The PR War Room
A Strategic Communications Seminar for Greeks

In this customized seminar, marketing consultant Ray Lutzky takes Greeks inside the "PR War Room" to show them how a strong community and campus relations program can lead to outstanding success.  The program begins with a discussion of public perceptions of Greek life, where they come from, and why Greeks often disagree.  Ray explores why the media seems intent on reporting "only the bad" for fraternities and sororities, and the real dangers facing the future of Greek life across the US.  The program incorporates marketing/branding tactics and techniques to "get your message out" as a part of a values-based approach to eliminating Greek stereotypes.

"I've watched Ray in action as a speaker and group facilitator. In a word, Ray is OUTSTANDING! He really knows how to connect with a group to have fun and to learn."

Edward F. Leonard III
President,
Bethany College
February 2008

“Ray made a great connection with the students. They have been raving about the program since it took place!”

Emily Perlow
Assistant Director of Student Activities
Worcester Polytechnic Institute

By basing communications in fraternal values, empowering Greek leaders to make changes themselves, and offering perspective on the "PR war," Ray gives students the opportunity to gain new understanding of their own struggles for positive image and success as well as strategies and tactics to help them on their way.  The program has been presented at the Northeast Greek Leadership Association conference, the Southeastern Panhellenic Conference, and a host of other Greek life meetings.  "The PR War Room" makes a great addition to any fraternity/sorority planning retreat!

"My students are usually critical of most speakers I bring in. They not only enjoyed Ray's presentation and really got into the work, but their reviews were very positive, and the conversations that they got into as a result of his presentation went on for weeks after the presentation."

Scott Reikofski
Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life
University of Pennsylvania

Add Me!
The Power & Price of Social Networking

Love it or hate it, the evolution of social networking is as old as spoken language.  Recently-invented tools such as email and networking web sites have allowed today’s college students to take things to another level entirely, and capture the power of “networking without borders.”  However, these same social networking sites have corralled students down a much darker path; one which has lead them to expulsion from college, rejection from employment, and in some cases made them victims of horrible crimes.

It’s not just students who are signing on to sites like Facebook, MySpace, and other popular forums.  In fact, a recent survey of professionals revealed that 65% participate in some social networking site regularly.  More and more, these public web sites have become destinations for employers, admissions officers, and professional associations.  On the darker side, they have become a haven for stalkers, sex offenders, and criminal predators, too.  Today’s college students must understand the “double-edged sword” that is an online profile, and come to terms with The Power & Price of Social Networking.

With his usual combination of humor and fact, Ray Lutzky explains the history of “social networking” and reviews the current landscape for student networkers in the 21st century.  This program makes a great new student orientation presentation, and can help set the tone for student conduct in cyberspace from your campus.

Branded: The Impact of Hazing
How Hazing Hurts Communities

Hazing activities, while often devastating to the individual, chapter, or team, can have a ripple effect through a campus community. When catastrophic events come to light they often influence the beliefs and perceptions of students on campus.  While in some cases this discourages students from considering membership, it can conversely reinforce a culture of hazing among Greeks and other student organizations.

“Ray was above the board – EXCELLENT to work with. The students responded well to his program, and it clearly had an impact. This is the 2nd time I have seen and booked Ray; I highly recommend him!”

Matthew Caires, Assistant
Dean of Students,
University of Wyoming

"I have worked with Ray on several different occasions and with CAMPUSPEAK. He has the ability to deliver a highly targeted and pertinent message on a variety of topics. I have experienced Ray's work on the campus level and at international fraternal events. In every presentation Ray is professional when appropriate while still able to identify with college students. Ray's efforts have directly attributed to the continued growth of the values-based fraternity movement."

Joseph Klimek
Chief Financial Officer
Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity

This program will give participants an understanding of the nature of hazing, from definitions to behavior, as well as the impact of hazing on fraternity and sorority image.  In addition to challenging their own beliefs and perceptions about hazing and related activities, it will also illustrate the damage that hazing causes to campus organizations.  During this discussion, the full scale of the destructive force of hazing beyond the personal will be made clear.  Strategies to combat hazing will be discussed, and will also include positive branding strategies, PR tactics, and use of educational/awareness campaigns to begin a campus dialogue.   Ray blends blunt humor with tragic facts to keep students focused on the damage that hazing can cause.

About Ray Lutzky

Ray Lutzky is a communications consultant and coach, specializing in image, public relations, and marketing for student organizations.  He currently leads admissions outreach efforts at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, as Associate Director for Enrollment Outreach  Previously, he worked with Fortune 500 clients at a marketing consulting firm and was director of marketing for CAMPUSPEAK.  Ray has presented programs at student conferences and interfraternal meetings across the U.S., and he is Master Steward of the Warren A. Cole Recruitment Institute for Lambda Chi Alpha International.  Ray also serves on the editorial board of Perspectives, the magazine of the Association of Fraternity Advisors.   He earned an M.S. in public relations from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, and a B.S. in electronic media, arts, & communication from Rensselaer.  In July 2007, Ray was named an honorary Kentucky Colonel by Governor Ernie Fletcher of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.