PRSA’s national headquarters chartered the Cal State Dominguez Hills Public Relations Student Society of America chapter on Sept. 17, 1979. The chapter’s first advisor was Dr. David Safer, who retired from the CSUDH Communications Department to Scottsdale, Arizona, in June 1990 as an emeritus professor.
The chapter sponsored a vast array of activities, including alumni seminars, throughout Dr. Safer’s career. Nann Miller, founder of Miller-Geer and Associates PR agency, served as the chapter’s professional advisor from the chapter’s initial chartering until 1998 when she retired and moved to Florida.
In 1991, the Department received notification from national headquarters that the chapter’s charter was being recalled since the chapter did not have the required minimum of 10 members. Marie Yoder, now Marie Fuentes-Garcia, volunteered to be president and got 11 additional students to join. The charter was not lifted and the chapter has had strong student involvement ever since under advisor Donn Silvis. It has maintained its reputation as one of the strongest student organizations on campus.
• In 1993, the chapter received two “outstanding” awards from the South Pacific District of PRSSA and advisor Donn Silvis was named the South Pacific’s “Outstanding Advisor”. Nine members journeyed to San Diego for the PRSSA District Conference.
• In 1994, under the leadership of Cindy (Williams) Marquez, the CSUDH chapter sponsored the South Pacific District Conference with over 80 Southern California PRSSA members in attendance.
• In 1997, five members, plus advisor Donn Silvis, attended the national PRSSA conference in Nashville. Two members had won John D. Codespoti PRSA technology grants and had their registration paid.
• In 1998, President Andy Perez won another John D. Codespoti PRSA technology grant, attended the national PRSSA conference in Boston and won two HPRA Scholarship awards. He was also the Department of Communications "Outstanding Junior."
• In 2001, Miaesha Campbell attended the national PRSSA conference in Atlanta.
• In 2001, On November 21,2001, CSUDH PRSSA Chapter official website on web.
Past Chapter History:
Year # of Members President
1991-92 12 Marie (Yoder) Fuentes-Garcia
1992-93 18 Mario Flores
1993-94 22 Chris Russo
1994-95 15 Toni Bradley
1995-96 26 Liz West
1996-97 23 Yvette Parker
1997-98 39 Lourdes (Del Rio) Valdes
1998-99 43 Andy Perez
1999-00 33 Ena (Aguilar) Picon
2000-01 25 Leona Christensen, Glenda Vaquerano
2001-02 66 Ilse Hayes
2002-03 33 Mackenzie Woods
2003-04 Janelle Hartley
PRSSA Headquarters - The Society's headquarter office is located in New York City, under the direction of the PRSSA director and other support staff.
National Committee - The PRSSA National Committee is comprised of 14 members, the National President, the Immediate Past President and six Vice Presidents comprise the voting members, other members include the PRSSA Webmaster, the FORUM Editor-in-Chief, the PRSA Board Liaison, the PRSSA Director, a Faculty Advisor and a Professional Advisor. The student members are elected at the National Assembly and serve a one-year term from June 1 to May 31 of the following year.
Travel Opportunities
An added benefit of membership in PRSSA is the opportunity to travel to exciting cities across the country to participate in professional and leadership development programs. Each year, PRSSA hosts two national events, and at least 10 regional activities. Recent destinations have included Miami, San Francisco, Boston, Los Angeles, St. Louis, Orlando, Baltimore and Nashville.
National Assembly - This spring event serves as the governing body for the Society as well as the training ground for chapter leaders. During this event bylaw changes are voted on and the new National Committee is elected. One voting delegate from each chapter, along with other chapter leaders interested in leadership training, attend this event.
National Conference - The PRSSA National Conference offers an exciting opportunity to learn about the field of public relations. Students from around the nation convene each fall for four days of workshops, a Career Expo, resume critiquing, networking opportunities, social events and much more. PRSA and PRSSA hold their conferences concurrently to facilitate networking.
Regional Activities - Hosted by individual chapters in various locations, these events are a great way to meet students and professionals in your area. A traditional regional activity consists of one to three days of sessions and social events. Regional Activities are normally held over a weekend in the spring.
Affiliation with PRSA
An underlying strength of PRSSA is its relationship with its parent society, PRSA. You will often hear people say that public relations is about 'who you know.' And PRSA is the 'who' to know. With more than 20,000 members in 124 chapters in the major PR markets of America, the PRSA/PRSSA partnership offers you a vast network of potential employers.
PRSA Associate Membership - Taking part in the PRSA Associate Membership program is the greatest benefit offered to PRSSA’s members. As a graduate and member of PRSSA you have the opportunity to become an Associate Member of PRSA for only $60 per year. Associate Membership can be held for only two years and at the special rate.