The Orange Room is more than a student organization—it is a living, working agency built by students, for students, with real clients and real impact at the Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations. The agency is giving students real-world experience and helping them prepare for life after graduation, a strategic goal of the College of Communication and Information.
Launched as a full-service, student-run public relations and advertising agency, The Orange Room was created to bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional experience. Its mission is clear: to turn dynamic perspectives into fearless executions, helping brands break through the noise with strategies and tactics that stick.
For Agency Director Kiley Fenn, that mission is rooted in opportunity. “Students are always looking for real-world experiences,” she said. “The agency gives students the ability to work with real clients, execute projects and campaigns, and get a feel for what a professional agency is like.”
That hands-on experience is not simulated; it is the core of the agency’s structure. Students take on specialized roles ranging from research and analytics to graphic design, account management, and social media strategy, working collaboratively to deliver client-ready work from start to finish.
”Fenn explained. “The ‘student-run’ part of our agency is true. Students are a part of every client’s journey.”
Learning by Doing
For many students, The Orange Room represents their first true immersion in agency life.
“Communication, communication, communication,” said Creative Director Madalyn Ciganovich. “The agency cannot run if we are not all in constant communication with our team members, supervisors, and clients.”
Managing Director of Public Relations Kayleigh Makarick echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the breadth of skills students develop. “Students are gaining valuable skills in collaboration, time management, communication, and strategic thinking, while also learning how to work with real clients.”
That emphasis on collaboration and real-world application has made a lasting impression on students across roles.
Sophia Scully, who works in research and analytics, said the experience transformed how she understands campaign strategy. “It felt like a space where I could actually apply everything I’ve been learning in a real, hands-on way,” she said. “Working on pitch decks, meeting with clients, and developing ideas together has shown me what the actual process looks like behind the scenes.”
For graphic designer Jordan Wizer, the agency has provided an opportunity to stretch creatively while contributing to something larger. “I’ve been provided a space to challenge myself with design beyond just personal or school work,” Wizer said. “Applying my skills in a meaningful way to bring ideas to life for clients is an honor.”
Real Clients, Real Impact
That work has already made a tangible difference for community partners. One of The Orange Room’s first clients, Emory Valley Center, partnered with the agency to refresh and redesign its brochures.
“They took the time to truly understand our vision and what we hoped to achieve,” said Aaron Price, vice president of community engagement. “They brought fresh, creative ideas to the table that helped transform our brochures into something both highly informational and visually engaging.”
The collaboration proved mutually beneficial. While students gained professional experience, the client benefited from new perspectives and thoughtful execution.
“Their creativity and new ideas brought a different lens to our project,” added Rachel Strayer, marketing specialist. “They were engaging, insightful, prompt, and consistently professional. We would absolutely recommend working with The Orange Room.”
Building Something That Lasts
As the agency’s inaugural class prepares to graduate, its members are reflecting on what it means to have built something from the ground up.
“My experience has been unforgettable,” Fenn said. “I’ve gained so many skills that I will use in my post-grad job.”
For many, the significance goes beyond personal growth.
“Being part of this first group has meant the world to me,” Fenn added. “I was able to help build the agency that will be here for years to come.”
Ciganovich described the experience as both challenging and deeply rewarding. “We were starting from absolute scratch,” she said. “It was truly a learning experience building the branding while also onboarding clients. I’m so grateful I got the chance to lay the foundation.”
That sense of legacy is shared across the inaugural team.
“Being part of something bigger than ourselves, and knowing it will benefit future students, is incredibly meaningful,” Makarick said.
Students like Taylor Ellison, Sophia Scully, and Sarah James echoed that sentiment, emphasizing how the experience has prepared them for life after graduation. From managing client relationships to collaborating across teams, they leave not only with portfolios but with confidence.
“This experience has made me feel a lot more confident going into my career,” Scully said. “It’s shown me how much stronger ideas can be when you’re working through them together.”
Looking Ahead
The future of The Orange Room is already taking shape. With new clients on the horizon and plans to expand its team, the agency is positioned for continued growth.
“I see The Orange Room growing with more students and more clients,” Fenn said. “I hope one day we’ll need a bigger office space.”
What began as an idea has quickly become a cornerstone experience within the Tombras School—one that reflects the evolving demands of the industry while preparing students to meet them head-on.
As Wizer put it, “We’re not just participating, we’re building something that will speak volumes about the work being done here.”
You can learn more about the Tombras School’s student-run agency and how you can work with them through The Orange Room website.