Welcome to Loyalist PR!

Loyalist PR tackles rock climbing challenge!

2009-12-18T09:40:00.020-05:00

For those who have found themselves driven to climb the walls during the final weeks of the fall semester, yesterday's Loyalist PR trek to the The Boiler Room Climbing Gym in Kingston provided the perfect outlet for all our pent-up energies.

A motley crew of climbing amateurs and experts, we took to the walls at The Boiler Room with great enthusiasm.

Some among us overcame their fear of heights, others discovered new strength and agility, while all of us enjoyed the chance to be together, have some laughs and share in a great experience.

It was especially rewarding to see people get out of their comfort zone and go beyond their limits -- some even made it to the top of the 100-foot chimney stack, Canada's highest indoor climb!

Special thanks to Kelly McKinnon of Loyalist PR and Cory Mestre, Co-ordinator of Campus Fitness & Recreation at Loyalist College who organized the trip.

And a final WOW to the great team at The Boiler Room Climbing Gym .

Thanks for being so amazing, guys!

"Blink Twice."

2009-12-16T14:22:00.025-05:00

As many of you know, our Loyalist PR class had the opportunity to attend a taping of CBC's The Hour this past October.

As a big fan of The Hour (that's me, pictured right, with host George Stroumboulopoulos earlier this month), I was thrilled to share the experience with my students.

Just recently, I was reminded of one of the many off-camera segments of the show, during which George (aka Strombo) told us about one of his motorbike racing adventures this past summer.

The part of the story that stuck with me was where George was talking about racing his bike at break-neck speeds, to the point where he had reached the edge of his fears.

At that point, he says he repeated to himself the words someone had once told him about breaking through the fear barrier: "When you reach the point of your fear, blink twice. And then just do it."

And so he did.

And so should we.

What fears are holding you back from reaching your true potential? Or achieving your wildest dream? Or living your best life?

Whatever that fear may be, I challenge you to look it in the eye. Then blink twice -- and sail right past it.

It's Uuuuuggly Sweater Season!

2009-12-14T18:10:00.005-05:00

Loyalist PR students kicked off the last week of the semester today with an Ugly Sweater Christmas Party & Potluck (see some selected beauties above).

Highlights of the party included more incredible food than we could ever eat, the oh-so-Secret Santa gift exchange, not to mention an amazing, original track of ultimate seasonal tunes (featuring everything from the Jackson 5 to Britney Spears and Rick Astley - yes, sad, but true). Please don't judge us. It was rocking good times.

Ahead later this week: a trip to the Boiler Room Climbing Gym in Kingston, followed by lunch at the Copper Penny.

Looking forward to a great last week together, everyone!

PR Alumni Return to Share Experiences

2009-12-14T17:59:00.007-05:00

Big thanks to Loyalist PR alumni Sara Hamil, a Project Manager for SPAR Aerospace and Chris Thompson, Sports Information Officer for St. Lawrence College, who recently paid a visit to our Loyalist PR classroom.

Both Sara and Chris delivered excellent presentations on their current places of work, and their experiences since graduating from the Loyalist PR Program.

Thanks for stopping by, guys! You're an inspiration to us all.

Loyalist United Way Campaign Exceeds Goal

2009-12-11T08:26:00.004-05:00

The 2009 Loyalist College United Way Campaign has set a new level of support for the community campaign.

United Way of Quinte Campaign Chair Mark Philbin, and Executive Director Julia Gosson visited the campus today to celebrate campaign receipts of $15,071. This total includes donations from individuals and groups within the College, as well as proceeds from special events held on campus.

The campaign was launched in October with “Casino Loyale” – an event organized by the Post-Graduate Public Relations students at the College.

Other events included a pancake breakfast supported by Quinte Sunrise Rotary; a book sale organized through the College bookstore, and a Run for United Way organized by students in Police Foundations.

“Loyalist College is pleased to support our community United Way campaign,” said College President Maureen Piercy.

“I want to thank the many individuals who helped in this year’s success; the students, alumni, faculty and staff and our partners in the cafeteria and the bookstore, for their efforts. I would especially like to thank the Student Government, the Alumni Association, and students in Professor Kerry Ramsay’s Public Relations class for “Casino Loyale”, and in Professor Larry Cook’s class for their “Police Run” organized in support of the United Way.”

Note: Special recognition also goes to Dan Truman, a Loyalist PR grad who is now the Alumni Relations Co-ordinator at Loyalist. Dan was instrumental in helping to raise funds for this year's United Way Campaign. Way to go, Dan!

