Danette Kapler
Editorial Intern, The University of Iowa Foundation, Fall 2009
Class of 2009, School of Journalism and Mass Communication
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
When I first started as an editorial intern at The University of Iowa Foundation during the fall 2009 semester, I expected to learn more about writing, communications, and public relations in a higher-education setting. I gained a lot of experience in many different areas throughout the semester by writing stories, reading through various materials, and meeting with a variety of staff members about their careers. But I also learned something I did not expect—I learned about the impact that private support had on my college education and the vital role it will continue to play in the lives of University of Iowa students in the future.
As a journalism and mass communication major, I have been able to take advantage of the resources in the Philip D. Adler Journalism and Mass Communication Building. Built in 2005, the building received more than $6 million in private funding to make the construction possible. Prior to my internship, I did not pay attention to the names posted on the walls outside of classrooms and offices or the list of names on the large plaque near the entrance. Now I realize that those names represent individuals who care about the University, its students, and the journalism profession, and gave their hard-earned dollars to the building campaign to help ensure that journalism students’ education would be the best it could possibly be.
One of my favorite spots on the UI campus is the rotunda area in the Adler Journalism Building. It’s the perfect place for relaxing in between classes, studying, or catching up on the latest news on one of the television screens in the area. I know that without the support of generous donors, the rotunda where I spent hours of my college career would not exist. The building itself is not the only area where private support has had an impact. I have been able to utilize the technology and programs that are available in classrooms and resource centers. I have also had the opportunity to listen to many different guest speakers in a variety of different professions from all across the world who bring career advice and real-world perspectives to journalism classes.
After graduating from The University of Iowa in December 2009, I plan to move back to my hometown of Waterloo and one day pursue a career in higher education or government relations. My college experiences have played a big role in my career aspirations, and I know that without donor support, many of these experiences would not have been possible. During my first three years as a UI student, I never really thought about philanthropy. I assumed that tuition costs paid for all of my education. After interning with The University of Iowa Foundation, I realize that support from generous donors impacted my college career more than I could have ever imagined, and will continue to impact students in the future.
