Executive Board: Lora Dolan (Special Events Coordinator), Lauren Roth (Outreach Coordinator), Molly Gentile (Vice President), Sara Ware (President), Erica Petrone (Opportunities Coordinator), Taylor Scheese (Secretary), Jessica Goldstein (Treasurer)
HC: So, what is EPO?
EPO: The Event Planning Organization is a new organization on campus based out of the College of Communications. Our main goal is to prepare students for a career in event planning by giving them networking opportunities and real world experience in various aspects of event planning. We are also offering an event planning certification course through the Wedding and Event Institute. We are open to all majors, and are always accepting new members!
HC: Sounds fun! Why did you feel that Penn State needed a club specifically for event planning?
EPO: Molly and Sara were approached by Colette Rodger, the manager of internships for the College of Communications about starting the club. She had spoken with many students who were interested in event planning and could not find a club on campus that met their needs. Thus, the Event Planning Organization was created!
HC: What kinds of things do you guys do at your meetings?
EPO: We have general meetings once a moth and workshops once a month. For our general meetings we bring in speakers that work in different roles in event planning. Michelle Davidson, the Director of Stewardship and Event for the Nittany Lion Club just spoke at our last meeting. We also have the co-owner of H & K Weddings and Events coming to speak at our November meeting. Our workshops teach students the extra skills that they will need to get a job and succeed in their future careers. We also offer an event planning certification course, as mentioned about, and we will be helping to plan events for Global Entrepreneurship Week, Fitted Cuts, and the Freelance-a-thon.
HC: So, anyone can join EPO?
EPO: Anyone interested in event planning is welcome to join us!
HC: Any advice you have for someone wanting to create a new club at Penn State?
EPO: The best piece of advice we have for someone who wants to start a new club is to never give up. Starting a club is a lot more work than most people anticipate. It takes a lot of trial and error, even once meetings start. Be able to adapt and learn from any mistakes or problems that arise.