Meet Ashley Fritz

Major: Public Relations and Strategic Communications; and French

Year: Junior

Hometown: Geneva, IL

Why did you choose Purdue?

I swore I would never go to Purdue since my older sister is also a Purdue student. I applied to about 11 schools, but none of them felt like home the way Purdue did! I loved that Purdue provided me the opportunity to continue singing with the Purduettes, and that there is a strong Catholic community here — two things that have always been very important to me. Ultimately, I could not see myself anywhere but here!

Most memorable experience at Purdue?

There is nothing more memorable than my Purdue Study Abroad experience in Paris! Last summer, I spent a month in Paris studying French and fashion. I met incredible people that I’m now great friends with, and I improved my French so much. Paris has always been my dream city, so it was so much fun to experience it for the first time with other Purdue students who were passionate about the language!

What do you like about your major?

I love PR because I am always learning new ways that I can apply it to whatever career I end up in. I’m so excited about the opportunities that are open to me within PR and Advertising, especially coming from Purdue University. I am continually impressed by the things past and current students do with what they learn from Purdue’s Brian Lamb School of Communication. 

What’s something you didn’t expect while at Purdue?

I did not expect to be able to develop such good relationships with professors and instructors. I assumed that since Purdue is so large, I wouldn’t have many chances to get to know my professors. This is definitely not the case. So many of my instructors have taken time to help me and get to know me both in and out of class. It’s been so helpful to establish connections with them and I feel like I can ask for help when I need it. 

Describe your favorite Purdue professor? Why are they your favorite?

Diana Zulli, Assistant Professor of Public Relations! I took Dr. Zulli’s Intro to Public Relations course a couple semesters ago and always loved coming to class because she was so encouraging. She truly believes in the abilities of all of her students and does all that she can to help them develop throughout their careers. Dr. Zulli was kind enough to help me secure my first internship, and is always so willing to help me or my friends with anything.

How do your friends describe you?

Bubbly, loyal, driven, friendly, witty, and obsessed with France.

What’s a fun fact about you that not everyone may know?

I’ve been lucky enough to travel to 11 different countries from the time I was in third grade. I love to experience how cultures vary and hope to travel to many more places as I get older!

Are you involved in any Purdue clubs?

I am the Publicity Chair for the Rising Professionals program on campus. We welcome back six young Purdue alumni who graduated in the last five to 10 years and have made an incredible impact in the professional world at such a young age. RP is a two-day program that allows alumni to interact with current students and speak about what they loved about their time here and why it was so beneficial to them. Aside from this, I am a Purduette, which means I have the opportunity to sing and perform in the community and around the world!