PULLMAN, Wash. — Washington State University marketing students have collected
nearly 1,200 pounds of non-perishable food items. The food drive was part of a special internship
class that gives marketing students hands-on experience in the community.
The semester-long project, dubbed “The Total Experience,” culminated April 14 on the
Glenn Terrell Mall in the heart of the Washington State University campus.
All proceeds from the weekend food drive, held April 10-12, benefited the Food and Clothing
Bank of the North Palouse, a United Way agency.
“It was unbelievable how much food we were able to collect,” said Rob Heskett, Marketing
496 coordinator. “The community’s willingness to help our cause made it a reality for us to reach
our goal of filling the back of a Chevrolet Silverado pick-up.”
Marketing 496 students invested thousands of hours into “The Total Experience” project.
Organizers said the event was a tremendous success, with over 300 students, faculty and staff
participating in various activities. Participants enjoyed interactive games by Sonsational
Activities of Auburn, Wash., including an obstacle course, bungee bull and medieval joust.
There was also a barbecue lunch, provided by the Compton Union Building.
“I thought the event was so much fun,” said Marlene Navor, WSU junior. “The mall was
packed and everyone looked like they were having a blast, even those who were just watching.”
The select group of 18 interns, from the College of Business & Economics at WSU, are part
of the General Motors Marketing Internship program. The WSU marketing project was made
possible through the local funding and support of Chipman & Taylor Chevrolet-Oldsmobile.
Similar GMMI programs exist at hundreds of other universities nationwide.
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