Student Honored for Academic Success

 
Thomas Brown, Oakland University Journalism student, has always had a knack for words and language. As a freshman, Brown began pursuing an academic career in public relations and is now looking toward a successful career in the field. He has worked hard throughout his academic career and three internships to ensure that he is fully prepared for life after OU.

Now in his senior year, Brown has been awarded the 2009-2010 Richard D. French Public Relations Tuition Award. This award, established in 2008 by alumnus Richard French (CAS ’84), is intended to provide tuition assistance to students pursuing a career in public relations and engaging in internship opportunities. Through his own experience in the public relations field, French, now president of French l West l Vaughan, found internships and hands-on experiences before graduation very useful tools for young graduates seeking employment.

Brown said, “I credit my internships with giving me the ability to hone the tools my professors at Oakland University have given me. Every one of my internships was an invaluable window into a career path available and the type of work I’ll be doing once I graduate.” Brown has held internships with Campbell-Ewald advertising agency, Oakland Pet Adoption Center and BOSSdev, an interactive and social media studio.

Brown explained that his time and education at OU have been important as well: “It’s been a time of self discovery and exploration into how I want to live my life and what value I can provide the world. The best advice I can give [incoming freshman] is to be open to the ideas and possibilities that the educators at OU present you with.”

Brown is looking forward to graduating in December, and because of this award is optimistic about the future. “I’m a lot more hopeful about future employment opportunities, especially in the field of public relations.”