The pre-professional student organization, GrandPR, held its eighth annual CreateAThon on Feb. 7 and it was a huge success! Members expanded their public relations experience while giving back to the non-profit community. The 24-hour creative bender resulted in campaigns for five non-profit clients to increase community impact. If you’re curious about this overnight sensation, keep reading for more deets from one of the GrandPR Account Executives.

GrandPR originated from Grand Valley’s chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) in 2007 and has been making an impact ever since. Students in GrandPR have opportunities to build professional connections and expand their skills in public relations. They work to develop impressive portfolios in their undergraduate years and graduate with experience having produced work for actual clients.

At GrandPR's 2025 CreateAThon, GrandPR members connected with local non-profits and offered them no-cost public relations services. During the 24 hour CreateAThon event, students crafted campaigns to present to clients.

Shelby Huerta, an Account Executive for GrandPR, shed some light on the CreateAThon mission, “It’s a way to give back to the community, build our experience, and come together as young professionals.” 

The CreateAThon theme this year was Community Impact. As nonprofits, the client companies all had an emphasis on community impact and GrandPR helped them level up their community relations game. The 2025 clients were: 

• Still I Run
• The Momentum Center
• John Ball Area Neighbors
• Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse
• The Empowered Trail Foundation

GrandPR has participated in CreateAThon since 2018, but this year was Shelby’s first experience. She enjoyed seeing the planning process come to fruition: “When you get to see your hard work come to life with a team of wonderful people, to impact the community, it means a lot,” she said.

“If you’ve ever considered joining an organization, whether it's GrandPR or another one at GV, go for it,” Shelby said. “You never know the opportunities or friends you’ll make in the process.”

CreateAThon is just one exciting example of the events that student orgs host for their members. Whether it’s a resumé builder or just for fun, there is an org out there with unforgettable events waiting for you to attend!