UC public relations course reaches vulnerable community
Real-world experience gives students role in supporting Sarah House
Rather than having students find opportunities for real-world applications of their studies beyond the classroom, why not bring it to them?
A public relations campaigns class, offered through the communication department in UC’s College of Arts and Sciences, gives students a taste of experience in the field.
Each semester, they partner with a business or organization seeking fresh marketing and media assistance to help the organization's message reach as many as possible. This semester, the class has partnered with Sarah House, a support organization for area youth, to give its outward presentation a refresh.
Sarah House is a Cincinnati pediatric respite care facility for children with life-limiting or terminal illnesses. In a time where there are often no options for round-the-clock care that allows them to embrace their childhood, Sarah House helps fill that void. The space puts an emphasis on a home-like environment, prioritizing the patient's and family's well-being.
Matching skills to need
UC associate professor of communication Autumn Miller. Photo/Provided
While Sarah House has been around for a decade, their branding and media coverage has needed a refresh. At the same time, the need for its services has only grown. They hope that with the funds gained through increased publicity, they will have the funds to build a new facility and pour everything back into further improving their business, and maybe even get a donor or two for the new facility.
To get started, the class met their client to understand what services Sarah House needed. Then, in collaboration with Autumn Miller, associate professor of communication, each student was put into the group that best suited their skills, interests, and prior experience, all so that they can provide Sarah House with the best publicity possible.
Avery Doyle, a fourth-year public relations student, was the perfect fit for the media group.
“Dr. Miller took a lot of things into consideration when creating the groups. I have another job where I do a lot of media work, I enjoy doing it and it is something I see myself doing later,” said Doyle. “She put everyone in groups that fit their strong suits.”
They truly want to set us up to be successful.
Avery Doyle, UC communication student
The students have gotten the chance to execute many of the public relations skill they will need after graduation, from media kits to newsletters and press release templates. The students, Doyle said, are feeling all the weight that comes with working to help a real client improve a business.
“It’s nerve-wracking,” she said. “But it is very fun. It is real-world experience, and we’re experiencing the fruits of our labor.”
Looking to the future
While they get to see their hard work pay off now, the students hope it doesn’t stop there. If their work publicizing Sarah House is truly effective, they hope that this isn’t their last time hearing about the organization, and they want to see Sarah House succeed.
As they move on to graduation and beyond, the students have supplied Sarah House with a list of contacts to send their PR kits, and a list of future events and contacts that could benefit from Sarah House’s services after the project is over.
Featured image at top: The logo for Sarah House in Cincinnati. Photo/Provided
By Emily Widman
Student Journalist, College of Arts and Sciences Marketing and Communication
artscinews@uc.edu
Related Stories
College of Arts & Sciences research centers uniting for impact
September 4, 2025
UC’s College of Arts and Sciences is home to 12 research centers, which are moving forward study of machine learning and AI, environmental sciences, cyber strategy, urban policy, civility in public discourse, and more. Each center has impact on our local communities and beyond. But what if they joined forces to expand their impact—locally, regionally and beyond? The new A&S Action Collaborative is setting out to answer that question.
UC undergrads: Spice up your spring class schedule
October 15, 2025
For UC students, spring semester may seem pretty remote. After all, homecoming, finals and holiday break are still around the corner. But spring enrollment season is here, and if you want to get into some fun and interesting electives, the College of Arts and Sciences has a range of options, covering topics from artificial intelligence to the ancient world to the iconic classic Barbie doll. Early enrollment started Sept. 22, and appointments for continuing undergrads begin Oct. 20. Why not take a class that helps get you a few credit hours while having a memorable time learning? Here is a sampling of the unique courses offered through the College of Arts of Sciences. See one you like? Don't wait--these classes fill up fast!
UC student talks about importance of voting
November 5, 2025
UC College of Arts and Sciences student Lindsay Person talks to WVXU's show Student Voices about why voting is important to her.