On Campus Interview with Dan Truman

2009-12-09T07:39:00.002-05:00

Check out this recent On Campus TV clip which features an interview with Loyalist PR grad Dan Truman (08/09)!

Loyalist PR welcomes "Students for a Day"

2009-12-07T08:17:00.011-05:00

If you're interested in enrolling in the Post-Graduate Public Relations Program at Loyalist College for the fall of 2010, we'd like to invite you to become a "Student for a Day".

In the past, many prospective students have taken advantage of this free opportunity to take part in one of our Loyalist PR classes.

If you're interested in taking part in "Student for a Day", please contact Professor Kerry Ramsay, Program Co-ordinator at kramsay@loyalistc.on.ca or call 1-888-LOYALIST, ext. 2127.

Please note: Loyalist PR is a post-graduate program, so all applicants to the program must already hold a university degree, a college diploma or be coming directly from the workforce (portfolio to be evaluated by the program co-ordinator on a case-by-case basis).

We will begin accepting applications in January 2010 for the fall of 2010 class. This year's program was waitlisted, so avoid disappointment and apply early at http://www.ontariocolleges.ca/.

We look forward to hearing from you!

2009-12-04T20:28:00.002-05:00

Guest Blog Post: Quinte Tweet-Up Review

2009-11-25T19:26:00.009-05:00

Today's blog post comes to us courtesy of Loyalist PR grad Sara Hamil (2008/09) who has graciously allowed us to reprint her review of Monday night's Quinte Tweet-Up. To visit Sara's blog, visit her at They Call It Gumption:

"This past Monday I had the great pleasure of attending the second-ever Quinte Tweet-Up at The Winchester Arms in Belleville.

One of my favourite things about social media is the way that it brings people together, and not just online. There’s something truly exciting about finally being able to put a face to that Twitter handle you’ve chatting and sharing ideas with. There’s something even more exciting, even satisfying, when you are able to get together with a group of people that probably never would have found each other any other way.

The first official Quinte Tweet-up was organized by @charlottehrb and her friends at @theyinspire. I was living in Toronto at the time so was unable to attend but from the sounds of things, it was a major success! On one hand I was bitter – I hate feeling cut-off from my communities (even when I’m only attached to them by a thread) and having to miss chances to get invovled. But on the other hand I was really impressed – You always hear about tweet-ups happening in bigger urban centres, but I don’t think many people give much thought to pulling together people from smaller areas.

Needless to say, I was excited when @QuintePR (see photo above, pictured with @kerryramsay) decided to pull together a second informal get-together before the holiday rush set in. Having just moved back to the area, it was a great way to meet new friends and catch up with old ones. The turn out was excellent, far better than I would have imagined (a very welcome wake-up call) and included a wide array of incredible people from diverse backgrounds.

Because it lacked any specific theme or agenda, and because the only requirement for entry was that you were a Twitter user from in or around the Quinte area, the floor was open to a variety of topics of conversation – from social media to local politics and everything in between. I think everyone felt very comfortable, learned a lot about each other, had a lot to say and contribute and left with a few more friends by the end of the night.

We had past and present students of Loyalist College’s Public Relations program come out, communications professionals, designers, local advocates, people who were new to the community and people who had traveled pretty far just to be there. It was an inspiring crossing of worlds that brought out lively discussions about the things we’re passionate about and provided a venue to share ideas about our community.

And that’s what it was, really: A community. I haven’t felt that close to my local community in a while and I enjoyed every minute of it! Hopefully we can follow this trend and continue to build upon the solid foundations we’re laying. Can’t wait for the next one!"

Thanks for the guest blog post, Sara! We'll see you at the next Quinte Tweet-Up!

Remembering Brant Bardy (1963-2009)

2009-11-24T08:32:00.008-05:00

I was saddened to learn just recently of the sudden passing of Brant Bardy, Communications Officer and Director of Nation Building for the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte (Tyendinaga-Mohawk Territory).

Brant spoke to our Loyalist PR students just a few months ago (see earlier post).

In fact, I was about to contact him to visit our classroom again for the winter semester when I learned of his passing.

For more on Brant Bardy's career and legacy, please click here.

We'll miss you, Brant. Your passion and quiet dignity will never be forgotten.

Photo courtesy of Patrick Hutchison of the Online Pioneer.

