Impact

Bellisario College Giving Tuesday efforts to support internship fund

Credit: Penn StateCreative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Each year, more than 500 students from the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications complete summer internships for credit, with a majority of them being unpaid. This year, the Bellisario College is participating in #GivingTuesday, a nationwide day of giving, with donations going to the Alumni Society Board Neal J. Friedman Internship Fund to support those students.

“We’re asking for your support in assisting our students as they pursue their summer 2019 internships,” said Bob Martin, assistant dean for internships and career placement. “As you know, many of the internships in our industry are still unpaid, yet these experiences are vital to their career development.”

The internship fund helps students who are temporarily living in a new place so they can chase their career aspirations. Each student selected for an award receives an average of $500 to help offset costs. To give, click here.

The fund helps students alleviate costs of unpaid internships, allowing them to gain experience in the communications field that otherwise might not be possible. Indirect costs such as commuter transportation assistance, parking costs or short-term housing are expenses that students are faced with when deciding to accept an internship.

The fund was renamed in 1998 to honor the passing of 1961 journalism alumnus Neal J. Friedman. Friedman was a member of the Alumni Society Board and served as president for two years. While at Penn State, he was a member of the Daily Collegian staff and the student radio station, WDFM.

Following his time at Penn State, Friedman earned his law degree from the American University Washington College of Law in 1985 before practicing communications law in Washington, D.C., while also serving as an adjunct faculty member at American University.

“Neal would have been thrilled and honored to know there is an internship scholarship fund named in his memory,” said his wife and 1962 Penn State graduate Judy Friedman. “I am especially grateful to the Bellisario College for all they have done to perpetuate the scholarships for the students in his name.”

The Alumni Society Board, which is made up of talented members who are experts in a variety of fields, aims to help elevate the stature of the Bellisario College through dialogue with faculty, students, the Dean, and associate deans. Click here for more information.

Last Updated November 28, 2018