Outstanding Young Alumni Award - Anne Veltema

Anne Veltema, '02, launched her successful public relations career just days after graduating from CMU.

She opened AV Communications and began coordinating events and handling graphic design and media relations for Metropolitan Hospital, Grand Rapids. She quickly advanced her career, moving from a contractor role to a permanent employee, and also began working for Women's Lifestyle magazine.

Anne currently works as a public relations coordinator for Spectrum Health System, with seven hospitals and 140 service sites throughout Michigan. She handles media relations for various services and divisions of the organization, including the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital.

She was named the 2005 Newcomer of the Year from the West Michigan Public Relations Society of America. She developed and launched the chapter's first mentor program, which pairs college students with professionals in the field of public relations. She also serves as a board member for the West Michigan PRSA.

Anne shows her strong commitment to CMU through her involvement with the university's chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America. She serves as a guest speaker for the organization and for integrative public relations classes, and she advises students about internships, jobs, and classes. The PRSSA chapter created an alumni adviser position specifically for Anne because of her value to the organization.

Her nominator said: "Anne's involvement with CMU was outstanding as a student and continues to be outstanding as an alumnus. CMU should be proud to have been part of her already successful career."