Marissa Milham
mcm011@marietta.edu
Renee Bailey Gallagher, a 1984 graduate of Marietta College (B.A. in English and a Writing Certificate) and Joyce Pennington ran into each other at the Multicultural Center back at Homecoming 2021, and Gallagher was greeted like a long-lost friend. Gallagher said, “Joyce is encouraging students and helping them successfully navigate life while making sure the department runs smoothly.” After Homecoming in November Gallagher heard about the need for new media equipment while listening to the Connect Four Series sponsored by MCAA (Marietta College Alumni Association). She formulated a plan that became GO! WCMO which started Valentine’s Day at noon and ended at 1835 (the year Marietta College started) – 6:35 p.m. the next day, Feb. 15. From being greeted as a long-lost friend and hearing that the Communication Department needed some updates Gallagher wanted to help. Gallagher decided to donate a generous $5,000 in the name of Joyce Pennington, the administrative assistant in Mass Media at Marietta College.
Earlier that month Gallagher Zoom called Pennington to tell her that she was giving a $5,000 donation to the Communication Department which made Pennington shocked to hear the news and turn emotional. Pennington told Gallagher “It is students like you that makes me love my job. It is also students like you that I stay here for more than 43 years.” Pennington impacted Gallagher’s educational experience at Marietta College by having open arms for a student not in the Communication Department but just dipping their toes in the department. Gallagher hoped that her donation to the Communication Department allowed current and future Pioneers to enjoy their educational experience just as much as she did.
After donating the $5,000 to the Communication Department Gallagher decided to bring one more surprise. Gallagher matched every dollar that was donated. She offered a dollar-for-dollar match up to $5,000 for Go! WCMO. Gallagher wanted everyone to join to show their love for Joyce and WCMO-TV. She also hoped this encouraged not only alums to give, but also inspired students to take part. If someone gave a dollar that became two dollars or if someone gave five dollars that became ten dollars. With Gallagher matching every dollar, the communication department could raise $10,000.
Marietta College hosted their annual Day of Giving as an online celebration and fundraising event where Alumni, friends, staff, faculty and even students came together to make a gift of five dollars or more in support of Marietta College. Last year in 2021 the college hit a participation record and hoped to do even better this year with a goal of 1,325 donors. Marietta College encouraged everyone to contribute to the Marietta Fund and help current and future students blaze trails at Marietta College. By giving a small donation someone was able to help make an impact in students’ educational paths to their future careers. The Marietta College Day of Giving web page says, “When Pioneers pool their resources, we can blaze new trails together. By giving back to the College, you are making a profound difference in the lives of today’s Pioneers. Gift of any amount helped provide the resources students need to realize their dreams, keep our campus safe, and shows the entire community the love you have for MC.”
Less than two hours into the Go! WCMO campaign the goal of $10,000 was reached. The Communication Department had 141 total donors and donations total reaching over $23,000. Gallagher also had an employer match putting the department total donations for the Day of Giving campaign just over $28,000. The communication department is very thankful for all the generous donations during the Day of Giving, and they believe the donations will help current and future students because of the love and support that was shown. The Communication Department will be able to make much needed updates to the news station on campus which will be vital to the Pioneer’s educational experiences.
The communication department helps students gain experience hands on with media outlets including a TV station, two radio stations, and an online newspaper. These experiences are vital in developing experience for after graduation, and Marietta College starts students in the media outlets freshman year. Gallagher said, “It’s important for students to work with the latest technology and equipment, if they want to go out into the field and get the jobs they dream about. By having the right tools now, students can make the most of their on-campus learning experiences and prepare for their future.”
