As a public relations guru, Andy Polansky ’83 has spent much of his career as a master of persuasion.
But when it came time for the Institute for Public Relations to award their Alexander Hamilton Medal for Lifetime Achievement, no convincing was necessary. Polansky’s outstanding achievements as an industry leader combined with his overall integrity, humility, and commitment were recognized as he accepted the award on November 19.
“It is always nice to receive recognition from your peers, and I’m very proud of all of the success I’ve had working with my long-time partners in building a best-in-class global marketing services firm,” Polansky says.
Polansky, who graduated with a degree in communication studies, is currently the chairman and CEO of Constituency Management Group and executive chairman of Weber Shandwick, a public relations firm with offices in 79 cities and a network that spans six continents.
While much of his current work is set on a global stage, Polansky still keeps in touch with his alma mater. He and his wife Maria ’83 established the Andy and Maria Polansky Fellowship in 2014, which recognizes TCNJ students who demonstrate exemplary leadership and a commitment to enriching the community by applying their talents and skills in communication, media, and technology.
The couple has also been integral to the college’s Maker Space studio, which offers a range of materials and equipment including laser cutters, 3D printers, a vinyl sticker cutter and printer, a CNC machine, power tools, and a variety of other machines available for students to use. With this equipment, students can explore computer-aided manufacturing, create rapid prototypes, and learn the iterative processes of product design.\
“My wife and I met at TCNJ and had great academic and life experiences at the college,” he says. “We have stayed connected to friends we met during those years and continue to engage with the campus community through a variety of touchpoints. We wanted to give back to the college in a way that would have an impact on students, and at the same time, enable their work to benefit different communities and causes as well.”
— David Pavlak