University News
Western Students Selected for National Nonprofit Leaders Program
May 13, 2008
MACOMB, IL -- Two Western Illinois University students were selected, along with 64 other students from colleges and universities across the United States, for a leadership program that prepares leaders for the nonprofit and philanthropic sector.
Jenna Dunlap, a junior communication major from Keokuk, IA, and David Kurtz, a recreation, park and tourism administration graduate student from Maysville, KY, were chosen for the American Humanics Next Generation Nonprofit Leaders Program (NextGen), and will each receive a $4,500 scholarship to cover their living and educational expenses while completing an internship this summer with a nonprofit organization. Dunlap and Kurtz are both enrolled in Western's American Humanics interdisciplinary minor, which is housed in the department of recreation, park and tourism administration (RPTA).
Kurtz will complete a 300-hour internship with the United Way of America in Washington, D.C., while Dunlap will complete her intership with Upward Bound in Burlington as a tutor/mentor. In addition to the scholarship, Kurtz and Dunlap will be paired with a nonprofit professional to serve as a mentor during their internship experience. The internship is a major component of the American Humanics curriculum, explained WIU coordinator and RPTA Professor Dean Zoerink.
The national American Humanics program was established at WIU in 2006 and is affiliated with 58 national nonprofit organizations and their local affiliates. Students from any major across campus may minor in American Humanics, which is designed to give students the skills needed to become a leader in a nonprofit organization. The program focuses on nonprofit career development, interpersonal communication, program administration, lifespan development, board and committee development, volunteer management, program planning, financing, marketing, public relations and fundraising.
"I have always loved volunteeing and the American Humanics focus was a perfect fit for me," Kurtz said. "The program at Western is great. There is so much that it offers, and it allows us to give back to our community. I'm really excited to be a part of the nonprofit sector."
Dunlap said after working in the private sector following his undergraduate career, he wanted to dedicate himself to more philanthropic pursuits and the American Humanics program at Western provided that opportunity.
"I knew that with American Humanics I'd have an amazing opportunity to pursue my career aspirations," he added. "This program has given me a terrific knowledge base of the procedures necessary to work within the nonprofit sector. I'd recommed this program to others as it has a marketability within the workforce. It provides a framework that's attractive to a wide variety of potential employers."
Both Kurtz and Dunlap hope to work for nonprofit organizations following their graduation from Western.
"The NextGen scholarship is a tribute to the outstanding leadership and dedication both students have given to the AH program," Zoerink added. "Jenna and David will be able to share their talents in meaningful ways as they prepare for lasting careers in the nonprofit sector."
For more information on the American Humanics program at Western, contact Zoerink at 309/298-2698 or by e-mail at DA-Zoerink@wiu.edu. Additional information is also available at www.wiu.edu/RPTA.
Posted By: Darcie Shinberger (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing
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