PROFS visit BVC to talk public relations

December 16, 2011

A group of senior public relations professionals gathered at BVC's North Campus to network with their colleagues.

The Public Relations Old Fellows Society (PROFS) held their monthly meeting at the College after being invited by Elza Bruk, Dean of Business, and Beverly DeSantis, Coordinator of BVC's new Public Relations Diploma.

"As we develop the program, we're hoping to gain the support of some of the individuals in this room for three roles: to join the program's advisory committee; to give advice and guidance for practicum placements; and give us recommendations on faculty, program content, and guest speakers," said Elza Bruk, BVC's Dean of Business.

Elza spoke with the PROFS about BVC's new Public Relations Diploma, which will begin fall 2012.

The program is offered in partnership with Grant MacEwan University and provides students with the opportunity to use their existing post-secondary credits towards the diploma, making the program only a year in length.

BVC saw an opportunity to offer the new program after a void in the market opened with Mount Royal's transition to a university.

Jared Joynt, a retired public relations professional and the chair of PROFS, sees a lot of opportunity with BVC's new public relations program. He was a guest lecturer with MRU's public relations degree program for many years and understands the value of having training opportunities in the region.

"As Elza pointed out today, it didn't dawn on me that when MRU was granted university status it left a bit of an opening in the market," says Jared. "When I came on the scene there was Ryerson in Toronto and Mt. St. Vincent in New Brunswick were the only public relations programs in Canada."

"It's great and it does fill a niche in the market."

Among other roles throughout his career, Jared was the Senior Vice-President of Communications for the 15th Olympic Winter Games in Calgary. His portfolio included culture, media relations and public relations.

Rosemarie Enslin, PROFS member and public relations consultant (left), hopes to find some ways to work with Elza Bruk (right) to engage PROFS in advancing BVC's new Public Relations Program.