belmont and become the first triple-crown winner since Affirmed in 1978? We all received special-edition UPS/Big Brown buttons to wear while we cheer him on at the Belmont Stakes on June 7.

The Place to be if You are a Fish!

By Rose Robson

We packed up and boarded the bus bright and early Friday morning, ready for our last day in Atlanta.

At the Georgia Aquarium, Communications Manager Meghann Gibbons welcomed us with her bubbly personality. Meghann and her intern, Mallory, gave us a behind-the-scenes tour of the vast facility. While walking, she commented on how special the aquarium and its residents are, also focusing on the public relations efforts of the organization.

The Georgia Aquarium is the only facility in the United States that has a whale shark exhibit. This exhibit is a huge benefit, but also presents some challenges. In the public relations department, Meghann must be sure to inform the public with honesty and in a timely manner in case something goes awry with these delicate and amazing creatures. When two of the whale sharks died from a tank-treatment mistake, Meghann acted to quickly to let the media and the public know that this was a tragedy, but at the same time a necessary learning experience since so little is known about these animals.

As part of our private tour with Meghann, we went to the top of the aquarium and out on to a bridge spanning the whale shark tank, gazing down into millions of gallons of water. We even got to witness feeding time, and watched as the sharks came to the surface for their mid-morning snack.

Meghann spoke with us about the recent live “Today Show” broadcast at the aquarium in which they designated 54 minutes of the four-hour show to the aquarium. This is a prime example of a loyal friendship between the “Today Show” and the Georgia Aquarium.

Meghann stressed never to burn bridges because it is important to have the media cover stories in a favorable light. She also said, “Media makes other media”. Once CNBC saw the “Today Show” aquarium spot, they too wanted to do a story at the facility. CNBC did interviews with the top CEOs in Atlanta in the aquarium using it as an aesthetic backdrop.

The public relations department in the Georgia Aquarium is known more as a communications department because it works with all sides of communication. The department handles events, press releases, the Web site, e-newsletters and the intranet.

While on the tour, she also gave us valuable information about internships and applying for positions with the aquarium. Meghann warned that if she receives a resume or cover letter with three misspellings, she throws it out. She also stressed the importance of showing personality and tailoring your documents to the organization and position.

The Georgia Aquarium is a landmark in Atlanta, and a place where young and old are able to play and explore. When in Atlanta you must visit this living wonder!