PRSSA’s Jemalyn Griffin wins Student Impact Award for Outstanding New Advisor
Thursday, April 23, 2020 - 2:30pm
by PRSSA's UNL Chapter President Lauren Tritch and Exec team
In 2019, UNL’s Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) won the award for Outstanding Student Organization for Student Involvement’s annual Student Impact Awards. However, this year, the chapter took home a win that was even more meaningful and cherished by the group: Outstanding New Advisor. PRSSA’s advisor, Jemalyn Griffin, has worked with the chapter for less than three years and has accomplished major strides for the group including supporting a record number of six students to attend PRSSA’s annual International Conference, helping implement the chapter’s inaugural Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion position and pursuing the creation of UNL PRSSA’s first-ever annual chapter newsletter to build stakeholder engagement.
UNL PRSSA’s executive board understands how much time and effort Griffin commits to the chapter on top of her other responsibilities on campus such as directing the student-run advertising agency, Jacht, serving on the College of Journalism and Mass Communication’s (CoJMC) Diversity and Inclusion Committee and working closely with the CoJMC’s Graduate Studies program as a program chair. The executive board wants to take the opportunity to show Griffin how much they appreciate all that she does for UNL PRSSA. Check out the team’s personal thank you notes to Griffin below to see just how much she means to PRSSA.
Jemalyn,
I cannot put into words how much you have helped me and how much it has meant to me. You’ve played a monumental role with my professional development through PRSSA, and I appreciate how you are constantly pushing me to step outside my comfort zone and try new things. I am also so, so thankful to have you as my faculty advisor for my Honors Senior Thesis. Your guidance has already proven to be invaluable. Thank you for believing in me and my ambitions and for encouraging me to pursue my passions! We’d be lost without you, Jemalyn!
– Paige Heinemann, Vice President of Chapter Advancement
Jemalyn,
My time as Chapter President is something I will always cherish due to our weekly meetings. I have been so blessed by your encouragement and willingness to help me fully grasp the public relations industry. Thank you for being a professor that cares for each individual student. You have taught me so much about what it means to be a leader and if one day I am a fraction of the boss you are then I know I will be doing a pretty good job. PRSSA loves you!
– Brianna Frisbie, Immediate Past President
Jemalyn,
You’ve been so supportive of me ever since I came to my first PRSSA meeting. You’ve really helped me step outside of my comfort zone and grow as a leader. I’m so grateful for our awesome PRSSA executive board and the guidance and expertise you offer us. It’s obvious that you truly care about each one of us and want to see us succeed. I think it’s safe to say our PRSSA chapter would not be the same without you!
– Luna Stephens, Vice President of Internal Communications
Jemalyn,
When I first joined PRSSA, I wasn’t sure what to expect. After getting to know this organization, I’ve found a warm, welcoming group of amazing people and I know it wouldn’t be the same without you being a part of it. You bring us all together and help us realize our potential through your unyielding support and encouragement. You’ve helped us all feel so special and I’m grateful for the time I have been able to spend on the executive board, learning from you every step of the way. Thank you for all you do for us!
– Cassandra Kostal, Vice President of Media Relations
Jemalyn,
I do not believe I am alone in saying that meeting you was one of the most valuable things that has happened to me over my college career. From helping me make important and meaningful connections in the industry to reassuring me that I am a capable young PR professional, you have been a pivotal mentor to me since I joined PRSSA. I can say with confidence that you have impacted my life like no other person could.
– Brenna Zollman, Vice President of Professional Development
Jemalyn,
I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you’ve done for me throughout my college career and time in PRSSA. I truly don’t think I would be where I am now without your constant support and guidance. Because of you, I’ve become a more confident and independent person, realizing my full potential and all that I can accomplish as a young PR professional. Thank you for taking the time to show me what it means to be a leader and helping me make invaluable connections in the industry. You’ve impacted my life more than you know, and for that, I’m truly grateful.
– Jamie Brunken, Vice President of Digital Communications
Jemalyn,
My journey at UNL has been a wonderful, rewarding experience that has challenged me and changed me for the better. However, this journey would not have been the same without you. Your leadership/mentorship has meant so much to me and being under your learning tree and being a part of the PRSSA family, it has afforded me so many opportunities. Your constant support and enthusiasm for my future has always been appreciated and I am forever grateful for it. Thank you for being a vital part of not just PRSSA, but my UNL journey as well.
– Jesse Esquivel, Vice President of Finances
Jemalyn,
You’ve truly impacted so many people at the college, myself being one of them. I can’t thank you enough for welcoming me with open arms to PRSSA. Every time I see you, I’m left feeling more encouraged and confident than before. Your love for others and love for the industry is evident in everything you do and I’m blessed to have known you in my time at UNL. Thank you for showing me the kind of person I want to be when I grow up.
– Shelby Roschewski, Vice President of Brand Engagement
Jemalyn,
You were one of the first professors on campus to believe in my abilities and my future, and the very first to believe enough to push me outside my comfort zone to succeed. Joining PRSSA has been an experience that I can’t put a value on because I’ve grown as a student, professional, and person. You have a natural talent for making people feel seen and valued because you’ve shown day in and day out, that you truly do care for everyone and want us to succeed. Thank you for being understanding of how crazy life can get and for pushing me to be better.
– Alonzo Knight, Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion
Jemalyn,
No words can truly describe the impact you’ve had on me both personally and professionally. I’ve learned that I can be a strong and ambitious woman in our field without feeling like it’s a bad thing. I’ve gained crucial knowledge about the public relations industry and where my own unique space is within it. You are the reason I chose to be courageous and truly immerse myself in my academic, professional and personal journey as an aspiring PR professional and you’ll always be the reason why I choose, every day, to grow and push myself instead of sticking to what’s comfortable and familiar. I am endlessly grateful for you.
