KMSU Auction: a success for students
The Minot State University broadcasting program’s 16th annual auction successfully raised $11,300. This unique Dec. 4 fundraising event was organized, produced and promoted entirely by MSU students with guidance from Audra Myerchin, associate professor of communication arts, and Janna McKechnie, KMSU Auction coordinator.
“The biggest challenge is always time,” Myerchin said. “We work with students who have little or no experience with event planning, teach them the fundamentals and then watch them put it into practice in only a short 16 weeks. Seeing the students shine is really a highlight for me and I am very grateful to such a supportive community who helped them realize their goals.”
The KMSU Auction promotes local businesses through various media in exchange for donations which are collected by students. The donations are then organized into packages which are auctioned off on live television in a QVC-style format. Viewers call in to place bids on-air during an allotted time with the highest bid winning the package.
“About 60 packages were assembled from over 175 donations that were collected by students,” McKechnie said. “Some of the biggest draws this year were packages containing a YMCA membership, MSU tuition waiver and golf clubs from Scheels. While that’s great for raising funds, the really wonderful part is the learning experience for the students. The event really gives them a hands-on opportunity to something very involved – this is real life! This is what they could be doing someday.”
The students donate 10 percent of funds raised to a charitable cause. This year, the charitable benefactor was the Souris Valley Animal Shelter. For questions, contact McKechnie at janna.mcjechnie@minotstateu.edu or Myerchin at audra.myerchin@minotstateu.edu.
About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through
rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.
| Published: 12/16/14 |
