Public Relations Success Stories

The value of a Fisher education is evident in personal stories of success told by students and alumni. Read what they have to say about the program and what they gained from their experience.

Becky Tarbell Andrysiak ’00

Director of Marketing at Bright Line Eating Solutions

Becky Andrysiak

Becky Andrysiak

Becky Andrysiak landed a job at a marketing and branding firm right after Fisher, and her career began to grow from there.

Now, two decades since her time as a Fisher student, Andrysiak still recalls information from some of her communications classes in her role as a marketing director. “I loved the creative aspects of the advertising courses I took at Fisher,” she explained. She also took several English and communications courses that she recommends for “anyone who wishes to communicate clearly and efficiently in business today and navigate today's media landscape with an informed perspective.”   

For Andrysiak, studying at Fisher was a time of new connections to jumpstart a career path. “My program gave me inspiration to get my career started.”


Gabby Garcy '21

Social Media Coordinator

Gabby Garcy

Gabby Garcy

Gabby Garcy attributes her success as a young professional to the connections she developed during her undergraduate studies. “My Fisher experience shaped me into the young professional I am today through the relationships I formed as a student. My professors offered me advice and guidance throughout my time at Fisher, helping me to hone my interpersonal skills before I entered the workforce.”

Garcy believes the network at Fisher launched her on her current path. “I was inspired because of my role as the social media coordinator for the Office of Admissions and my involvement in the PRIMA Group when I was a student.”

Now, she works as a social media coordinator at CGI Digital, managing a book of clients by developing and launching paid social media campaigns. Studying media and communication at Fisher equipped Garcy with confidence for this role as she creates and analyzes social media reports and oversees the work of social media specialists.

“My involvement on campus gave me opportunities to apply my classroom knowledge in a real-world setting. I was also able to intern my senior year at a local PR agency, which gave me experience with client relations.”

Garcy encourages current students to take advantage of all the networking opportunities on campus: “By taking advantage of what Fisher offers, you’re able to set yourself up for success come graduation.”

Programs within the Media and Communication Department at Fisher are designed to equip students with lifelong skills as strategic communicators. In the future, Garcy plans to develop an “even wider skill set” through her work, building upon the foundation she gained at Fisher: “My experience at Fisher helped me develop strong time management skills which I plan to use throughout my career.”


LaQuan Hounshell '14

Director of Marketing at First American Equipment Finance

LaQuan Hounshell

LaQuan Hounshell

Media and communication graduate LaQuan Hounshell transferred to Fisher after spending two years at Monroe Community College. One of his professors at MCC recommended Fisher, and after a positive visit to campus, he was sold.

LaQuan quickly discovered and took advantage of the many extracurricular activities on campus. He became involved in Cardinal Television, Cardinal Courier, and Fisher Cru—organizations he credits for "lasting personal and professional connections and friendships." His involvement made him feel as if he had been at Fisher all along.

While at Fisher, LaQuan also interned at a local television news station.

His favorite thing about Fisher was the community and how helpful and supportive everyone was. He says his transition from MCC was seamless because he received a lot of help from people who made sure he had what he needed to succeed.


Jack Laino '20

Account Coordinator at Digital Hyve

Jack Laino

Jack Laino

Upon graduation from Fisher, Jack Laino felt prepared to enter the workforce “running with knowledge from many different classes.” As an account coordinator at Digital Hyve, Laino works closely with account managers on creating content that is measurable and creative.

“I was exposed to a variety of communication classes at Fisher. Everything from PR to traditional marketing, website development, and more. My interest in each of these areas ultimately led me to find enjoyment in my current position. Fisher has helped me gain opportunity and knowledge to find success in my field,” said Laino.

Laino recommends that current students explore their passions through hands-on learning experiences at Fisher: “Getting experience from different types of internships is key to learning what you want and like to do.”

The campus community at Fisher fosters career exploration and growth for budding young professionals, and Laino believes “involvement at Fisher helps you with opportunities and experiences to prepare you for work, gain experience, and expand your network.”