3/20/2003

Contact: K.E. Schwab  -- 724-738-2199;  e-mail: karl.schwab@sru.edu

NEWSPAPER, PUBLIC RELATIONS AND RADIO PROFESSIONALS TO PROVIDE INSIGHTS AS PART OF SLIPPERY ROCK UNIVERSITY’S ‘COMMUNICATION WEEK’

           SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Those interested in careers in journalism, public relations or emerging technology are invited to join in Slippery Rock University’s “Communication Week” opening Monday [March 24].

           The week gives students opportunities to meet and learn from successful alumni and other leaders in the field.

           The speaker lineup includes three, free, 11:30 a.m. sessions open to the public in the University Union:

•         John Righetti, executive director of communication for Butler Health System, on Tuesday [March 25];

•         Phil Kirczk, best known as WDVE radio’s “The Kielbasa Kid,” on Wednesday [March 26]; and

•         Rick Monti, general manager of the Valley News Dispatch, on Thursday [March 27].

           Matt Provenza, a 1987 SRU communication graduate, now city editor of the Valley News Dispatch in Tarentum, will be the keynote speaker at the communication department’s “Honors Banquet” set for 6 p.m. March 29 in the University Club of North Hall. The banquet honors outstanding SRU communication students.

           Frank Rybicki, a communication instructor and chair of the department’s marketing and development committee, said, “This week is about professional development, finding out about your profession from an expert in the field and most importantly, recognizing those students who have excelled academically.”

           As a preliminary event, the SRU Public Relations Student Society of America chapter will host a campuswide donut sale with delivery scheduled for Monday [March 24].  The organization will also offer “Communication Week” T-shirts.

 PN, PgN, WPN, PR