Twenty-six self-described “city kids” worked for eight months on strategies and tactics to attract visitors, businesses and residents to Manning. They completed their Drake University senior capstone project at the end of the semester by presenting these ideas to community leaders. Main Street Manning Board President, Ron Reischl, said everyone was thankful for the students’ wonderful work and the city is already looking at implementing many of the recommendations as soon as possible. “Everyone was very impressed with the caliber and quality of the work they have done,” Reischl said. The senior public relations students conducted original research to develop their comprehensive plans aimed at helping Manning thrive and grow, working in partnership with the Iowa Economic Development Authority. The plans were completely created by the student teams and include all the tools necessary for Manning to initiate the tactics. According to Dr. Kelly Bruhn, the associate professor of journalism and dean of Drake’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication, this type of service learning provides the opportunity to apply what is learned in the classroom while also bringing value to community partners.
