|
Communication
professor, alum direct Public Relations effort for National Constitution
Center
By Heather E. Linde ‘04
 Professor
Bill Cowen, recently appointed director of the public relations program
in the communications department, was chosen by the National Constitution
Center as its senior public relations consultant for the recent grand opening.
Liz Barszczewski, a ’95 Villanova graduate, with a bachelor’s
degree in English and history, serves as the permanent public relations
manager for the center. The new center opened its doors to the public on
July 4, 2003.
Cowen teaches public relations at the University. In addition, he is president
and founder of Metrospective Communications, a public relations firm in
Philadelphia.
Barszczewski’s expertise in event and special attraction planning
was a product of her work as the account executive for Sharla Feldscher
Public Relations, Inc in Philadelphia, as well as the Independence Seaport
Museum. She began working for the Constitution Center in November 2001.
The National Constitution Center is the first museum in the world dedicated
to honoring the U.S. Constitution. Visitors enjoy a multi-media introduction
in the Kimmel Theater. Interactive family exhibits including reciting the
presidential oath-of-office and writing letters to current congressmen engage
the visitors and stimulate a new sense of civic duty.
“Hopefully, they will have a renewed sense of civic engagement and
interest in the constitution…I think that it will hopefully spur visitors
to take a look at how it (the constitution) is relevant to their daily lives
and hopefully inspire them to vote or speak out,” said Barszczewski.
The dedication ceremony included many dignitaries including Senators Arlen
Spector and Rick Santorum, and Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell.
Included in the ceremonies, Mayor John F. Street presented the Philadelphia
Liberty Medal to Supreme Court Associate Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.
|
|
