KINGSTON, R.I. –January 21, 2009—Fundraising and public relations go hand-in-hand.

University of Rhode Island Advancement Vice President Robert Beagle will speak about that connection and more on Feb. 2 at 3 p.m. His talk, the second lecture of a four-part PR Summit series, is free and open to the public. The talk will be held at the University’s University Club, 95 Upper College Road, Kingston Campus. Beagle holds an adjunct faculty appointment in URI’s Communication Studies Department. His lecture will give students and the public an opportunity to explore the fundraising aspect of public relations.

Through his education and 30 years of organizational management, Beagle has expertise in communication as a leadership tool. As an advancement professional, he is well versed in special events/special occasions/ceremonial rhetoric as tools for leadership, bonding and engagement.

He served as a college debate coach for 10 years and as associate editor of a national journal in debate for 4 years.

The vice president earned his master’s degree in communications from the Pennsylvania State University and completed all doctoral coursework in communication at Penn State, and then entered administration.

While all students are welcome, students in communication studies, public relations and/or marketing will especially benefit from this lecture.

“Many of our students will consider employment in the non-profit sector,” says Regina Bell, director of URI’s Public Relations Program in the Communication Studies Department. “ This topic will give them exposure to a specific facet of public relations.”

The remaining two lectures of the PR Summit series are:

• Mar. 11: Jennifer Stuart an event producer/project manager from Interference Inc. will discuss, “Do You Want to be an Event Planner?”

• Apr. 8: Bell will discuss, “Ready, Set, Go: Get Ready for the Job Interview.”

For more information, 874-2857.

URI Department of Communications and Marketing photo by Nora Lewis