Retired public relations professional Janet Oppenheimer was honored at the 30th anniversary celebration for the Public Relations Student Society of America at Western Carolina University on Nov. 8 for her contributions to the public relations concentration at WCU.
“Janet Oppenheimer has been a tremendous supporter of the WCU PRSSA organization for about the last 5 years,” said Betty Farmer, professor of communication and public relations, “She was integral in getting WCU PR students out in the field and connected with PR pros.”
Oppenheimer’s legacy at Western is notable for her involvement and value as a mentor for public relations students. During her time as an advisor for PRSSA, she has coordinated educational opportunities and trips for public relations students with many regional organizations, such as WLOS and Explore Asheville. This connected students with professionals and allowed them to expand their professional network.
Oppenheimer was also the inspiration behind and founder of the PRSA chapter in Western North Carolina. Previously, WCU PRSSA was affiliated with the PRSA chapter in Charlotte, which made it challenging for WNC public relations professionals and students to attend events. Along with many WNC PR professionals and WCU public relations faculty and students, Oppenheimer created the charter for PRSA WNC in 2019.
In summer 2025, Oppenheimer established the Janet Oppenheimer Legacy Endowment Fund, which provides $25,000 to the Department of Communication in pledges and gifts. This generous donation will provide public relations students with more professional development opportunities. It will also enable students to take PRSA’s Principles of Public Relations Certification exam at no expense to them. Students will prepare for this opportunity in a class taught in the spring of 2026 by Scott Eldredge, head of the Department of Communication, and Farmer.
Farmer chose to honor Oppenheimer and recognize her work at the PRSSA 30th anniversary celebration event by presenting her a collage of photos of her achievements in public relations. Designed in collaboration with PR student Abigail Adams, Farmer says she hopes that, “in some small way, the collage memento lets Janet know just how special she is to us.”
The 30th Anniversary of WCU PRSSA event was organized by Farmer in cooperation with other Communication Department faculty and staff, as well as staff in University Advancement, Alumni Engagement, and the Print Shop . Farmer’s PR Case Studies class designed four 3’ X 5’ Milestone Moments posters chronicling the chapter’s history, 15 Outstanding PRSSA Leaders profiles, created a throwback Thursday social media campaign highlighting the chapter’s milestone moments for six weeks, reached out to alumni to get updated contact information and encourage them to attend the event, and set up, worked, and helped break down the event. Many WCU alumni and advisors were invited to celebrate this milestone and connect with current public relations students prior to the homecoming football game. Food, drinks, goodie-bags and a cake with the 30th anniversary logo were provided for all attendees.
“The purpose was to really chronicle the history of our PRSSA chapter, to highlight our successes and the impact that PRSSA has had on our students over the last 30 years,” said Farmer, “It’s really gratifying to me that something that I started 30 years ago is continuing and that it’s having a big impact on students.”
Oppenheimer is currently retired in WNC after a 46-year career in PR, although her legacy through supporting public relations students at Western continues strong.