The Roast of Legendary Point Park Professor, Bob O’Gara

By: Courtney List

Who is Bob O’Gara?

Bob has been a full-time Public Relations and Advertising professor at Point Park University since 1993.  His dedication to the school started back in 1983 when he first became a member of the Pioneer community as a part-time professor.  Bob’s passion for helping students has shown throughout his career.  Bob served as the advisor to PRSSA and currently serves as the advisor to the Advertising Federation.  In addition, Pittsburgh PRSA sponsors the Bob O’Gara Scholarship Award to students at the annual Renaissance Awards.

What’s a Roast?

For Professor O’Gara’s retirement party, he requested that students and staff come together to roast him.  He wanted a fun celebration where students, faculty, family and friends could gather to roast, boast, and toast his career.  At the roast, PRSSA advisor, Camille Downing, and I had the honor of announcing the new name of our chapter which will now be referred to as, the Bob O’Gara Chapter of PRSSA at Point Park University.

His Legacy.

Bob O’Gara has been one of the most influential professors I have ever had.  When I was a senior in high school, I had strong interest in pursuing a career within Public Relations and Advertising.  I visited 18 universities, and I chose to attend Point Park because of Bob and how dedicated he was to helping his students succeed.  I would not be the student I am today without the continued guidance I have received from Bob.

Thank you, Bob, for everything you have done for the Point Park community.  Your leadership and dedication have been second to none, and the School of Communication would not be the same without you.  As a university, we thank you for your continued support.

Courtney List is a senior Public Relations and Advertising major at Point Park University currently serving as the President of PRSSA and Assistant Firm Director of Bison Media.