Those who had the opportunity to meet Pat and learn from him directly tell fascinating stories. There are also those who still have their notes from lectures they attended 30 years ago (some posted here). Others have written or spoke about his influence (also posted here — some from the 2016 exhibit opening at the Museum of PR ). If you have a memory, or materials to share, please record, scan, upload and send for posting here. Thanks!
Ann Barkelew talks about her mentor, Pat Jackson
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Curt Carlson, APR, co-founder of Counselor’s To Higher Education and his memories of Pat’s support in its start:
“CHE had already been formed and the Executive Committee was in place prior to the Boston meeting–the first face to face meeting of the Executive Committee. It was at that meeting that Patrick showed up, unannounced, because he had heard of what we were doing. His presence electrified the group, as only Patrick can do. His presence was a statement to us that we were on the right track. Patrick said at that meeting–I’ll never forget–that people in our position (leaders of PR in higher education) had the potential to play the most important role of anyone else, including presidents and chancellors, and not only in higher education, but in society overall, because we were plugged into the facts through research. Maybe a bit of hyperbole, but he really got us going and totally believing in the potential of what we could do as “counselors” to higher education. It was at that meeting also that we conceived the idea of CHE Summit meetings, originally thought to be a one-off planning and brainstorming session in Atlanta, personally inviting the top leaders around the country in higher ed public relations to perhaps try to recreate the kind of “visioning” session at Greenbriar that had created the outline of CASE and “advancement” in higher ed. We were, though, more of an “anti-CASE” group, wishing to focus on PR as a comprehensive behavioral science (a la Patrick Jackson). Patrick came to the Atlanta Summit meeting and provided a vital and inspirational role for all of us. He moderated the final session, helping the group write the first vision statement for CHE. I will be eternally grateful to Patrick for his vital contributions to PR and to CHE. I had been a disciple for many years, though not having met him in person until Boston.“
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J.W. Arnold, PRSA’s 2022 recipient of its “Distinguished Service to PRSA” Award had this to say when accepting his honor in Dallas at ICON:
“I wish I could have known Pat Jackson. He passed away unexpectedly in 2001 at just 68 years old. Over the past several weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to speak with Pat’s colleagues and friends, and hear heartfelt stories about one of the most influential members of PRSA. He believed in the power of public relations as a force for good in our society. He loved PRSA and our profession. He believed that we needed to always nurture the next generation of PR pros. He was a visionary who shaped the industry. And, in all things, he believed in giving back.
I’d like to think Pat and I would be good friends if he were with us today. I also expect he would remind me that my work is not done, either. I look forward to continuing to advance the profession, serving the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chapter, Sunshine District, Independent Practitioners Alliance and PRSA’s College of Fellows – next year as chair.
My hope is that each of you will also adopt that same spirit of service exemplified by Pat Jackson when you return home.”