Meet this week’s campus celeb Abigaelle Mulligan! She is making a positive impact at the University of Oregon in multiple student groups in the journalism school and various other groups around campus.
Name: Abigaelle (Abbie) Mulligan
Age: 21
Hometown: West Covina, CA
Major: Public relations
HCO: What led you to choose your major?
It took many one year and many advising meetings with Rachel Allen in the SOJC to find my place. Initially I was a business major hoping to graduate with a focus in marketing and a minor in communications. I took a Principles of Advertising class and the lecture on public relations really struck me. The relationship building, reputation management, and the number of careers you could go into was fascinating to me. I changed my major that day.
HCO: What’s your favorite aspect of PR?
I enjoy how brands engage with its audiences and the culture behind the brands. Reputation management is broad but encompasses a lot. If I were to pick an industry, I would want to go into lifestyle/consumer, tech, or corporate.
HCO: hat activities/groups are you involved in on campus? What current positions do you hold?
As for student organizations, I am the chapter president for the university’s Public Relations Student Society of America (UO PRSSA) chapter and I’m an account supervisor for Eugene Education Foundation at the student-run PR firm, Allen Hall Public Relations.
Outside of student organizations, I work as an event coordinator for the Student Activities and Resource Center, a community relations intern for the Parent Family Programs, and an emerging leader intern for the Division of Student Life.
Photo courtesy of the UO PRSSA website
HCO: How do balance such a busy schedule?
My apple calendar and many different colors and sizes of post-its. Life savers. Without them, I would probably be very lost.
HCO: What has been your favorite experience so far at the University of Oregon?
I can’t necessarily pin-point one event or activity that I can call my favorite experience. In the past four years, I think my favorite memories always have my close friends in it. Whether it’s working on group projects, exploring Eugene, dining at new restaurants, or attending campus events, all of my fondest memories have my closest friends in them. Creating those memories is probably my favorite experience here at the UO.
HCO: Are there any professors/mentors who have helped you along the way?
Many. One thing students I feel don’t do enough is take advantage of our talented and well-connected professors. I could give you a laundry list, but my top ones: Connie Chandler, John Mitchell, Kelli Matthews, Kathryn Kuttis, Pat Curtin, Dean Mundy, Dave Remund, and Courtney Hunt Munther.
Outside of the journalism school, there have been many professionals within the Division of Student Life and the Alumni Association that I owe credit to in developing the person I am today.
HCO: What do you do in your free time?
I try to spend time with friends or give family back home a ring. Sometimes I get too caught up in school and work and realize that my time on campus is quickly running out. Every chance I have, I try to make time to enjoy my last couple months of college.
HCO: What do you hope to do after graduation?
After graduation I hope to start my career in San Francisco. Originally being from Los Angeles and living in Oregon for the past four years, the bay seems like the perfect place to call home at the moment.
HCO:Do you have any hidden talents?
On St. Patrick’s day, I make a mean corn beef hash. If you take me out shooting and hand me rifle, I have a pretty good shot.
You can find Abbie on Twitter @abbsmulligan.