Raymond Simon Institute

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Raymond Simon Institute Our mission is to enhance and support Utica University's Communication and Media and Digital Media Marketing programs.

The Raymond Simon Institute for Public Relations and Journalism carries on the work of its namesake. Founded in 1986 upon the retirement of Professor Raymond Simon, the RSI supports students and faculty in the academic programs he founded in the late 1940s. Its mission is to enhance the Utica College public relations and journalism programs. In fulfilling that mission, the RSI relies on the generous support of its alumni who have made it possible for the RSI to:
• Award scholarships and prizes to outstanding public relations and journalism students;

• Fund faculty and student participation in organizations such as the Public Relations Student Society of America, the Society for Collegiate Journalists, the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communications, and the Broadcasting Education Association, among others.

• Recognize top alumni with the Outstanding Public Relations/Journalism Alumnus Award;

• Host campus visits from outstanding professionals in public relations and journalism;

• Assist students with the expenses of summer internships; and

• Hold an annual Homecoming Reception where PR/J can reconnect and network.

📣 We’re just TWO WEEKS away from the annual Utica University High School Communication Career Day! Students, your future...
10/07/2026

📣 We’re just TWO WEEKS away from the annual Utica University High School Communication Career Day! Students, your future career could be waiting for you! 🎙️📱📺 📹📰 🎭

If you love creating content, telling stories or have a creative flair, then come learn how a degree in communication can lead to careers in social media, radio, TV, sports broadcasting, journalism, theater, public relations, marketing, and other multimedia fields.

Spend the day on the Utica University campus learning from industry professionals and current Utica students, exploring communication-related careers, and getting a feel for what it’s like to study and work in the field.

Complimentary breakfast and lunch are included, and door prizes will be available.
Register by Friday, Oct. 16:
https://connect.utica.edu/register/communicationcareerday

This event is sponsored by the Raymond Simon Institute for Public Relations and Journalism at Utica University. For more information, contact RSI Director Mary Christopher at [email protected].

RSI continues to share updates on some students who won awards at the annual spring brunch. Here is this week’s ….Meet S...
10/02/2026

RSI continues to share updates on some students who won awards at the annual spring brunch. Here is this week’s ….

Meet Senior Alicia Contreras. Alicia is keeping busy this semester as PR specialist for the Career Center and Feature Editor at The Tangerine. She also is an active member of W.I.N.D

RSI continues to share updates on some students who won awards at the annual spring brunch. Here is today’s spotlight…Me...
09/24/2026

RSI continues to share updates on some students who won awards at the annual spring brunch. Here is today’s spotlight…

Meet Senior Natalie Trophia. Natalie is keeping busy this semester as The President of Model UN while also working at Utica TV, The Tangerine and also being a Peer Tutor.

Now that the new academic year is underway, RSI would like to share updates on some students who won awards at the annua...
09/14/2026

Now that the new academic year is underway, RSI would like to share updates on some students who won awards at the annual spring awards brunch. Keep an eye out for them throughout the semester.

Meet junior Justin Laniyan. Justin is keeping busy this semester as a wide receiver on the football team while also working at WPNR-FM, UticaTV and The Tangerine.

Today marks the first day of final exams and we want to give a HUGE shoutout to our RSI intern, Terrence! He was been wo...
04/28/2026

Today marks the first day of final exams and we want to give a HUGE shoutout to our RSI intern, Terrence! He was been working behind the scenes updating our website and making social media posts! Good luck on your finals and have a great summer break!

04/21/2026
Our annual Raymond Simon Institute Awards Breakfast was a success! More than 20 of Utica University's Communication and ...
04/21/2026

Our annual Raymond Simon Institute Awards Breakfast was a success! More than 20 of Utica University's Communication and Media and Digital Media Marketing students were awarded cash awards and scholarships.

Kimberly Hill Ridley, New York State's Chief Disability Officer, was also honored as our 2026 Outstanding Alumna.

Here are photos from the April 11 ceremony. Photos by Alexandria Leland Photography.

We were honored to present Kimberly Hill Ridley with this year’s Raymond Simon Institute Outstanding Alumna Award at our...
04/14/2026

We were honored to present Kimberly Hill Ridley with this year’s Raymond Simon Institute Outstanding Alumna Award at our annual awards breakfast on Saturday, April 11.

Kim, a 1994 Utica University Public Relations/Journalism graduate, currently serves as New York State’s first Chief Disability Officer, a role she was appointed to by Gov. Kathy Hochul in 2022. She works closely with the governor and executive staff to help shape policies and programs that impact people with disabilities across the state.

During her remarks, Kim reflected on her time at Utica University, where she learned to turn personal challenges into purpose, discovered the power of using her voice and education to make a difference, and met her husband, Michael Ridley, a 1995 alumnus.

Kim also visited campus on Friday, April 10, speaking to Mary Christopher’s Media Writing class, where she shared her career and personal experiences and stayed afterward to connect with students. Congratulations, Kim! We were thrilled to celebrate with you and spend time together over the weekend.

Photos by Alexandria Leland Photography.

Address

1600 Burrstone Road
Utica, NY
13502

Telephone

+13157923243

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