by Caleb Lubbers–Representatives from a handful of local non-profit organizations came to campus Monday, May 2, to hear students present them with ideas on how to effectively communicate with the public.
Students in the Public Relations class, taught by Professor Dave Madsen, partnered with local non-profits to create strategic public relations plans for their organizations.
These plans included items such as sample news releases, story pitches, media kits, and more.
“Partnering with local nonprofit organizations is a part of a way of teaching called service learning, in which students apply classroom knowledge to a real world experience,” Madsen, head of the Department of Mass Communication, said. “It used to be a graduation requirement at Morningside to take at least one service learning class, and while it’s no longer required, I still think it provides a valuable opportunity for students.”
Chloe Pieper, a junior mass communication and criminal justice double major, was a member of a group that partnered with the Salvation Army of Siouxland.
“I wanted to partner with the Salvation Army because I was one of those kids growing up that needed a good support system,” Pieper said. “Growing up, we didn’t have much money. One summer, mom helped out at the local Salvation Army. My mom was able to work and earn money, and we got to learn about Jesus. It was definitely one of my favorite summers growing up.”
Garrett Arbuckle, a junior political science major, worked in a group that partnered with the Boys and Girls Home.
“My group chose the Boys and Girls Home because of their mission and the work they do with children. We wanted to do something that sounded interesting to us and that we all agreed on. It was a pretty easy choice for us,” Arbuckle said.
Asked what the biggest takeaway was, Arbuckle answered quickly.
“The most important take away that I got from the partnership was that we have to extend the hand to those that have faced hardships. Do what you can for others and it doesn’t hurt to ask for help.”
To Cooper Christians, a sophomore Mass Communication major who was a member of a group partnered with the Norm Waitt Sr. YMCA, this project meant more to him than trying to boost his GPA.
“Knowing that the work we put in was beneficial to the YMCA and the overall Siouxland community and not just for a grade in a class meant a lot to me.”
Professor Madsen was impressed with the quality of the presentations the students gave.
“The presentations went really well, and the representatives of the nonprofits who were present said they were impressed with the work the students did.”
Leave a Reply