Melissa Brown
Published: February 22, 2006
Have you ever dreamed of seeing your face on a billboard?
With the help of PJC’s student testimonial program that dream may be fulfilled.
In an effort to evolve the program, students are invited to offer their personal PJC success story for use in a variety of media.
PJC Marketing Director Elizabeth Hewey says the program is “strictly voluntary” and is excited about the new campaign already in progress.
“Real stories. Real success. About real PJC students,” Hewey said.
Hewey emphasized that the “real” aspect of the campaign is essential, a feeling shared by Melissa DiDonato, 18, a Tate High School graduate who appeared in last December’s campaign.
“The fact that it’s real students [is important],” DiDonato said. “Because most of us think that the people [in brochures] are fake, so since we are real students people are going to be like ‘Oh I know that guy.’ They’re realizing these people aren’t fake.”
December’s brochure is filled with vibrant and energetic photos of area high school graduates, most in mid-air, suspended above an unseen trampoline.
“They said to make sure to jump on the trampoline and put your arms in the air, do something with your legs, and smile the whole time. And we had some music,” DiDonato said.
The history major was unaware of the program until she received a phone call last December.
“She just said there was a photo shoot. That’s all I heard. Photo shoot. I knew [the brochure] was supposed to be for high school students, and I figured I might as well leave something behind. It sounded fun.”
And it must have been, because DiDonato asked, “Am I going to be in another one?” with hopeful anticipation conveyed in her expression.
“It was real quick and easy. It was kinda weird ’cause you didn’t know the people, but it was cool. It was awkward at first; I’ve never done something like that before. I had fun. I went to work and I showed everybody. I was like ‘I’m in a brochure!’ You know, how many people are in a brochure?”
Prior to the current campaign, the provost and various professors met with Hewey to discuss potential students. When asked her opinion on why she was chosen DiDonato said, “I don’t know why they asked me. I heard it was just kinda random.”
Hewey said the program uses “integrated communications – all media: print, billboards, the web. They all work together to communicate the brand value of PJC.”
DiDonato believes in PJC. “I never had a thing for UWF. I just didn’t,” she said. “And my sister came here and she had a really good time, and I’m having a fun time.”
Melissa DiDonato’s success story is now recorded; she has succeeded in leaving her mark for other area graduates to follow, and now you can, too.
Students interested in participating in the Student Testimonial Program should contact Elizabeth Hewey at 484-1428 or drop by her office in the Administration Building, suite 707.