Cliatt appointed media relations manager

By Ruth Stevens on July 19, 2005, 5:31 p.m.
Casundra (Cass) Cliatt

Cass Cliatt Photo: Denise Applewhite

Casundra (Cass) Cliatt, a Princeton alumna who has worked in journalism and public relations, has been named the University's media relations manager.

She joined the Office of Communications staff on July 18, and will serve as the primary spokesperson and coordinate external coverage of the University.

"Cass is a dynamic addition to the communications team," said Lauren Robinson-Brown, director of communications, to whom Cliatt reports. "She is analytical, organized, creative, responsive and passionate about her work and about building solid relationships. Her combination of political and journalistic experience, plus her knowledge of the University, will make her 'homecoming' a smooth one. Princeton is fortunate to have her back."

For the past two years, Cliatt has been deputy director of communications/policy for the Cook County clerk's office in Chicago. She helped implement a communications plan to inform constituent groups about new procedures mandated by a federal election reform bill and served as a liaison with the media.

She was a reporter between 1999 and 2003 for Illinois' third largest newspaper, the Daily Herald based in Arlington Heights. Cliatt covered major crimes, social service and municipal government.

She worked at the Battle Creek (Mich.) Enquirer from 1997 to 1999. In addition to reporting, she led a community diversity program that brought together reporters and members of civic, nonprofit and municipal groups to develop priorities for news coverage.

She has received awards from the Michigan Press Association, Gannett, the Chicago Headline Club and the Northern Illinois Newspaper Association for her reporting.

Cliatt earned her A.B. in English with a certificate in Spanish from Princeton in 1996. While an undergraduate, she served as editor-in-chief of the Student Guide to Princeton, a 165-page publication written by students and alumni for new students. She completed an M.S. in journalism as a Brown Fellowship recipient at Northwestern University in 1997.

Cliatt succeeds Patty Allen, who has relocated to Ohio. Eric Quiñones, who has been serving as interim media relations manager, has been named a senior writer on the communications staff, working primarily on the Princeton Weekly Bulletin and other internal communications vehicles. 

Related Stories

Mbugua appointed University spokesperson .

Martin Mbugua, who has more than 17 years of experience in journalism and higher education communications, has been named University spokesperson at Princeton.

Day named director of news and editorial services at Princeton .

Daniel Day, a veteran media executive and journalist who has significant experience in emerging and traditional forms of communications, has been appointed director of news and editorial services in the Office of Communications at Princeton University. His appointment is effective May 14.

Michelle Obama brings service commitment to White House; alumni play key roles on transition team .

It was in the halls of Princeton's Third World Center that class of 1985 graduate Michelle Obama cultivated her commitment to service. In January, she will be the first Princeton alumna to serve as first lady of the United States. And as the new administration prepares to take office, three Princeton alumni have key roles on President-elect Barack Obama's transition team.

Day named assistant vice president for Princeton Office of Communications .

Daniel Day, who has led the Princeton University Office of Communications on an acting basis for the past year, has been named assistant vice president in charge of the office.

Cramer named director of media relations at Princeton .

John Cramer, a veteran journalist and university spokesperson who has been associate director of media relations at Dartmouth College since 2012, will become director of media relations at Princeton University.

Princeton alumna Kagan nominated to Supreme Court .

Princeton alumna Elena Kagan has been nominated by President Barack Obama to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. If confirmed, Kagan would join Princeton alumni and justices Samuel Alito and Sonia Sotomayor on the Supreme Court, which would make her the 11th Princeton graduate to sit on the court.

Two appointed to leadership posts in Office of Development .

Two new members have been named to the Princeton University Office of Development's senior leadership team: Cynthia Albert Link has been named assistant vice president for capital giving, effective Sept. 13, and Kerstin Larsen will join the staff on Sept. 20 as director of development and of the Aspire campaign, a comprehensive fundraising effort that seeks to raise $1.75 billion by June 30, 2012.