Reaching out, making a difference

May 09, 2011

Katie Zinn came to ASU following in her brother’s footsteps and once she was accepted into the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication she knew she had made the right decision.<separator></separator>“The Cronkite school has a reputation for turning out highly trained graduates, and the public relations program seemed like it would be a fit for me,” Zinn said. “I believe that what I’ve learned at ASU will benefit my career. In the classroom, I learned skills that I am already using in my professional career.”<separator></separator>Zinn, who will graduate magna cum laude, will begin her public relations career as an account coordinator at Olson Communications, a public relations and content marketing firm specializing in the food and beverage, leisure and hospitality, retail, and real estate industries. Zinn interned at the firm, which has offices in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Austin, Texas, for six months prior to graduation.<separator></separator>During her time at ASU, she was involved in a variety of campus organizations to which she dedicated her time and efforts. Zinn served as the philanthropy chairwoman for Delta Zeta sorority, held various positions at the Residence Hall Association, and served on the Senior Council and Senior Year Experience representing the Phoenix Downtown campus. Zinn has volunteered with such organizations as Students Supporting Brain Tumor Research, the Phoenix Children’s Hospital, and Relay for Life at ASU. In 2010, she was inducted into ASU’s Student Organization Resource Center Hall of Fame and received its Individual Achievement in Service Award.<separator></separator>“I’ve always been involved in my community, so when I came to ASU, it gave me the opportunity to participate in a variety of organizations that focused on helping others,” Zinn said. “ASU is such a large university – students here have so many ways to give back and make a difference.”<separator></separator>Zinn also participated in several internships, including David and Sam PR, The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the ASU Alumni Association. She values the experience that she gained during her time as a Sun Devil, and looks forward to remaining involved and connected to the university for years to come.