FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2005

CONTACT:
Professor Lee Jolliffe, (515) 577-2030, lee.jolliffe@drake.edu
Lisa Lacher, (515) 271-3119, lisa.lacher@drake.edu

DRAKE STUDENTS DEVELOP POSTER PROJECT WITH EASTER SEALS

Posters created by Drake University journalism students for the Easter Seals Iowa are on display in the United Way of Central Iowa lobby, 1111 Ninth St., Suite 100. The "Eyes Light Up" collection was designed and created during the fall semester in hopes of raising support for Camp Sunnyside, a summer camp catering to children and adults with disabilities.

Lee Jolliffe, associate professor of journalism, and 12 Drake students were responsible for the development, fundraising and event planning of the project. After months of work, the group held a launch show and the posters have since been displayed at the Wakonda Club and The Principal Financial Group building at 711 High St.

"The project has done a wonderful job of telling the story of Camp Sunnyside through pictures," said Nancy Bobo, Easter Seals Iowa vice president of development and public relations. "It has undoubtedly increased awareness and helped people to better identify with those who benefit from our services."

"Drake students learned more than just how to handle a 'live' project with a 'real' customer," said Jolliffe, project adviser. "Many of them didn't know what Easter Seals was or how important the Easter Seals contribution is to children and adults with disabilities.

"The most wonderful element, from my point of view as a teacher, was that once the students saw the need at Camp Sunnyside and met the kids there, they ran with the project. They raised nearly $2,000 to get the posters printed as giant photographs and to stage the launch event."

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Note: For images of the posters, contact Lee Jolliffe at (515) 577-2030 or lee.jolliffe@drake.edu