Students Developing Communication Plans for Sikorsky Aircraft, HYPE

Woody Woodyard, Sikorsky Aircraft’s Vice President of Communications, welcomes the students to their initial client meeting.

Students kick off their tour of Sikorsky Aircraft in the facility’s lobby. Front row (l-r): Eugenia Martinez, Samantha Sulzer, Jessica Baker, Briana Livingston, Katelyn O'Sullivan, Rebecca Lazarus. Back row (l-r): Matt Singer, Emily Burns, Kayla Washington, John Chappell, Andrew Gregor, Tyler Losure, Dr. Susan Grantham.

Each spring students in CMM 471 – Public Relations Campaigns work with clients in the community to develop a strategic communication plan.

This year the students are working with Sikorsky Aircraft and Hartford's Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs (HYPE).

The course integrates many functions of public relations practices including critical analysis, client relationships, team dynamics, product development, and presentation skills.

The class is split into teams and each team will develop a plan for the clients. At the end of the semester the client selects which team better meets their needs based on the strategic plan and client presentation.

On Feb. 6, the students made their initial client visit to Sikorsky Aircraft in Stratford, Conn.