Professor Michele Papakie and about 30 students in her Public Relations undergraduate course began carrying out the initial phases of the IUP Strategic Visioning Project.
Below are the 11 S.V.P. members continuing the work through summer 2013.
Professor Michele Papakie
Project Leader
“It’s been exhilarating to hear how my students perceive their personal growth through this project. They have wildly exceeded my expectations. It feels as though I’ve tossed them out of the nest, and they’ve spread their wings to fly. We’ve made a few mistakes along the way, but that’s how the best lessons are learned! I’m so proud of the work we accomplished together this spring and thrilled that eight students have applied to paying positions to continue the work this summer.
“Thank you, President Driscoll, for entrusting us with this very important project.”
Hailey Crowley
“I never would have guessed that I would be one of the people facilitating groups about IUP. The whole experience has continued to take me outside of my comfort zone and develop skills only real life experience can give undergraduates.”
Kelly Dumrauf
“We went into this class thinking it was going to be strictly public speaking, but it has taken us in a completely different direction and has really helped us learn about our roles at IUP.”
Connect with Kelly on LinkedIn
Melissa Esing
“When the Strategic Visioning Project was first introduced to our class, I wasn’t sure how to feel about it. Now, the more we talk about it and do it, the more excited I get. I’m very happy that I get to be a part of this.”
Brittany Madera
“Before this project, I didn’t think that I was a ‘school pride’ type of college student. I’ve never lived in the residence halls, and working long hours of retail meant that I didn’t participate in many on-campus activities. While other students could find reasons to be inspired by IUP, I just didn’t have enough attachment to the campus.
“That has changed.
“Through working on the SVP with Dr. Papakie and Dr. Driscoll, I rekindled a love for IUP and the campus that I decided to come to four years ago. Now, as a soon-to-be alumna, I learned what it means to be proud of your school, your colleagues and the memories that IUP holds for so many people who have graduated from here.”
Shawna McCutcheon
“I’m excited to be involved in this unique opportunity. I think it will be a great experience for me, and I believe the outcome will be beneficial to Indiana University of Pennsylvania.”
Caleb Murphy
“I’m hopeful for this project, that it will drive the university to a better place. I’m also positioning myself in a stance to push my career forward, toward where I want it to be.”
Colleen O’Laughlin
“This is an amazing opportunity to gain real-life, public relations experience. I would like to thank President Driscoll and Dr. Papakie for including our public relations class in the strategic visioning project for IUP.”
Juliette Rapp
“The reason I came to IUP was because of the great value it offered to out-of-state students, but the level of hands-on professional experience I’m gaining from having the opportunity to work on the school’s strategic visioning project is absolutely priceless.”
Katie Trenney
“I’m very excited to be working on this project with my classmates and other members of the university! I grew up around IUP; my family has always been involved on campus. I’m enjoying having the opportunity to speak to students, faculty, community members and others about how they view IUP, how they feel about IUP and what they want to see happen for IUP in the future.”
Emily Weber
“I’m so excited to be a part of this project. Hands-on, collaborative work can be hard to find in a typical class, so this work is going to be a challenge (in a positive way) and a fantastic learning opportunity.”
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