Gift of Internships Keeps on Giving

Earlham has long believed that experiences outside the formal classroom can be just as educationally significant to students as those within the classroom. Sharing this belief, Richmond community member David Rogers found a way to put theory into action.

Over the last year, he generously provided three fortunate Earlham students paid internships at various community organizations. Not only did the students gain career-related experience, but the donor also was fulfilled, knowing that the Richmond community has benefitted.

Bailey Hall, a sophomore, spent 12 weeks working at the Richmond Art Museum — co-curating shows, working with museum supporters and meeting with artists. "This internship has made my future plans extremely clear in my mind," said Bailey. "I always knew I would like to work in the art field; now I am sure that this is what I want to do with my life. I was given real responsibilities, and I was so fortunate to be placed in an environment that wanted and needed my help."

Third-year student Kyle Thompson interned with the Richmond Symphony Orchestra, gaining valuable design, creativity and organizational skills that can be applied in his future career. He also benefitted from learning about the basic functions of a non-profit organization through his 14-week internship.

Earlham senior Isabel Mise had similar experiences with her internship at Townsend Community Center. "I felt that my contributions were making a real difference. My work had a direct impact that could be seen around Townsend, making it a rewarding experience."

Assisting community agencies was one of the motivating factors for David Rodgers to support this internship program at Earlham.

"The Richmond Symphony Orchestra, the Art Museum and the Townsend Center needed the extra help an intern could provide," he explained. "And with the economy, it's hard for college students to find paid internships. So I thought this was a great opportunity to do something good for the community, while giving the kids some work experience and money in their pockets at a time when they really need it."

David has had the opportunity to meet with the three students he supported, and says that the entire program has been more rewarding than he ever anticipated.

"In this instance, I think the person who really got the gift was me," David exclaimed. "You have to support things that make you happy, and I want to do what I can for the good of Richmond. I felt that this was a definite way to improve the quality of life in the town, which was important to me because this is a town I can get my arms around!"

Shaun Dingwerth, executive director of the Richmond Art Museum agrees that the program made a difference. "The internship opportunity was an extremely positive experience for both the intern and the organization," said Shaun. "It also had the added benefit of bringing the Earlham College campus together with the Richmond community. We are profoundly grateful."

Bailey summed up her experience at the Art Museum by saying, "The number of things I learned from this internship were countless, and I will never forget them or the wonderful people who made me feel so at home."

Isabel echoed the sentiment. "When I started this internship at Townsend, my expectation was that I would learn about marketing and gain the experience of holding a full-time job. This job turned out to be more than just a great resume builder — it may be the most meaningful work experience I have ever had."