Arni

#EngagedLearning Alumna Exemplar: Arni 

Arni repeat client and supporter of multifaceted UCM PR opportunities

Envision a long-time program advocate, repeat PR Pro Day participant, multi-internship provider, repeat class client, previous development board member, and new professional advisory board (PAB) member and you get alumnus extraordinaire Shawn Arni (1986). As Medical Children’s Mercy Kansas City Director of Communications & Marketing, Arni is a standout Kansas City public relations professional. He’s busy, but he also makes time for UCM public relations program initiatives and its students.

Recently joining the program’s PAB as an alumnus committed to serving in leadership and visionary capacities, Arni plays a vital role in the program’s success. “We’re grateful to engaged alumni like Shawn,” said Program Coordinator Tricia Hansen-Horn. “His enthusiasm for the field, students and program excellence is among those things that let us produce top-notch graduates year after year.”

In addition to his advisory role, Arni played pivotal liaison, supervisory and client roles in the spring 2017 capstone course experience. The class of 17 students, led by instructor Jenn Mullins, was able to put its education to the test and work on behalf of its Children’s Mercy Kansas City Sports Medicine client. “It’s great to witness soon-to-be-graduates of my alma mater put their knowledge and skills to the test,” Arni said. “I’m always amazed at how creative, directive and accomplished the student teams can be. Today’s UCM PR graduates promise great things for the public relations industry.”

UCM public relations students, generally seniors when enrolled in the capstone course, find challenges such as those offered through Arni to be intimidating yet exciting. “When I first read the CMHKC Sports Media RFP I was overwhelmed, wondering how mere students could rise to the challenge,” Brooke Parker, a soon-to-be-graduate and class participant, said. “That feeling lasted about 10 minutes, then I dug in with my team and delivered something our client could get excited about. I am pretty sure that my CMHKC-Sports Medicine experience helped me land a very competitive Trozzolo Communications Group summer internship post-graduation.”