Point Park University’s America250PA Student Team Advances to State Finals Monday, November 4, 2019
The Point Park University America250PA student team of Brianna Farrand, Divine Kennedy, Kayla Snyder and Sabrina Tatalias developed and presented an integrated marketing campaign for the United States Postal Service that has advanced to the Nov. 19 state competition in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
“It’s amazing how talented our students are,” said Steve Tanzilli, J.D., dean of the Rowland School of Business. “We’re proud of the collaboration between our University’s Rowland School of Business and the School of Communication and happy to serve as the host campus for this regional round.”
On Nov. 19, Point Park’s team will compete against other regional finalist teams across Pennsylvania, who will pitch their campaigns to Gov. Wolf and officials from the United States Postal Service.
“It’s exciting to see our Point Park team recognized as regional finalists in the statewide Direct Effect Innovation Challenge. Our students developed and presented a cohesive integrated marketing campaign proposal for the America250PA initiative from concept to prototype, showcasing their marketing, design, technology and communication skills. This was experiential learning at its best!” said Dorene Ciletti, Ph.D., associate professor of sales and marketing and the H.J. Heinz Company Endowed Chair in Business Management.
School of Communication Lecturer Camille Downing, M.A., added: “The regional competition was really exciting to watch. Our students did a great job of tapping into their various talents to create a well thought out plan, creative pieces and a website. I think they are in an excellent position to really shine and represent Point Park well at the statewide final competition."
Tatalias, a sophomore information technology major from Bethel Park High School in Bethel Park, Pa., led the team in developing the tech pieces for their campaign, including a mock website.
“In addition to my interest in IT, I am very business minded in the sense that I love to use data and technology in different practices such as product development, marketing and user experience. This was the perfect opportunity to bring my two interests together and create an impactful campaign that will benefit every Pennsylvanian and be a part of history,” Tatalias said.
Snyder, a senior public relations and advertising major, focused on the research and structuring of the team’s IMC plan.
“Lecturer Camille Downing presented me with the opportunity. At first, I was nervous because it sounded like a huge opportunity and I wasn't sure what my role would be in it, but I wanted to push myself. This experience has not only been a resume builder, but real-life practice for my future career,” said Snyder, a graduate of Shaler Area High School in Pittsburgh, Pa.
“My particular focus was on graphic design including developing the logo/illustration that is the central image of our campaign and designing and constructing a mock-up of our direct mail piece,” explained Farrand, a senior multimedia major from Agora Cyber Charter School.
Farrand added: “I was born and raised in Pennsylvania and have come to know and appreciate the many elements — a strong sense of community, innovation, among other things — that make the Commonwealth feel like home. Win or lose, having the chance to share what you love most about your home and to potentially have your ideas be part of history is an amazing opportunity, and I'm very fortunate to be on this journey with my team members.”