Crisis Communications Week Kicks Off

2009-11-23T15:34:00.005-05:00

Loyalist PR students kicked off Crisis Communications Week today with a visit from Retired Captain Ian Stock (now an investment advisor with RBC Dominion Securities).

With plenty of war stories (literally) from the field of crisis comms, Ian delivered a comprehensive presentation filled with excellent tips, guidelines and personal anecdotes.

Thanks for stopping by, Ian - it's always great to have you back in the classroom with us!

PR students enjoy trio of guest speakers

2009-11-19T14:51:00.017-05:00

A big thanks to three wonderful guest speakers who helped wrap up the week for us here at Loyalist PR.

Yesterday afternoon, students enjoyed an excellent presentation on crisis communications made by Doug Mepham of the Toronto-based MacDonald & Company.

As chair of the Post-Graduate Public Relations Advisory Committee, Doug is considered family around here. His talk about the "unfortunate, unfamiliar and unavoidable" assignments often facing PR professionals gave us all a lot to think about.

Today, we were treated to two more excellent guest appearances.

In the morning, Rhonda Cunningham (see photo above), a Certified Fund Raising Executive (and the Executive Director) with the Northumberland Hills Hospital delivered an outstanding presentation on Major Gifts.

Rhonda's authentic approach to dealing with donors and the general public makes her a wonderful speaker and an ideal mentor.

Finally, Loyalist PR students welcomed Lisa Davis, Marketing Director for Marketwire in our afternoon class.

Lisa's presentation covered everything from how to create meaningful news releases and media lists, to SEO and digital communications. In this PR 2.0 age, Lisa's talk was both informative and timely.

Thanks, Doug, Rhonda and Lisa for taking the time to invest in the PR professionals of tomorrow!

Quinte Tweet-Up: November 23rd

2009-11-19T14:23:00.011-05:00

Loyalist PR students and faculty are invited to join the next Quinte Tweet-Up on Monday, November 23rd at 5 p.m. at the Winchester Arms in Belleville.

Come out to meet local tweeters, and to network with Loyalist PR alumni and other area communications professionals and business people.

We hope to see you there!

P.S. Don't forget to follow Loyalist PR on Twitter at @loyalistpr!

Loyalist PR Indoor Climb: December 17th

2009-11-19T13:41:00.010-05:00

Hey, Loyalist PR students! Join us for an indoor rock climbing event at the Boiler Room in Kingston on Thursday, December 17th to finish off the semester in style!

We'll be leaving Loyalist at 10 a.m., spending a few hours climbing, then wrapping up the day with dinner at The Coppper Penny (mmmm, cheesecake!).

The cost of the trip is $10 (no fee for transportation - what a great deal!). You need to pay in advance, so please get your money to Kelly or Kelly as soon as you can.

We will be taking the school vans, but students are free to take their own vehicles if they're staying over in Kingston or travelling home after the event.

Be sure to bring comfortable clothing for climbing (there are changerooms there), e.g. shorts, track pants, work-out pants (no jeans) and a t-shirt. The $10 you're paying includes the cost of renting climbing shoes.

Even if you don't plan to climb, we can use all the belayers and cheerleaders we can get. It's sure to be a super fun time, so be a part of it!

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Kelly or Kerry.

We hope to see everyone there!

APEX Public Relations President Visits Loyalist

2009-11-11T18:16:00.008-05:00

Loyalist PR students were inspired today by a visit by Pat McNamara, President of the Toronto-based PR firm of APEX Public Relations Inc.

Pat made an excellent presentation to students on life inside a PR agency, as well as offering great job searching tips, and opening students' eyes to the many options they have in the field.

"PR firms are a great launching pad for your career," Pat told Loyalist PR students, adding that since most people spend 2/3 of their adult lifetime working, "why not love what you do?"

With clients like Nike, Kellogs and the Bank of Montreal, APEX provides a wide range of public relations services, from corporate communications and brand marketing to government relations and issues/crisis management.

Pat's presentation included a great recent case study demonstrating agency work in action.

A group scenario challenge also allowed students to stretch their imaginations and focus in on a real-world challenge.

Thank you for a wonderful visit, Pat - we look forward to keeping in touch!

PR interns available for spring 2010

2009-11-10T07:57:00.010-05:00

At Loyalist PR, we're proud to send some of the province's most highly skilled students out on internship each spring.

This year, students are seeking four-week, unpaid internships to take place in April or May 2010.

For those of you who aren't familiar with us, the Post-Graduate Public Relations Program at Loyalist College in Belleville, Ontario is a one-year (two-semester) course of studies covering all aspects of the public relations industry.

