Communiqué is the student chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) at Rollins College. The goal of the organization is to help students explore careers in public relations, but it is open to all majors and interest. Communiqué is dedicated to providing opportunities for Rollins students to gain valuable “hands on” experience in the communication field.

Past President Chris McClure shares the following about the organization:

Welcome to Communiqué! My name is Christopher McClure and I would like to inform the entire Rollins College community about the benefits of Communiqué and what impact it can have on your chosen career path. Communiqué aims to provide students in public relations and communications opportunities to apply what they learn in class, network with other students and PR professionals and build their professional resumes. In 2006-07, I served as the President of Communiqué while under the direction and supervision of Jeni Hatter, organization adviser and Rollins College’s Director of News and Media Relations. With the help of Communiqué Vice President Desiree Traylor, the organization enjoyed further success and sustained growth. Looking ahead now to the 2007-08 school year, Communiqué President Marja Kolomyski will look to continue to build on Communiqué’s previous accomplishments and achievements.

Last year, our members volunteered at several FPRA and Rollins College events. For example, Communiqué helped produce boxes and worked in conjunction with Rollins and the Orlando Science Center for the Mister Roger’s Sweater Drive. We also held our 3rd Annual Networking Roundtable event in mid-November, which was another huge success. In the spring of 2007, Communiqué members also had the opportunity to contribute and volunteer to the annual success of the Hamilton Holt School’s “Starry Starry Night.” Most notably, the Communiqué Web site won an Award of Distinction during FPRA’s local Image Awards competition, as well as a Judge’s Award during the statewide Golden Image Award competition in the spring of 2006. As Communiqué strives forward, our goal is to keep our Web site updated constantly and maintained effectively. 

This year, many more opportunities are available for interested Rollins students. The 4th Annual Networking Roundtable event is scheduled for November 8 at 6 p.m. in the Galloway Room at Rollins. This event is always a success and a tremendous benefit as it brings Rollins students together with representatives from Central Florida businesses to talk about career choices and opportunities. Communiqué will plan to bring in communication professionals from approximately 12-15 local companies to share advice and personal experiences with students. The organization is planning many other exciting efforts as well.

Communiqué members will also once again have the opportunity to attend monthly FPRA luncheons (at no cost) and volunteer at the FPRA’s annual Roast and Toast, Image Awards and Professional Development Workshop events. These events held by FPRA are incredible and have truly allowed me to gain insight into the communications field. FPRA is a tremendous resource for those individuals who wish to learn more about public relations, as well as the entire communication industry. Over my last two years of involvement with Communiqué, it has provided me so much. For example, I have attained many business contacts as well as gained a tremendous sense of pride in knowing I have made a difference during my time at Rollins College. There are a multitude of activities and functions to become involved in at Rollins College, and it is my hope that Communiqué will remain and continue to grow as one of them. I hope you will join Communiqué today, as it will help you prepare for a variety of careers.