On October 14, 2011, Bonnie J. Longbotham, President and Chief Creative Officer of Longbotham Strategic Marketing, gave the Keynote Speech at the Marywood University Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America’s Induction Ceremony.
Asked to speak by Jeremy Barket, PRSSA Chapter President, Bonnie addressed a crowd of students, faculty, families and friends. She discussed how her experiences at Marywood University, and more specifically within the Communications Department, influenced her career path and contributed to the quality of life she enjoys as an entrepreneur and woman business owner.
Bonnie encouraged students to take full advantage of every opportunity and not to hesitate to reach out into the business community to ask about internships, part-time jobs and mentors. She said, “When I was studying Advertising and Public Relations at Marywood, the professors in the Communications Department took me under their proverbial wings. I remember that Bill Donovan, Ena Kurlancheek and especially Dr. George Perry were incredibly helpful, encouraging and full of real-world information and wisdom that I still draw on to this day. I was very active in the PRSSA when I was in college and even served as the President at one point. It’s a terrific organization and, if you’re willing to really throw yourself into it, you can reap lifelong rewards.”
THE PRSSA INDUCTION CEREMONY
Welcome – Ehrin Foulborn
Opening Prayer – Kelly Rikert, PRSSA Chapter Secretary
Opening Remarks – Jeremy Barket, PRSSA Chapter President
Keynote Speaker – Bonnie J. Longbotham, President and Chief Creative Officer, Longbotham Strategic Marketing
Induction of Members – Dr. Wanda Reyes and Mr. Paul Sevensky, PRSSA Advisors
Closing Remarks – Ehrin Faulborn