Bobcat Promotions donates $2,500 to Glaves Scholarship

January 30, 2014

P Seelan

Bobcat Promotions, the student-run public relations firm through the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, held its first reunion at Saltgrass Steakhouse. The event also welcomed back alumni participation in the National Bateman Case Study Competition.Tracie Wrape, who currently works at Luling Oil & Gas and participated in Bateman, said the reunion was “a wonderful idea.” She said she was proud to see continued success of public relations graduates in the marketplace.“I know the reunion is going to get bigger each year and I look forward in getting involved in promoting it.” Bobcat Promotions presented a check for $2,500 toward the Robert Glaves Scholarship, making it a fully endowed scholarship that will generate annual grants to public relations students.“This donation is the result of continued hard work and productivity by the firm,” said Senior Lecturer Chuck Kaufman, who’s served as faculty adviser of Bobcat Promotions for seven years. “We've enjoyed explosive growth, and it’s important for students to be rewarded for their hard work in serving clients, but equally important to understand the importance of giving back to their community.”Frank Walsh, who was the group’s founding director, discussed the very beginning of the firm and expressed his appreciation for the donation. “I’m so pleased that Bobcat Promotions continues to be not only a great training ground for students, but a place where they can learn and practice professionalism. Dr. Bruce Smith, a public relations professor and former director of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, said the $2,500 contribution adds to the generosity of the Robert Glaves family. Glaves for many years was the Texas State adviser of the Public Relations Student Society of America chapter and launched the fund in Glaves’ memory.Dr. Judith Oskam, the School’s current director, also congratulated the students and alumni attending the event for their achievements and wished them continued success. “Our public relations department comprises a significant part of the School’s enrollment and our success in national competitions and with the student-run firm is a tremendous testament to our credibility in the industry,” she said.Senior Christopher Henry, this year’s executive director of Bobcat Promotions, reported how the firm had grown to more than 30 staffers this fall and gained more than 10 clients in what has been a very busy fall term.