Student-run PR firm finishes first in national competition

Ohio Northern University’s student-run public relations firm, True North PR, garnered first place in a national competition sponsored by Theatrics’ Mass Participation TV. The competition’s goal was to develop a grassroots campaign that used traditional and non-traditional methods to produce an increase in auditions for “Beckinfield,” a new online web series.

Under the supervision of Dr. Kathie Fleck, visiting instructor in public relations, the firm was awarded $2,000 after finishing in the top spot with Loyola University New Orleans.

The world’s first mass-participation TV series, “Beckinfield” is an ongoing science fiction mystery set in a fictional small town. Actors submit videos as they experience unexplained mysteries of the town. Competing schools worked on getting people to audition, and the team with the most submissions was deemed the winner. Mass Participation TV allows anyone to be a character on this professional plot-driven show.

“This award recognizes the outstanding skills and abilities of ONU students,” said Fleck. “By winning this national competition, our students can show employers they can develop an effective grassroots campaign and apply traditional and non-traditional tactics in a professional situation. These skills are highly desirable in today’s competitive environment.”

The members of True North PR are public relations majors Joseph Sasak, a senior from Broadview Heights, Ohio; Lauren Tennet, a senior from Houston, Texas; Katie Hozan, a junior from Homerville, Ohio; Kelsi Rupersburg, a sophomore from Wapakoneta, Ohio; and Marissa Hendershot, a senior from Saint Clairsville, Ohio.

Published: Fri, 02/10/2012 - 2:35pm