55th Anniversary photos

Celebrating 55 Years of Excellence in St. Louis Public Relations - Sept. 21, 2005

Current PRSA-St. Louis chapter president Jeff Waldman, and anniversary celebration co-chair Tina Carroll in opening ceremonies

Presidents Former chapter presidents (left to right), Jim Hubbard with Rick Stoff. Lane Talburt, Don Lottmann and Suzanne Holroyd. Member Jim Braibish is seated.

For a variety of reasons, PRSA-St. Louis missed its 50th anniversary celebration - five years ago. A make-up celebration idea 55/5/5 (or a 55-years of area PR excellence in the St. Louis area on May 5, 2005) seemed like a natural. But it left planning and promotion to a minimum. Plus 5/5 was Cinco de Mayo. On Sept. 21, 2005, however, nearly 50 people gathered at the Schlafy's in downtown St. Louis to recognize the leadership of the chapter's past presidents. A search began during the summer for the last 25 presidents of PRSA's seventh chapter nationwide, chartered by 14 area professionals in 1949. With the help of past presidents Shirley Browne (1980), Katie Burckhalter (1998 &1999), Cathy Dunkin (1994) and others - all APRs - all but two of the leaders of this time period were located. Those in Virginia, California and vacationing in Kenya sent regrets. All were invited to write down their most memorable moments (best and worse) and how they have seen the field change since their presidency. Many of those moments, tips and observations will be shared on our Web site during the next few months.

Eleven former presidents attending the celebration were honored with commemorative "trophies."

Les Landes (1995) shares some highs, lows and challenges of his presidency.

"As far as the profession, I am concerned that as a group, we have co-opted ourselves in the service of the people who gave us a role originally because of our "outside views". Too many PR people and organizations are more interested in carrying water for corporations that might not be doing the right thing by customers, by employees, or by shareholders than they are in "telling the truth" as Arthur Page instructed us all to do. Unfortunately, I'm not sure the PR community is any more guilty than business as a whole, but then I always thought we should be better than the rest of them." - Susan Croce Kelly (Kirkpatrick), APR, (1986)

Webster University's Deb Carpenter (left) and Mary Phelan (1992) enjoy a chance to talk "away from the office."

Lane Talburt (1991) and Jim Hubbard (1987) recall their days at the helm.

Don Lottmann (1985) talks of the whereabouts of past presidents with chapter administrator Terry Barber.

Judy Taylor (left) and Carolyn Green share a lighter moment with Craig Workman (1993)

"My most memorable moment? PRSA celebrated its 30th anniversary with a special gathering at the St. Louis Club prior to the presentation of the Lamplighter Award to John Hanley of Monsanto. Seven former presidents attended. (Editor's note: The last celebration). It seems to me fewer people are receiving APR designation. Also, challenges are much greater today with businesses being scrutinized as never before. Historical news events? Mt. St. Helens blew up during the annual delegate meeting in Portland, Oregon." - Shirley Browne, APR, 1980.

Roxanne Miller & Celebration co-chair Caroline Lwali

Melissa Barreca, Brett & Sonia (Crites) Coleman

"I think PR is an evolving profession and I think that's good. We've seen corporate staffs get smaller, while boutique agencies have thrived. I was with Hill and Knowlton in St. Louis in the days when all the really big agencies were opening offices all over the country. A number of those offices are closed now, probably because many local companies can't afford the overhead of a global agency and the economics (and the need) simply weren't there. I've seen an incredible group of young people enter the pr field, not because they had paid their dues in the media and wanted something different, but because they really want to do PR -- and not because they're 'good with people'." - Karen Marshall, APR (1990)

Other attending presidents and their years of service with PRSA-St. Louis.

Suzanne Holroyd 2003

Liese Hutchison 2000

Katie Burckhalter 1998 & 1999

Pat Feeney 2001

Jim Hubbard 1987

Don Lottmann 1985

Karen Marshall 1990

Craig Workman 1993

Photos - Dawn DeBlaize and Terry Barber.