In the Spring of 2025, 1853 Communications turned five years old! 1853 is a student-run PR Agency within the Media and Communication department of Arcadia University that started in 2020. 1853 began because our faculty advisor, Dr. Chris Mullin, saw how essential it was for students to gain hands-on experience in the field of public relations. She wanted to give students one of a kind opportunities that can truly change the outcome of their futures. 1853 Communications does just that.
My name is Allison Schmidt and I am serving as the current co-director of 1853 Communications with Emily Fadako. During our time together, we have seen how significant having a space like 1853 truly is. It changed our lives by giving us the opportunity to lead a student-run organization and gain professional experience before entering the public relations field. Not only did it change our lives, but it’s been changing the lives of so many other students. The impact that 1853 Communications has on students is indescribable.
For five years, 1853 has been changing the lives of over 70 students. Students get the chance to help lead a student-run organization. They get the opportunity to learn first-hand about what working in the public relations field is like. Students receive work experience by partnering with multiple small-businesses and creating different public relation plans. Over the years, 1853 has partnered with many organizations. Arcadia University, Department of the Media and Communication, Arcadia University’s Center for Teaching Learning and Mentoring (CTLM), Loco Mag, Gift of Life Donor Program, Pals for Life, and Donate Life Pennsylvania are just a few of the organizations that the students of 1853 got to professionally work on.
In honor of 1853 Communications turning five years old, Emily and I wanted to write this post as a way to celebrate all of the hard work that people put into this student-run organization. 1853 would not be possible without the executive staff, the students, and the faculty advisor – Dr. Chris Mullin. This article is a thank you to everyone who ever showed an ounce of support for 1853. Without your support, 1853 would not be what it is today. 1853 appreciates every single one of you.