UCA STUDENT PROFILE
Lindsay Wygal, United Way student intern

Junior Lindsay Wygal, 20, is a busy lady being an intern for the United Way of Faulkner County, involved in the UCA United Way Campaign, and the Alpha Sigma Tau United Way Chair.

Wygal, a public relations major and marketing minor, came to UCA from Bald Knob, Ark. After visiting and feeling that the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville was too big and impersonal for her, Wygal decided UCA was the right choice. "I wouldn't change coming here for anything because I feel that I fit here, that I have a place," Wygal said.

Wygal, who is doing her internship at the United Way of Faulkner County as a requirement for her major, found out about the opportunity at the United Way and decided to apply since it captured her interest. After learning about what she would be doing to help their campaign, she felt that the United Way would be a good experience not only professionally but also personally. 

The United Way is a community-based organization that is dependent on local volunteers to help with the campaign each year. Its goals are to add value to the community and raise funds to support local agency service providers. It provides funding to over 20 agencies in Faulkner County. This year the United Way of Faulkner County has set the goal of 1,150,000. 

Already Wygal has learned a lot about what goes on behind the scenes and about public relations in a business. "There is a lot of work involved in such a large campaign," Wygal commented. She helps with planning and organizing events, doing publicity for events and writing newsletters to donors. 

"I like to be out there and see how the community comes together and makes a difference for a cause, and see how all other people and businesses play a role in this one organization. 

In all, Wygal's main job is to get the word out on campus and in the community about what United Way is and what it does. "Lindsay is doing a great job. She has tackled every project we have given her," commented Shelley Mehl, executive director of United Way.

Wygal works closely with Mr. Jim Brosam II, UCA's Director of Communications, who is also involved with the United Way through the Executive Loan Program. "Lindsay is a very talented individual, her background in public relations has been invaluable in this year's campaign. She has done everything from radio spots, to newsletters, to help coordinating events." 

Besides working for United Way, Wygal is a full-time student. She is also a member of Alpha Sigma Tau sorority, where she is the Public Relations Chair, Homecoming Chair, and United Way Chair. Wygal is also in the Public Relations Club, the Homecoming Committee, and is the Vice President of Public Relations of Lambda Pi Eta, the communications honor society. In addition to all these responsibilities, Wygal is running for SGA Senator at Large. "I wanted to be involved because I want to do something productive with my time, and I like to feel like I'm a part of the UCA community," Wygal said. "I want to be in a position to share my opinions and beliefs about what's going on around us."

After she graduates from UCA, Wygal plans to pursue a career in university relations.

Written by Brittney Boatman, Office of Communications