Iowa State University Alumni Association| online edition | fall 2008

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SCHOLARSHIP LEADS TO SPECIAL FRIENDSHIP AND INSPIRES PHILANTHROPY

A native of Garner, Iowa, Brittney Schmidt grew up in a family full of Iowa Staters. “Everyone in my family went to Iowa State – my dad, my sister, aunts, uncles – everyone,” said Schmidt, a first-year ISU M.B.A.
student. “I was trying to find reasons not to go to Iowa State because I wanted to be different and do my own thing. But I knew I had to at least apply for admission at ISU.”

As fate would have it, Schmidt was offered scholarship assistance at two schools – and one of them was Iowa State. “Ultimately, it came down to opportunities, and Iowa State was a much better fit for me. I knew it was where I belonged,” she said.

Schmidt qualified for several scholarships, including the Mark and Julie Blake Undergraduate Scholarship in Business. The scholarship was established during Campaign Iowa State by ISU alumni Mark (’77 agricultural business) and Julie (’78 health and human performance) Blake of Eden Prairie, Minn.

“Julie and I had a wonderful experience at Iowa State, and we knew we wanted to give back to our alma mater. With the launch of Campaign Iowa State, it seemed like the timing was right to explore our philanthropic options and so we chose to establish a scholarship,” Mark said. “Brittney was the first recipient and it’s been a great experience for us. We feel we are better people because this spunky, smart, talented, wonderful young woman has come into our lives. We have received much more than we have given in this instance.”

Schmidt said she, too, felt an instant friendship with the Blakes from the very first time they met. “Mark and Julie were in Ames for a football game, and they invited me to dinner. We just hit it off right away. They’ve met my family, took my parents to the homecoming game, and even attended my graduation,” Schmidt said. “They’re more than donors; they’re friends and mentors, people I ask for advice when making education and career decisions. We have a very special bond and I know they genuinely want to see me succeed.”

The impact philanthropy has had on Schmidt has inspired her to explore new opportunities. After earning a bachelor’s degree in marketing in 2008, she was awarded the Robert and Jean Watson Advancement Internship, an opportunity for students interested in pursuing fundraising careers to gain practical experience in the development field.

The Watson Internship was named after Robert Watson, retired associate vice president of the ISU Foundation, and his wife, Jean. Robert’s success in development motivated others to think about fundraising in new ways, and he was regarded highly by his peers. To honor these achievements, an anonymous donor established the Watson Internship in hopes of encouraging more young people like Schmidt to pursue careers in development.

“The relationship I formed with donors and my internship with the College of Business development team really made me think about pursuing a career in this field. The Watson Internship will be the perfect opportunity for me to learn more and get experience at the same time,” said Schmidt. “Fundraising for Iowa State is close to my heart because I’ve experienced first hand what an impact private support can have on a student’s life.”

As she works on her advanced degree at Iowa State, Schmidt is looking forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead.

“My Iowa State experience has been beyond amazing. It’s been fantastic,” said Schmidt. “I can’t thank Mark and Julie enough for what they’ve done for me. Without a doubt, it has changed my life. I’ve said thank you so many times and I can say that I whole-heartedly intend to give back to the Mark and Julie Blake Scholarship someday. I think that’s the best way I could thank them for what they’ve done for me.”

To learn more about Campaign Iowa State:
With Pride and Purpose and how you can
make a difference, please contact the ISU Foundation at 1-866-419-6768 or visit
www.withprideandpurpose.org.