Rosanna Wakley named intern of the year
‘Don’t be scared. Just be open to jump in,’ she advises students.
By Noah Lopez
Knightly News Reporter
SUMMERDALE—Central Penn College senior Rosanna Wakley was recognized as the Intern of the Year during the 21st annual Business Partner of the Year Breakfast, held Sept. 11 in the college’s Conference Center.
Wakley, a corporate-communications major and member of The Knightly News Media Club, completed her internship with the Advancement Office at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, Lancaster.
In an interview, Wakley described the honor as a surprise and a meaningful recognition of her work.
“It is a huge honor and compliment,” Wakley said. “I never really thought of it as even being an option or that it existed as an award. It came at a good time, because I am graduating, but graduation isn’t going to be for like another nine months. It was nice to be celebrated and acknowledged for my time here.”
Unique internship experience
Unlike many students, Wakley was able to complete her internship at the same institution where she works full time. She works in human resources and Title IX compliance, but for her internship she stepped into the advancement office, gaining new experiences in public relations and nonprofit fundraising.
Her timing lined up with Extra Give, a 24-hour fundraising event held annually across Lancaster County. Wakley helped manage social media, created videos highlighting the impact of donations and developed promotional material, including an advertisement for the Lancaster newspaper.
The efforts paid off. Thaddeus Stevens College raised $33,000 in 24 hours, an increase of $5,000 from the previous year, Wakley said.
Beyond Extra Give, Wakley worked on website updates, created new partner links across academic programs and supported donor communications. She credited her supervisor, foundation Executive Director Jenny Gurman, for giving her freedom and guidance.
Advice for students
Looking back, Wakley encouraged students to embrace challenges during their internships.
“Don’t be scared. Just be open to jump in,” Wakley said. “Be okay with failing, because in an internship you are learning. I actually think they should choose somewhere they are unfamiliar with, because if it’s too comfortable, then it’s not necessarily going to be challenging enough to help you grow.”
She also said internships allow students to “test drive” careers. “It’s great to do it in class, but it’s different to go and do it in real life,” she said.
Future plans
As she nears graduation, Wakley reflected on her Central Penn experience and the connections she built with faculty.
“The best thing that has come out of this is those relationships that I have built,” Wakley said. “Being here at Central Penn, that was the biggest reward, not only the degree.”
Wakley plans to continue her education in creative writing at Wilkes University, pursuing a master’s degree with the goal of eventually earning an MFA. She hopes to one day teach and publish her work.
Lopez is president of The Knightly News Media Club @ Central Penn College.
Comment or story idea? Contact [email protected].
Edited by media-club co-adviser and editor of this blog, Professor Michael Lear-Olimpi.
