5 Highlights of the Milestones in Mentoring Gala from a Student’s Perspective

This is the first of three posts by students who attended last week’s “Milestones in Mentoring” events in Chicago. By Taylor Shelnutt Last Thursday, I had the privilege of attending The Plank Center’s 5th Annual Milestones in Mentoring Gala in Chicago. As a PR student at the University of Alabama, this felt similar to being…… Continue reading 5 Highlights of the Milestones in Mentoring Gala from a Student’s Perspective

Hear What it Takes to be a Great Mentor

Even if you don’t have a ticket to the Plank Center’s sold out “Milestones in Mentoring” awards gala this Thursday evening, you can get a free front row seat thanks to live streaming of the program honoring six great mentors. This year’s top mentors are: Legacy: Patrick Ford, worldwide vice chair, chief client officer, chairman, Burson-Marsteller Executive: Aylwin Lewis,…… Continue reading Hear What it Takes to be a Great Mentor

Betsy’s Gift for PR Students and Pros: Great Advice

Even though she is no longer with us, I’m confident public relations pioneer Betsy Plank is watching with delight from Above today as students and professionals celebrate her 90th birthday by reflecting on her immeasurable contributions to our profession. Whenever any of us talked with Betsy, no matter how busy she might have been with…… Continue reading Betsy’s Gift for PR Students and Pros: Great Advice

PR Education Rising in Respect and Potential

Kudos to my DePaul University colleagues for putting our PR program on the map. Although we didn’t win the big prize (congratulations Georgetown), the DePaul PRAD program was one of the top five education programs honored at last night’s PR Week Awards event in New York. The five finalists were: American University Brigham Young University…… Continue reading PR Education Rising in Respect and Potential

Creating Your Own Legacy

When asked by PRSSA National President Brian Price to reflect on the “Legacies from Legends in Public Relations” book, two significant life revelations came to mind as I re-read the 34 essays — mortality and legacy. Mortality: Although neither Millennials nor Boomers want to think much about their mortality, I was forced to do so…… Continue reading Creating Your Own Legacy

Tribute to a Great Mentor, Don Kirchoffner

Don Kirchoffner (posthumously) is this year’s recipient of the Plank Center’s “Milestones in Mentoring” Legacy Award. This award recognizes those who have touched the lives of countless public relations professionals over the course of their exceptional career. Following a career as a public affairs leader for the U.S. Army, Don’s corporate career included the top…… Continue reading Tribute to a Great Mentor, Don Kirchoffner

Q&A With Mentorship Award Winner Nick Lucido

This is the third in a series of articles about winners of the “Milestones in Mentoring” Awards. Despite what his friends may think, Nick Lucido does not spend his working hours lounging on plush leather couches in a bespoke three-piece suit, smoking cigarettes and sipping well-aged Scotch while dreaming up catchy slogans and creative PR…… Continue reading Q&A With Mentorship Award Winner Nick Lucido

Mentor Motto: Pay It Forward

  This is the second in a series of articles about this year’s “Milestones in Mentoring” Honorees. John Deveney, founder of New Orleans-based Deveney Communication, says, “being mentored changed my life and I’ve always sought to pay it forward.” After receiving a Mayoral Fellowship in the Public Information Department for the City of New Orleans, John…… Continue reading Mentor Motto: Pay It Forward

Mentors Thrive on Mentees Willing to Learn, Grow

  First in a series of articles about “Milestones in Mentoring” Award winners Shelly Lazarus, Chairman Emeritus of Ogilvy & Mather, has always focused on developing people she works with. As she says, “A company will only be as successful as the people who work for it.” When asked about her own mentor, says it…… Continue reading Mentors Thrive on Mentees Willing to Learn, Grow