MNU
[ campus news ] Hands-on publicity Mark Hamilton’s PR students get real-life experience and real results
Professor of Communications Mark Hamilton helped his public relations class put their education into practice last semester when they planned and conducted public relations campaigns for three non-profit groups. The students created Facebook groups, publicity and promotions as well as events to raise funding and resources for nonprofit groups.
New Horizons Ranch, an equine assisted learning center
for individuals with varying learning, behavioral or emotional difficulties, owned by alumni Brian (’95) and Joy (Anderson, ’98) Miller, was the recipient of a benefit concert on the MNU campus. More than 100 concert-goers enjoyed solo act Aaron Hale and bands Dear Katie and Same State. The benefit brought in about $500, surpassing the students’ fundraising goal.
Students also assisted the
nonprofit Artists Helping the Homeless (AHH) through the event, “Sidedoor: The Art Show.” The goal was to unite members of the Kansas City metro area art commu-
New Horizons Ranch founders Brian Miller (’95), and Joy (Anderson, ’98) Miller, (center) with P.R. students Darren Harms, Christian Cardona, Michelle Fischer, and Marley Jones.
nity in a way that would touch the lives of those who are less fortunate.
The show was planned by public relations students Emily Taylor, Roberta Coons-Redig, Kelly Lawler and Becky Stude. It also surpassed its fundraising goal by raising more than $1,000 from more than 80 attendees, with all the proceeds going to help the homeless of Kansas City.
A food drive was held by a third student group to assist a local Olathe food pantry. Students agreed the real world experience gained through the projects was helpful.
Artwork on display at Sidedoor: The Art
Show, another event planned by Professor Mark Hamilton’s PR class.
“It’s better than a class where you just read the book and take tests,” says junior graphic arts major Emily Taylor. “When you actually dive into a class like that you learn lessons that will stick with you for a lifetime.”
Phonathon callers hit $80,000 goal The number of phone conversations in the Olathe area no
doubt surged from February through April during the annual Phonathon to benefit the University Fund.
Jen Lewis, director of development, says the effort achieved
nearly 13,000 connections to alumni, friends, and parents. By campaign’s end on April 2, student callers had accepted $75,272 in pledges and gifts. Since then, additional gifts have helped the Phonathon campaign exceed its goal of $80,000, with a recent total of $80,272. The University Fund provides scholarships for students with demonstrated financial need and many who excel in academics or athletics.
An additional benefit of the Phonathon is the new friend- ships and conversations created between student callers and alumni. The interaction helps build bonds across different alumni eras, Lewis says. Many students decide to continue as callers each year
14 | Accent magazine | Summer 2010
The 2010 team of Phonathon student callers raised more than $80,000 for the University Fund.
“The experience I had as a caller for Phonathon has been amazing,” says Senior Brandon Shotten, who has been a caller in the 2009 and 2010 campaigns. “It was an honor to have the opportunity to speak with alumni and thank them for their support.”
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