While many young children dream of becoming an astronaut, a rock star or even a ballerina, Sara Haidet wasn’t drawn to such specific big dreams while growing up in the small town of Louisville. Still, her upbringing in this close-knit community paved the way for a growing desire to give back and help people from all walks of life.
Haidet discovered she fit right in at 鶹ý at Stark, her Hometown University. After all, it was nearby, affordable and offered quality academic programs; in fact, she could earn a 鶹ý degree without ever having to leave the county.
She started her college career while still in high school, as a College Credit Plus (CCP) student. This natural “people person” was drawn to a field in which she could help folks relay their messages: communication.
“I never really knew what I wanted to do,” Haidet said. “But I was looking for a degree that is very versatile and gives you many options. Communication was definitely the right choice for me.”
Haidet excelled in her courses. She found the Stark Campus communication faculty to be both welcoming and supportive.
“The small class sizes meant that I really got to know my professors and they cared about me as a student. They cared about my dreams and aspirations,” said Haidet, recalling one recent Saturday afternoon when Professor Lisa Waite took the time for a phone call. “She (Waite) offered great advice and guidance to help me get to where I am today.”
And, these days, this new graduate is working full-time at Innis Maggiore, the nation’s leading positioning ad agency, located right in Stark County.
A former intern at the agency, 21-year-old Haidet landed her position even before graduating in May. “To have a full-time job lined up was truly a blessing,” she said. “It shows that Kent State Stark prepared me well and that Innis Maggiore really cares about giving back to local students, just like me.”
Haidet is also a two-time recipient of the Innis Maggiore Endowed Scholarship for Communications. This generous scholarship helped her graduate from Kent State Stark debt-free.
“Offering our endowed scholarship for communications allows us to play a key role in Strengthening Stark and encourage talented young people to stay here in our community,” said Dick Maggiore, Innis Maggiore president and CEO. “We’re proud to be able to assist local students who have an interest in marketing communications and help provide an opportunity to fulfill their dreams of working in this amazing field.”
Haidet is an especially remarkable person and a great asset to the agency, said Maggiore, adding: “We’re thrilled to have her on board!”
“Not only did she receive the endowed scholarship twice, but she was also an intern at the agency,” he said. “During her internship, Sara demonstrated a strong work ethic and an eye for detail. She enthusiastically embraces each assignment whether it be project management or learning how to populate content into websites. Most of all, Sara has an inquisitive mind – she is eager to learn about the multiple facets of positioning, marketing communications and how to provide excellent client service.”
Maggiore said it’s clear that Haidet will be successful in whatever she puts her mind to. And whether her career keeps her in Canton or takes her to a big-city stage, it’s clear this young standout will shoot for the stars.
Donor Spotlight: 3 Questions with Dick Maggiore, co-founder, president and CEO of Innis Maggiore – America’s leading Positioning Ad Agency
1. What does offering the Innis Maggiore Endowed Scholarship for Communications mean to the agency?
I was privileged to serve on 鶹ý at Stark’s Board of Trustees for about a decade. A few of those years were as its chairman. I began each meeting by reminding the board members why we’re here by saying, “As the level of education attainment rises in a community; so does its quality of life.” Education may be the No. 1 strategy responsible for enabling each of us to be independent and productive and thereby not rely on the government or social service organizations. It’s about treating the cause rather than the symptoms.
Many communities, including ours, suffer from “brain drain” – the loss of our college graduates to bigger cities. Research suggests that connecting students with the community, by way of internships, helps to keep these folks in their home communities. At Innis Maggiore, we expose interns to our client and supplier companies, other young professionals as well as local industry events. Even though most have lived here their entire lives, they haven’t seen our community through these eyes. It’s a new experience, bringing to life much of what they’ve learned in the classroom.
2. Why has Innis Maggiore chosen to provide this endowed scholarship opportunity to 鶹ý at Stark students, specifically?
We are deeply committed to supporting the growth of Stark County and the Innis Maggiore Endowed Scholarship is one example of our investment in the community’s future workforce. 鶹ý at Stark is a perfect choice because of our common goal to develop first-class communicators.
3. Why is the study of communication and communications-related fields so important? From your vantage point, how does Kent State Stark prepare comm students so well for the real world?
There’s probably never been a more critical time in the field of communications. The speed, volume and intensity of information bombarding each of us is unprecedented. As a result, businesses, government, NGOs and cultural influencers are struggling to effectively inform and engage customers and constituents.
Kent State Stark offers communication students a powerful combination of a rigorous curriculum, professors who are leaders in their field – plus the opportunity for hands-on skills development. The result is that graduates are uniquely prepared to hit the ground running.
Find Out More
Innis Maggiore originally endowed the Innis Maggiore Endowed Scholarship for Communications in 2007. Full-time 鶹ý at Stark students who reside in Stark County, major in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism or advertising, and demonstrate financial need, are eligible to apply for the annual scholarship. Visit www.kent.edu/stark/scholarships for more information.
Are you interested in making a real difference in the life of a student? Establishing a scholarship at 鶹ý at Stark can align with the area of your passion and change a student’s life forever. Please contact Beth Fuciu, associate director of philanthropy and alumni engagement, at bfuciu@kent.edu or call Beth at 330-244-3225 to find out more today.