Fattlar Interns with Top Ranked Hospital

Senior Lauren Fattlar had a busy and rewarding summer interning with the Cleveland Clinic as a Corporate Communication Intern. In this position, Lauren pitched stories to the many media outlets, such as the news, TV, and magazines, she posted tweets on the Clinic's Twitter site, as well as researched trending topics and stories to send out as weekly tips to general reporters.

Lauren also had the opportunity to attend video shoots. One of the shoots recorded behind-the-scene activities of the heart center as the Clinic was recently named the No. 1 heart hospital by U.S. News & World Report for the 20th consecutive year.

"Communication courses such as Public Relations Writing, Health Communication, Organizational Communication and Interpersonal Communication really helped prepare me for my internship by giving me the proper skill set and confidence to write press releases and to work in a fast-paced corporate communication environment," says Lauren. "It was really neat to have used what I learned about health communication and apply the importance of patient interaction first-hand at the Cleveland Clinic!"

Lauren is triple majoring in Health & Risk Communication, Public Relations & Strategic Communication and Sport Communication and plans on graduating in May 2015.

Five Students from AU'S Department of Communication Studies Joined O-Team

Lauren Fattlar, Alexys McQuillen, Stephany Elgin, Taylor Campbell and Byron Reyna-Corzo joined Ashland University's Orientation Team and are in the Department of Communication Studies. The Department of Communication majors include Health and Risk Communication, Sport Communication and Public Relations and Strategic Communication.

Ashland University's O-Teamers are responsible for guiding freshmen through their transition to campus life during orientation weekend and drive-ins. O-Teamers are selected based on personality and academic standing. These students instruct, guide, entertain and support freshmen by organizing events, giving tours and moving freshmen in early. 

Lauren Fattlar is on left standing next to Alexys McQuillen. Stephany Elign is in the middle with Taylor  Campbell and Byron Reyna-Corzo on her right. 

Elgin Gains Experience Interning with AU's Department of Student Life

Public Relations and Strategic Communication major, Stephany Elgin, interned this summer with Ashland University's Department of Student Life as an Orientation and Commuter Services Intern.

Stephany's duties included assisting the director of Orientation with planning and implementing orientation programs, leading the Orientation Team as an executive member during programs, developing Orientation Team training materials, and preparing materials and presentations for incoming students and their family members, as well as working with special populations such as commuters, out of state students, and transfer students to feel more acclimated to campus. She also helped out with the day-to-day office tasks in the department.

"One class that has particularly helped me in this position would be organizational communication," says Stephany. "The course taught me how to develop and implement a training program, which was extremely beneficial when producing and designing a training program and materials for the Orientation Team members."

Public speaking was a large part of her experience.

"The skills I developed from many of my communication courses have helped me to become a better public speaker. I had been asked to give speeches or speak to crowds with very little notice on a number of occasions. Being able to organize my thoughts and present information in a logical manner has prepared me for this challenge."

Stephany added, "Working for the Student Life Office and the Department of Orientation has showed me just how much work goes into student life at AU. I am proud to be a part of a department that touches the lives of every new student on Ashland's campus!"