Student-run strategic communication agency Roxo celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony Friday evening.

David Whillock, dean of the TCU College of Communication, cut the purple ribbon at the event celebrating the agency's new office space on the second floor of the Moudy south building.

As a strategic communication agency, Roxo offers services such as copywriting, social media management and creative development to small businesses and non-profit organizations. Strategic communication majors can gain up to three hours of credit from the internship. Applications for the internship are available online and membership is also open to a small variety of other majors.

The new office in room 215 was the result of renovations throughout the summer. The offices were officially opened to students in September. Though the agency originally opened in January it did not have a room to operate from, Roxo director Margaret Ritsch said.

Cody Coke, a strategic communication major and member of Roxo, said the agency was still trying to get on its feet in the spring until the new room opened this semester.

“As we moved through this semester we were quickly realizing that not many people knew of Roxo,” Coke said. “So therefore we wanted to make a statement with the official ribbon cutting.”   

A group of Dallas-Fort Worth area professionals involved in a variety of strategic communication occupations from advertising and corporate communications to public relations will serve as advisers this semester for the agency. The new advisers offer a different perspective as the Roxo staff was previously advised by TCU faculty. These outside professionals will provide mentorship as well as client connections and opportunities to Roxo members.

Rebecca Allen, a senior strategic communication and English double major, said the prospect of working with the new advisers is intimidating but she looks forward to working with each of them.

“We have some of the big names of advertising and PR in the DFW area on our board so it’s gratifying because they really do have an interest in what Roxo is doing,” Allen said. “It’s very exciting seeing people who are so established in the field taking such a keen interest in the students here.”

Recent TCU alumnus Ali Kassam is returning to Roxo as an adviser. As the co-founder and vice president of accounting services for DFW based marketing agency True Story, Kassam said he was able to apply what he learned from Roxo last semester to start his own agency after graduating.

“I know that when I started Roxo I had a lot of questions and uncertainties as far as how can I be the best I can be at my role,” Kassam said. “I think having that experience under my belt and doing something very similar in the real world [helped]. Now I really want to be there to provide that support for the students.”

Roxo currently works with a small number of clients including the Lone Star Film Festival, home health and hospice company Bridgeway and Dallas county's MY RIDE: Keeping You Mobile.

During their presentation after the ribbon cutting ceremony, Roxo members said they look forward to utilizing their new office space to better help even more clients in the coming semester.

Applications for the spring 2013 semester can be found on the apply page on the Roxo website with stated expectations and requirements.