All students come to the program with a university degree, college diploma, or related years of work experience.

Most students seek internship opportunities in major urban centres, although some prefer to remain based at the local level.

While students are interning with an organization, they are fully covered either by college insurance or by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB).

If you have further questions about providing an internship opportunity for one of our students, please feel free to contact Professor Kerry Ramsay, Co-ordinator of the Loyalist PR Program at (613) 969-1913, ext. 2127 or at kramsay@loyalistc.on.ca.

Thank you!

"Gimme that Cookie!"

2009-11-05T15:17:00.012-05:00

First, a big round of applause to Corey Black and Nick Imrie, two Loyalist PR students who are also members of the Lancers Men's Rugby Team here at Loyalist College.

The Lancers won the gold medal and OCAA title in their division last night, and Corey and Nick were definitely major contributors to the team's success! Way to go, boys!

What's interesting about the recent success of the men's rugby team, however, is the tie-in with a fun philosophy we've come to know as the "Gimme that Cookie!" principle.

As Corey explains it, the philosophy stems from a pro athlete's vision of cookies as representing the ultimate championship win. So when you say "Gimme that Cookie!" you're actually on a quest for success in whichever life arena you happen to be in at the time.

For those of us here in Loyalist PR, the "cookie" can represent a number of things: academic achievement, full-time employment or personal success on just about any level.

It's a fun, fresh view of winning that has left us all chanting "Gimme that Cookie!"and striving to be our very best (see photo below of Loyalist PR students with their "cookies"!).

What does the "cookie" represent for you? What goal are you chasing after? Why not apply yourself 110% this year to achieving that goal, and who knows where your dreams will take you!

P.S. Special thanks to Jeremy for supplying the Chips Ahoys Cookies for our gold medalists (and the whole class!).

Loyalist PR helps host College Open House

2009-11-03T17:12:00.009-05:00

A big thanks to the Loyalist PR students who helped host today's Loyalist College Fall Open House.

More than 1,500 high school students took part in the open house, with our students directing traffic, answering questions, guiding tours and getting school buses where they needed to go on time.

Great job, everyone -- you were outstanding ambassadors for the college today!

Toronto Trip 2009

2009-10-28T07:31:00.041-05:00

This past week, Loyalist PR students grabbed their early morning java and headed to catch the Foley coach bus at a startling 6:30 a.m.

Once we were all assembled, we pulled out onto the 401 highway amidst hoots and hollers, our own personal bus tour guide (thank you, Alanna!) and a few chick flicks to boot (sorry, guys!).

Our destination: Toronto.

Thanks to our trusty bus driver, Dave Foley (not the actor), we arrived right on time at the Steam Whistle Brewery where we were welcomed by Sybil Taylor, Director of Marketing and Jiv, Director of Awesome Brewery Tours.

Both Sybil and Jiv made our visit to the brewery a fun and interesting event. One of the most impressive aspects of the brewery's brand, we learned, was its commitment to green initiatives. Once students learned more about what the brand stood for, Sybil had her work cut out for her, but fielded our rapid-fire questions like the pro that she is.

Following our brewery visit and a quick lunch at CBC Studios, we headed through security clearance in preparation for our visit with Elizabeth Lea, Public Relations Director for the CBC.

Elizabeth's presentation on what it means to be an effective communicator provided much food for thought, and challenged us to think about this traditional Canadian brand in a new light.

Once our visit with Elizabeth was complete, we hustled down to The Hour studios where (after a few minor delays, ahem!), we found ourselves enjoying a musical performance by the indie band, Metric, and the Hamilton Children's Choir.

Following a brief intermission, we ended up in the studio again for an hour taping with the ever-charming George Stroumboulopoulos.

A huge thanks to George for not only showing us what it's like behind-the-scenes of a great show like The Hour, but also for taking the time to make this visit personal and meaningful for each and every one of our Loyalist PR students.

Flying high on our experiences of the day, we grabbed dinner and headed back to the bus for an entertaining ride home.

Everyone agreed the day was one of the highlights of the semester so far -- cheers, all!

Loyalist PR hosts Media Mash-Up 2009!

2009-10-28T07:22:00.006-05:00

The 2nd annual Media Mash-Up presented by Marketwire took place on Wednesday, October 21st, bringing together more than 300 media students, staff and faculty from Loyalist's School of Media Studies.

Front and centre at this sold out event were Loyalist PR students who helped sell tickets and host the evening.

