In 2015, The University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno became home to the state's only student-run public relations firm, Wolf Pack Relations. Students of the Reynolds School of Journalism and Center for Advanced Media Studies worked together to create an establishment that has since worked with more than 10 clients ranging from the local Off Beat Arts & Music Festival to the Northern ÁùºÏ±¦µä Black Cultural Awareness Society.
Between managing client accounts and working alongside the ÁùºÏ±¦µä chapter of the Public Relations Students Society of America, the members of Wolf Pack Relations have gained a skillset capable of assisting community professionals in building their brand and shaping long-lasting relationships with them.
Off Beat Arts & Music Festival reached out to the firm in 2015 for assistance in areas such as social media management and the distribution of promotional materials. Members provided strategic communications services to the festival by creating press releases and pitching the event to publications and radio stations throughout the region.
In December 2016, the Northern ÁùºÏ±¦µä Black Cultural Awareness Society requested support in promoting its Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration. The Society's goal was to expand its target audience and reach a younger demographic. The members of Wolf Pack Relations developed a strategic plan with recommended solutions on achieving this goal and worked to implement their strategy through the creation of earned media, designing the program and covering the event through social media.
"While it was a small team working on the Society account, we learned a lot about deadlines, working remotely and what it takes to put together a benefit dinner," Alexa Solis, firm director and University journalism senior, said. "Every client is an opportunity to learn about not only the deliverables, but what it takes to put together events, strategies and what does and doesn't work when it comes to tactics."
The students who have shaped and benefitted from Wolf Pack Relations have acquired a fresh and innovative mindset through a growing understanding of the industry. During their explorations of a professional clientele, members of the firm have become familiar with the world of public relations in a fashion that is not common among college students.
"This was my first semester as a member of Wolf Pack Relations, and I wish I did not have to leave," Hannah Richardson, account executive and University marketing senior, said. "Wolf Pack Relations has given me incredible confidence and valuable skills that I can take with me to my future career, for which I am now thrilled to pursue."
As the firm has made its rounds through the Reno area, members are now looking to work with the array of on-campus organizations at the University. Wolf Pack Relations can offer quality work for a price that cannot be beat by other established firms.
As Wolf Pack Relations' current copywriter Caroline Ackerman steps up to the title of firm director, the firm will begin growing in a multitude of ranges. Positions will be opening up starting summer 2017 such as the firm's publicity director, social media director and varying account executive positions.
"I am so excited to continue working with Wolf Pack Relations during my senior year," Ackerman, University journalism junior, said. "Everything I have learned in my classes has been expanded upon in Wolf Pack Relations. This experience has allowed me to grow as a pre-professional and learn so much about my future career."
Wolf Pack Relations staff includes: Alexa Solis, firm director; Alec Rigg, general manager; Maddison Cervantes, public relations director; Laura Contreras, College of Business liaison; Melissa Ung, account executive; Hannah Richardson, account executive; Sandi Parkhurst, account assistant; Caroline Ackerman, copy writer; Alison Gaulden, faculty advisor; and Ira Gostin, professional advisor.
