Raymond Simon Institute

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 genero

us 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.

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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