From getting people to "mash" and mingle to handing out door prizes, performing, co-ordinating musical acts and generally ensuring everyone had a good time, Loyalist PR students came through in a big way.

Way to go, everyone! Thanks to you, this was one fantastic night!

Casino Loyale Raises $1,800+ for United Way

2009-10-15T16:01:00.006-05:00

Congratulations to the Loyalist PR students who worked so hard to raise more than $1,800 with today's "Casino Loyale" event.

From the crowd-pleasing Plinko to the Crown and Anchor, the Wheel of Way and multiple on-campus Blackjack games, Casino Loyale got everyone pumped up about raising funds for this worthy cause.

Over the past five years, Loyalist PR students have raised more than $7,800 locally to benefit their local United Way.

Thanks to everyone who participated in today's event -- "without you, there would be no Way!"

For more information on the United Way of Quinte, please click here.

2nd Annual Media Mash-Up on Oct. 21st

2009-10-09T08:13:00.009-05:00

Loyalist College’s School of Media Studies will host its second annual Media Mash-Up presented by Marketwire on Wednesday, October 21st from 6 – 9 p.m. in the Shark Tank Pub.

Tickets are being sold for $5 and are available to staff, student and faculty of the School of Media Studies.

The event is a follow-up to last year’s sold-out Media Mash-Up. This year’s version will once again feature live music, door prizes, a cash bar, munchies and a great chance for members of the School of Media Studies to mix and mingle in a fun setting.

“We found out last year that the music was one of the more successful elements of the event,” says Joe Callahan, a journalism professor who sits on the Media mash-Up planning committee. “This year’s show will feature a great variety of student and faculty musicians.”

Additional sponsors for the event include Apple, Japan Camera, QuintEssential Credit Union and Loyalist College.

Door prizes will also be provided by a number of corporate donors, including Apple, Japan Camera, Wal-mart, the Belleville Bulls, Cineplex Odeon, CJLX 91.3 FM, CHOM 97, Loyalist College, Boom Marketing, Cool 100.1, Sam the Record Man and more.

More than 50% of tickets have already been sold! Don't be disappointed - get yours TODAY!

Loyalist PR gears up for "Casino Loyale"

2009-10-08T07:34:00.006-05:00

Students of Loyalist College’s Post-Graduate Public Relations program invite the campus community to participate in a “Casino Loyale” fundraiser on Thursday, October 15th to benefit the United Way of Quinte.

Staff and students will be able to play casino-themed games located around the college between 7:30 a.m. & 2 p.m.

With a $2 donation, staff and students will get the chance to win a number of great prizes donated by local businesses such as: Salon You, Nutrition House, Mindful Movements, Mark's Work Warehouse, Future Shop, Wal-Mart, The Boathouse, Applebees, Claire de Lune, HMV, Bulk Barn, Harbourview Café, Ananda Wellness Centre, World’s Finest, Fashion’s End, Canadian Tire, Giant Tiger, Proctor & Gamble, Swiss Chalet, Empire Theatre, Chartwells, the Belleville Bulls and many more.

All proceeds raised will be donated directly to the United Way of Quinte.

Over the past four years, Loyalist PR students have raised over $6,000 with their annual fall fundraiser. This year’s goal is $1,500.

Loyalist PR alumni tie the knot!

2009-10-06T08:34:00.010-05:00

Congratulations to Alison Holland (Loyalist PR 06/07) and Chris McCullough (Loyalist PR 05/06) who were married this past month in a truly "cheesy" ceremony.

(Both are Green Bay Packers fans, hence the non-traditional headgear...)

Wishing two of my former students all the best in life and love!

It's all about balance...

2009-10-02T08:58:00.014-05:00

I had a great chance to try out a new sport this week here on campus. It's called slack-lining, and involves walking a very narrow (wobbly!) rope while holding the hands of two spotters.

Two of my Loyalist PR students work in Campus Rec, so they invited me and Alex Sancton (visiting our class from World Vision), to take part in the activity.

So here are a few lessons we learned from slack-lining:

1. Never be afraid to try something new - even when you're not sure you'll land on your feet.

2. Surround yourself with people you trust; they could just be the ones to get you through a dizzying experience.

3. Trust your instincts; even when you're facing a new challenge, chances are you can do it with the right guidance.

4. Learn to laugh at yourself; it'll keep you humble.

5. Life is wobbly; hang on tight and don't let go.

Thanks for introducing us to slack-lining, Monique and Kelly - we had a great time!