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Bob O'Gara, M.A.

In Memoriam

Professor Emeritus

Bob O'Gara

Education

  • M.A., Liberal Studies, Duquesne University
  • B.S., Public Relations, Utica College

Courses Taught

  • Public Relations
  • Advertising
  • Marketing Communications

Background

Bob O'Gara joined the University teaching ranks part-time in 1983 and became a full-time professor in 1993. His teaching style blended extensive real-world experience with the best of contemporary theory spiced generously with informal professional insights and humor. Because of O'Gara's ties to the Pittsburgh public relations and advertising community, top communications professionals from some of the largest and best communication organizations regularly provided interaction with Point Park University students. O'Gara was awarded Emeritus status in 2019. Nationally, he was a member of the Ray Simon Institute for Public Relations and Journalism in Utica, N.Y.

Before teaching, O'Gara was in corporate public relations and advertising for Pittsburgh Corning Corp. and Koppers Company Inc., where he served as manager of the Communications Services Department and director of public relations. He then joined PNC Financial Corp. as head of its corporate and public affairs department. O'Gara managed a communications consulting practice covering employee, financial and marketing communications for a variety of industrial, commercial and nonprofit clients.

O'Gara was a board member of Mainstay Life Services (residential services and support for people with developmental disabilities and their families) and emeritus education adviser to the Pittsburgh Chapter, Public Relations Society of America, Pittsburgh Ad Fed and American Marketing Association. 

Professional Affiliations

  • Pittsburgh Chapter, Public Relations Society of America
  • Pittsburgh Advertising Federation
  • Media Association of Pittsburgh
  • Pittsburgh Press Club
  • Public Relations Society of America College of Fellows

Selected Honors

  • Hall of Fame, Pittsburgh Public Relations Society of America
  • Legend in Public Relations, Pittsburgh Public Relations Society of America

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