Clayton State Student Gives Back to Community Through Internship

Clayton State University Integrative Studies major Julia Jones (Forest Park) is giving back to her community through an internship thanks to some encouragement she received from Clayton State Assistant Professor of Journalism Dr. Randy Clark.

Inspired by Clark’s mentoring in public relations, Jones is making a difference by promoting Ovarian Cycle’s 2008 Ride to Change the Future, a stationary bike ride in which participants ride 100 virtual miles on indoor bikes to raise money for ovarian cancer research.

“This assignment has allowed me the opportunity to gain valuable skills and media outlet networks that I will be able to utilize for years to come,” says Jones, who plans to work in the non-profit sector after she graduates from Clayton State in spring 2009.

Jones’ internship has also equipped her with a broad knowledge of fundraising and grant award techniques that gives real-life application to the education she received in the Clayton State classroom.

“I will always remember Dr. Clark’s famous quote ‘Who is the target audience?’ and his methods for getting the exposure necessary to be successful when organizing or working as a publicist,” she shares.

During her involvement with the organization, Ovarian Cycle, Inc., has seen record-breaking registration numbers. The program has also recently expanded to include rides in Birmingham, Al., and Broomfield, Co.

Not only has Jones participated in promoting the 2008 Ride to Change, but she also plans to help at the Atlanta event by supporting the teams and riders and offering towels and water.

“I am also thinking about sponsoring an ‘empty bike’ in memory of my mother,” says Jones, who lost her mother to ovarian cancer.

Jones invites the community to join in the cause saying, “If you have a mother, daughter, sister or aunt, you have a reason to support earlier detection of ovarian cancer….We have the power and the responsibility to make a difference.”

Ride to Change the Future is scheduled for Apr. 26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Atlanta’s Midtown Athletic Club. For more information, visit www.ovariancycle.org. To learn more about Clayton State University’s Integrative Studies program contact the College of Arts & Sciences at (678) 466-4735.

A unit of the University System of Georgia, Clayton State University is an outstanding, comprehensive metropolitan university located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.