NJ/IABC Welcomes the State’s First Student Chapter!
Sept. 11, 2006, Madison, N.J. – The New Jersey Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (NJ/IABC) has formed the only student chapter in the tri-state area of New Jersey, New York and Connecticut. The NJ/IABC Student chapter was inaugurated April 12, 2006 at Fairleigh Dickinson University, Madison, N.J.
The NJ/IABC Student Chapter is open to all undergraduate and graduate students at N.J.-based institutions pursuing a degree in the field of communication.
The students and the N.J. professional chapter members have fostered a collaborative partnership to provide endless benefits to both organizations. The chapter will help students entering the workforce to succeed by providing tools such as networking-opportunities, career development guidance, and professional education programs. Rewards to NJ/IABC members include enhanced leadership and mentorship capabilities, and knowledge sharing of current communication theory and technology. The involvement of these new professional communicators also will augment the future of NJ/IABC membership.
“In a field that has recently grown in recognition, we look forward to sharing our expertise and increasing students’ knowledge as they prepare to enter the professional world of communication,” said Richard Ecke, President, NJ/IABC. NJ/IABC members represent communicators working in a broad range of disciplines and industries: 49% Corporations; 22% Associations, Academia, or Government institutions; 14% PR/communication consultancies; 6% Self-employed/independent; 5% Management consultancies, and; 4% Other.
The Student Chapter held its first board elections on May 20. The new board members for the 2006-2007 year are: Alexis Piekarsky, president; Mariellen Brown, vice president of membership development; Beth Leman; vice president of professional development/events; Christina Holden-Barth, vice president of communication; Rachel Cera, treasurer; Laura Mannix, secretary; Lorraine Gorski, and Sheron Hansel, board members-at-large.
According Piekarsky, who was instrumental in establishing the student chapter, “The NJ/IABC is very supportive, this organization will undoubtedly be an invaluable opportunity for student communicators to learn and grow! This is the beginning of a new adventure and I am excited to be a part of it.”
We look forward to the formal kickoff of the NJ Student Chapter mingling with New Jersey Chapter Members at Fairleigh on October 11 when Bob Currie, JM Huber Corporation, (our 2005 Communicator of the Year) addresses our audience.
Posted by: Wendy Flanagan | September 22, 2006 at 12:17 PM