FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, April 9, 2021
STEPHENVILLE, Texas — With the help of alumni, Tarleton communication studies students recently raised $10,000 hosting a scholarship fundraiser kickoff at Rough Creek Lodge in Glen Rose.
The seed money establishes a fund to supplement unpaid internships for communication studies students and businesses with communication needs. The goal is to fund 20 interns annually.
Donations from Granbury Wine Walk and Luminant, primary sponsors of the event, will give more students hands-on educational experiences that translate into careers.
“Students with internships are more competitive on the job market, but many in our field and region are unpaid,” said Dr. Christopher Gearhart, department head. “They are equally enriching learning opportunities but are less an option for students who must support themselves financially.
“We want to provide all our students with these real learning experiences without them worrying about working extra paid jobs to make ends meet.”
Tarleton President James Hurley was a featured speaker at the event, addressing the academic achievements of the department and the College of Liberal and Fine Arts.
Communication studies alumni attended to showcase their career paths and highlights from their Tarleton days. The alumni supporters included:
Drew Isom, 2015, Membership Database and Young Professionals Coordinator, Kimbell Art Museum
Logan Allen, 2017, 2019, Social Media Coordinator, Tarleton State University
Taylor Green, 2017, Member Relations/Private Events Director at The Club at Sonterra, and a Rough Creek Lodge alumna
Hope Hale, 2020, Service Coordinator, Cross Timbers Family Services, and a former Rough Creek Lodge intern
Kira Brandt, 2016, Marketing Coordinator, Texas Health Huguley Hospital
Students in Dr. Cessna Winslow’s Applied Public Relations and Event Planning course managed the event. Ashley Ginther (Cypress, Texas), Renee Burns (Paradise, Texas) and Maddie McMillan (Seguin, Texas) handled the details, from designing invitations to creating table arrangements to greeting attendees at the door.
To place interns in an organization, contact Assistant Professor Winslow, [email protected], or visit https://www.tarleton.edu/communications/internships.html.
To contribute in support of unpaid student interns, contact Associate Vice President for Development Janice Horak, [email protected]. And Giving Day is April 13; donate at https://givingday.tarleton.edu/.
Tarleton, founding member of The Texas A&M University System, provides a student-focused, value-driven education marked by academic innovation and a dedication to transform today’s scholars into tomorrow’s leaders. It offers degree programs to more than 14,000 students at Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Midlothian, RELLIS Academic Alliance in Bryan, and online, emphasizing real-world learning experiences that address societal needs while maintaining its core values of tradition, integrity, civility, excellence, leadership and service.
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of approximately 18,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.