2018 Bateman Case Study's Media Relations Manager Eager to Bring Pride to LBSU Journalism and Public Relations Department

Meet Kevin Olivares, competitive by nature and ready to continue LBSU's Bateman legacy

Kevin Olivares, 2018 Bateman Case Study Competition's Media Relations Manager | Photo by Chelsea Pedraja

By Chelsea Pedraja

With knowledge of all things media related, current events and news, Kevin Olivares is ready to bring a fresh insight of ideas to the 2018 PRSSA-LB Bateman Team. Olivares, senior at Long Beach State University, is a journalism major with a specialization in public relations. He oversees the LBSU Journalism and Public Relations Department’s Twitter page. As LBSU JPR's social media manager, Olivares gained the proper skills necessary for what is to come on the Bateman Case Study Competition.

The Bateman Case Study Competition is one of the most challenging programs PRSSA has to offer and provides countless opportunities for participants to be creative and original in planning their campaigns.
This year, PRSSA participants around the country are challenged to research, plan, implement and evaluate a comprehensive public relations campaign on behalf of With Purpose. With Purpose advocates for families affected by childhood cancer and takes action in removing barriers to advancing treatment. The goal of the 2018 Bateman Competition is to increase awareness of the issues concerning childhood cancer treatment in the U.S. and the necessity of effective treatment options for children with cancer.

“I want everyone to be aware of the client and cause and therefore be able to support and donate once they see what we have planned for the Bateman Competition,” Olivares said.

Olivares aims to use his skills in reaching out to different news outlets and influencers to spread the word about With Purpose in his role as Media Relations Manager on the 2018 Bateman Team. Raising awareness and community involvement are important factors for Olivares as Media Relations Manager. He is excited about the planning process and watching ideas grow.

With a 12-year-old brother, Olivares always strives to be a mentor and a good influence on children, which is why With Purpose resonated with him. When he heard about the client and cause, he wanted to be involved and make a difference. He was also inspired to join the Bateman Team after hearing about Professor and Bateman Co-Coach Jennifer Newton’s personal experience on the Bateman Team when she attended LBSU. Kevin looks forward to working with his fellow team members, Bianca Granado, Christian Barel, Diana Martinez and Hetty La.

“We have an opportunity to make a difference. This is also our chance to add more prestige to our journalism and PR department and add to the Bateman Team legacy here at LBSU,” he said.
Playing sports his whole life has resulted in Kevin being a great team mate and a natural competitor. He looks forward to using these strengths to bring fresh, new ideas to the table. He enjoys being a part of the team and finds the greatest reward when everyone succeeds. He is most excited about being able to use the skills he learns in class and applying it to the real world.

“I’ve learned a l lot from my professors here, especially Professor Jolyn Matsumuro and Professor Jennifer Newton. And I think that what they’ve taught me is going to be extremely valuable and has prepared me for this challenge,” he said.

Olivares expects this experience will be the biggest challenge of his college career thus far, and is appreciative of the opportunity. He looks forward to making a difference in the world and using skills he has developed in class for a greater good.