Klein College of Media and Communication student Sylvianna Colón, a senior public relations major, keeps her Outlook calendar meticulously organized, mapping her days down to the minute. She moves around campus from jobs to internships to leading student organization meetings, all while staying on top of her honors coursework—and she’s set to graduate a full year early.
Before arriving as a student in August of 2023, the Bucks County native was more than familiar with campus life. Her mom works for the university, and her brother was a recent alum. The decision to attend Temple fell on her lap with an easy yes.
Colón took no time to acclimate, jumping into organizations like PRSSA, Dare2Dance, Honors Activity Board, Pre-Law Society and even landed an internship at the Temple University Career Center as a graphic design and marketing intern. Her personal network grew, as her infectious personality allowed her to befriend anyone.
“Anytime we could go out to work on events or put up flyers, she was always running into someone she knew,” said Stephanie Zajac, former marketing and content coordinator for Temple University Career Center. “And, of course, she was a positive force on campus as well. She was always asking people, ‘How are you doing?’ and knew so many things about different students.”
Without a doubt, Colón has immersed herself in the Temple community.
Currently serving as chapter president of Temple PRSSA, vice president of Pre-Law Society, an Owl Ambassador, a Klein Peer Mentor and an intern for Newsroom Public Relations, it’s no surprise to anyone that Colón’s drive and passion have led her to some extraordinary opportunities and accolades.
Last November, she traveled to Chicago twice, once to attend PRovoke Media's 15th Global Public Relations Summit with MSL (Global). Additionally, she was selected for EMERGE: The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations and the Grossman Group Leadership Academy 2026 cohort, which officially started in January.
Both of these highly sought-after and selective professional development openings led her to connect with practitioners from Edelmann, Finn Partners and Weber Shandwick.
“These opportunities have really expanded my network for future possibilities across the nation and even globally,” said Colón. “I’ve met some incredible people, and when something aligns with my interests and crosses their desk, they often pass it along to me. This has helped me broaden my understanding of public relations and grow professionally.”
This past December, she was honored with PRSA Philadelphia’s Anne Sceia Klein Award for Professional Promise, which recognizes a junior or senior student of a PRSSA chapter who has shown dedication to their professional advancement in the field of public relations.
Colón made her way up the ranks in Temple PRSSA’s leadership, joining the club her freshman year as a general body member, advancing to director of social media and now chapter president. She runs all of the organization’s general body and executive board meetings, while finding speakers and activities to engage members.
Professor of practice and faculty advisor of Temple PRSSA, Gregg Feistman, noticed Colón’s proactive nature when she attended an Experience Temple Day during her senior year of high school.
“She came right up to the public relations table, introduced herself and said this was the major she wanted to do,” said Feistman. “So, with that enthusiasm and eagerness, I knew immediately, ‘Ah, I got to keep my eye on this one.’”
Although Colón’s major is public relations, she also has an interest in law. After her graduation this May, Colón hopes to pursue further education in law while expanding her passion for public relations.
She is currently interning for Newsroom PR, a public relations law firm that specializes in legal and litigation, handling crisis management and connecting with journalists nationwide.
“I’m incredibly grateful for all the opportunities both Klein and Temple have given me,” said Colón. “I couldn’t have imagined a better fit for my college career, and I’m excited to continue representing the cherry and white after graduating this May.”