Temple University’s first and only nationally affiliated student-run public relations firm looks back on its decade of service.
PHILADELPHIA, Pa., September 5, 2017 — PRowl Public Relations, Temple University’s first and only nationally affiliated student-run public relations firm is celebrating its tenth anniversary during the 2017-2018 school year. Offering a unique on-campus agency experience for students, the firm serves clients at the university, local and regional levels. PRowl is one of approximately 25 firms in the country that holds national affiliation through the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA).
PRowl offers students the opportunity to gain realistic public relations experience in addition to building professional portfolios. Staff members are hired based on their dedication, enthusiasm and passion for the public relations industry. The firm currently serves six clients with a staff of 56 members, the largest in the firm’s history.
The firm has worked with a diverse set of clients during the last decade. Firm clientele includes Temple-related organizations, and regional non-profit organizations and companies, such as the Saint Lucifer Spice Company, Temple University Television, Visit Bucks County, Relay for Life of South Philadelphia and more.
PRowl’s mission is threefold: to provide clients with comprehensive public relations services and solutions, to offer Temple Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) members the opportunity to apply their knowledge and gain experience beyond the classroom and to build credibility while forming lasting student-client relationships.
In October 2007, several Temple strategic communication students attended the PRSSA National Conference in Philadelphia. Inspired by the conference, PRowl’s founder, Natalie Prazenica, created the full-service firm in the winter of 2008. Since its inception, PRowl has specialized in various public relations services including research, content creation, media relations, social media management, event planning and more.
Within four years of its opening, the firm became nationally affiliated by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSSA). Being nationally affiliated certifies PRowl to work with national clients with added benefits such as student-run firm awards. In order to achieve national affiliation, a firm must hold high levels of professionalism and meet the ethical standards outlined by PRSSA and reapply for certification every three years. The application process includes a case study on a firm campaign/tactic, a letter of
support from a faculty advisor, a history of the firm, a letter from the firm director, and a detailed client roster.
“Being a part of such a distinctive organization within Temple is such an enriching experience,” said Clarissa Ford, PRowl Public Relations’ Firm Director. “The most rewarding aspect of this position is watching passionate students’ work mature and improve over the course of the year with PRowl serving as the foundation to the start of successful careers in the industry. Being able to serve clients in a student-run firm is a practical skill not every student has the opportunity to experience. That’s what makes PRowl so distinct.”
Staff members are dues paying members of Temple’s PRSSA chapter, which is one of the oldest in the country and the largest in the region. PRSSA is a pre-professional organization for students who are interested in public relations. It offers students mentorship programs, networking events, panels, workshops, and guest speakers.
“PRowl’s success over the past ten years communicates the hard work and dedication of Klein College of Media and Communication students,” said Dean David Boardman. “Students who are PRowl staff members are able take the skills they are learning in their classes and apply them to their work for real-world clients. Klein is proud of all of PRowl’s accomplishments that serve both the university and community.”
“As I reflect back on PRowl Public Relations’ first decade, I’m amazed by its growth and the opportunities it has afforded our students,” said Associate Professor of Practice Gregg Feistman, PRowl’s faculty advisor and Director of the Public Relations major. “From the beginning with a handful of staff members working with one or two clients, there are now hundreds of PRowl alumni who have gone on to do great things around the country based on their PRowl experience. I’m excited to see where PRowl and its staff go in its second decade.”
PRowl Public Relations will mark their anniversary with a special 10th Anniversary logo and a series of celebrations throughout the upcoming school year. Students from throughout Temple are encouraged to apply for Account Associate positions in November as the firm looks to continue its growth and involvement on campus and in the surrounding community.
To learn more about PRowl Public Relations’ services and read PRowl’s blog, please visit prowlpr.com.
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