High Point University students in Professor Jim Scott’s class presented their culminating “Speech of Advocacy” project, which raised funds for local organizations, on April 7. Senior Avery McGettigan, an event management major, focused her efforts to help The Arc of High Point through her speech.
HIGH POINT, N.C., April 13, 2022 – High Point University students in Professor Jim Scott’s class created projects that not only furthered their expertise in the field of communication, but also raised funds for a local cause.
Throughout the semester, the students created original campaigns to inform the public about a local organization in the city of High Point for which they also raised money.
Students presented their culminating “Speech of Advocacy” project on April 7 during a competition. The six students in total raised more than $700 for the following organizations: The Arc of High Point; High Point Community Against Violence; Open Door Ministry; Technology for the Future; Hopscotch Adoption; and PAWS for Your Heart.
Elise Coby, a junior environmental journalism major from Quakertown, Pennsylvania, won first place for her speech to raise awareness and funds for the High Point Community Against Violence.
“As a student of High Point University, I have felt unwavering support from the communication school, specifically Professor James Scott who has applauded my efforts of raising funds for High Point Community Against Violence,” said Coby. “As a young woman in society, I chose this organization because they have proven what it takes to lower violent crime rates by 30%. Awareness of these organizations are imperative to their success, but financial awareness allows them to continue their amazing work.”
This course in the Nido R. Qubein School of Communication encourages students to work with community organizations to create dynamic and compelling speeches of advocacy by connecting students with a client to solve a real-world communication challenge. It also gives local nonprofits a chance to receive marketing and public relations advice free of charge.
“We have also incorporated into the course an opportunity for students to seek donations for their favorite local charitable organizations,” said Scott, assistant professor of the practice of communication. “That’s something Dr. Ginny McDermott, dean of the Nido R. Qubein School of Communication, created, and it’s proven to be a powerful way for HPU to give back to our community while also teaching our students valuable life skills. The incentives of either raising the most or winning the speech competition adds enthusiasm for the fundraising. Our students have stepped up and done amazing work.”
Since 2016, students in the COM 2210 class have raised thousands of dollars for organizations like The United Way, Big Brothers Big Sisters, West End Ministries, Open Door Ministries and more.