On June 22, Marissa Reale, (’18) received the Dr. Jean Brodey Student Achievement Award at the Philadelphia Public Relations Association (PPRA) annual meeting at the new Museum of the American Revolution in Old City. The award is given to a college junior or senior who has exhibited outstanding professional promise in the field of public relations, has an excellent academic track record and contributes to his or her community. Only one student is selected from among student nominees from colleges in the Greater Philadelphia region.
“I am so honored to be selected to receive such a prestigious award. It’s incredible to be recognized from such a fantastic organization,” Reale said. “I love the opportunities this organization gives to students, as well as Temple University for being so connected to its surroundings.”
Reale’s interest in public relations began in high school when she had her first internship for iHeartMedia while living in Lansdale, Pa.
“Starting out, I just listened to various speakers,” she said. “I then learned even when you’re meeting someone for the first time, shake hands firmly, look them in the eyes and keep in touch afterwards. I am a big fan of reaching out to people.”
Reale is the seventh Temple student to receive the Brodey award, the most from any university in the region since the award’s inception in 2002.
Today, she is an intern in the creative services department of 6ABC and is a member of PPRA. As if she wasn’t busy enough, she also serves as vice president of Temple’s chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) and assistant firm director of Temple’s only and nationally affiliated student-run PR firm, PRowl Public Relations.
KYW Newsradio’s Pat Loeb served as the moderator for the evening. Attendees also heard from Terrance C.Z. Egger, publisher and CEO of the Philadelphia Media Network, and Michael Days, editor of the Philadelphia Media Network’s three media properties—the Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Daily News and Philly.com.
“It felt so great to be recognized because usually the award goes to someone who just graduated,” Reale said. “It felt so great to get that extra boost beforehand.”
Because she has family in the area, Reale hopes to remain in Philadelphia in the near future. And while that future looks bright, she remains incredibly grateful to those who helped her along the way, especially to Strategic Communication professor Gregg Feistman who has been extremely supportive along the way.