100 Years of Gratitude: PRSSA Hosts JMC Friendsgiving in Wilson Hall

By Jasira Jouett

The Murray State Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) hosted a Friendsgiving celebration for the department on November 20, 2025. Students and faculty gathered on the first floor of Wilson Hall to share gratitude with one another and celebrate the centennial of a beloved campus building.

Over 20 guests attended the event. Tables and chairs lined the first floor hallway for a buffet-style meal featuring turkey, ham and an assortment of side dishes and desserts, many supplied by attendees. The tasty turkey was donated by PRSSA, and a ham platter came from the JMC Department.

The aroma of casseroles, macaroni and cheese, pie and more saturated the first floor. Surrounded by seasonal decor and Murray State’s signature navy blue tablecloths, members of the department shared gratitude, laughter and meaningful discussions. As part of the celebration, attendees gathered to hear from a few of the department’s cherished faculty members, who shared their gratitude and reflected on 100 years of growth, achievement and storytelling, the very things that continue to define the JMC community.

“We’re a family here in Wilson Hall,” said PRSSA chapter president Natalie Gardner. “We thought, what better way to bring everyone together than to celebrate our friendship at the same time that our building turns 100?”

Murray State PRSSA has hosted various events this year, growing the chapter and its outside network. Most notable was the Guest Lecture Series, where alumni and industry professionals spoke at weekly sessions this fall, sharing their insights on navigating college and taking their first steps into full-time careers. The chapter also hosted an internship panel for all JMC majors.

Looking to the future, Murray State PRSSA plans to host more events and learning opportunities in the new year. For more information about Murray State PRSSA or to volunteer as a future speaker, visit https://sites.google.com/view/murraystateprssa/home or contact murraystateprssa@gmail.com. Follow @murraystateprssa on Instagram and Facebook for regular updates.

Pictured above, right to left: Gretchen Beatty, Jada Poindexter, Charlie Jury, Mackenzie Rogers, Ayden Dick, Dixie Lynn and Natalie Gardner.
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