My GVPRSSA Digital Scrapbook
As graduation approaches, I’ve been reflecting on all I’ve accomplished these past four years. What stands out the most to me, hands down, was joining Grand Valley’s chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (GVPRSSA) as a sophomore. I have had so many experiences and opportunities that I may have never otherwise been offered without joining GVPRSSA. I took advantage of every opportunity presented to me. I grew outside my comfort zone several times, from when I applied for and accepted various leadership positions to when I attended conferences and networked with professionals. While still terrifying, I am so proud of myself for trying new things because it ultimately made me become a better professional and person.
To remind myself of all the good times at GVPRSSA, I wanted to create a digital scrapbook as a way to reflect on and celebrate the incredible memories I have made over the years. From meetings to tours, E-board meetings to dinners, and conferences to committees, every moment has shaped my journey and has left a lasting impact on my college experience. This scrapbook is a collection of those special memories, a reminder of the friendships, growth, and accomplishments that have made my time in GVPRSSA truly unforgettable.
This was my first-ever headshot during the Headshot Fundraiser in September 2022.
Here is a firm photo from my first GrandPR photo shoot in 2023. I first learned about GrandPR through GVPRSSA. I then applied as a sophomore and accepted an Account Associate with an Emphasis in Design position. I credit my time on the GVPRSSA Promotions Committee for helping me grow my graphic design skills, which were applicable in this role.
After GrandPR Fall Orientation, we all got Toasted Pickle for lunch and then had a beach day in Grand Haven! It was so fun to spend the day on the sand, meet new people, play games, and soak up the sun.
On September 7, 2023, we celebrated GVPRSSA’s 47th birthday at our kickoff meeting with Professor Brad Back.
I took this picture during my first GVPRSSA Instagram takeover. My friends and I were playing intramural volleyball and went out to dinner after.
My first GVPRSSA tour was at the West Michigan Whitecaps at the LMCU ballpark. Nate Phillips, Community and Media Relations Manager, was a great tour guide and taught us so much about how the Whitecaps operate.
Fun fact: I interned at LMCU the next semester!
In October 2023, GVPRSSA traveled to Chicago for tours at Edelman and Motion Agency. This tour was hands down my favorite tour I have ever been on. I am from the suburbs of Chicago, so it was really neat to see what my life could look like after graduation if I got a job in the city.
We welcomed back GVPRSSA Alum, Nina Vestal, to talk about her transition to post-grad life. She taught us about her non-profit work at Community Action House.
It was very special to see her again because I had been in GVPRSSA, GrandPR, classes, and was on the promotions committee with her.
On October 5, 2023, we welcomed Amanda Rogers & Jessica Meldrum to speak to us about the Day in the Life of Health Communications Professionals. We drank apple cider and ate doughnuts to celebrate the beginning of fall!
At our first meeting back from winter break on January 11, 2024, we started with a guided meditation. We then learned about the In’s and Out’s of Agency Life from Emirroa Austin and Megan Bowman.
On December 5, 2023, we went to Next Creative Co. in Holland and ate a yummy brunch at Anna’s House.
On April 18, 2024, we had our last GVPRSSA meeting of the school year. After our meeting, the current and incoming e-board went out to El Azteca’s for dinner together.
In September 2024, we toured the City of Grand Rapids’ communications offices and the Van Andel Arena. Both of these tours were super insightful.
In October, I planned a pumpkin painting bonding event. We all painted a pumpkin, had snacks, and watched a Halloween movie.
In February 2025, eight GVPRSSA members attended the Midwest District Conferences hosted by DePaul PRSSA, Beyond the Skyline. We networked with many professionals and students from all around the world. I visited Conagra and Flowers Communication, as well as attended the Edelman panel, the keynote speaker Scott Pansky, and the Unconventional PR Breakout panel.
The last tour of the school year was to Ford Field in Detroit. We met Haley Prappas, Corporate Communications Coordinator.
Abby is a senior pursuing a degree in advertising and public relations with an emphasis in advertising. She will also be earning a badge in social media and a certificate in leadership. As the first Chief Communications Officer, Abby serves on the C-Suite for GVPRSSA and GrandPR. Abby has had four internships as a Social Media Intern for Honey Bee Gardens Farm, a Community Relations Intern at Lake Michigan Credit Union, a Marketing Intern for the West Michigan Tourist Association, and currently interns at the GVSU Alumni House as the Student Communications Assistant. After college, Abby hopes to work in event marketing or social media.
