MSU communication students combine class work with community service at Rodburn Elementary Fall Festival

At Morehead State University learning takes place inside and outside of the classroom. Randy Manis, a communication instructor at MSU, has found a way to incorporate classroom lessons into community service.  

Manis, who teaches courses on Fundamentals in Speech Communication (COMS 108), Conflict and Communication (COMS 290) and Strategic Organizational Leadership (COMS 300) for the fall 2019 semester, took his students to do an activity outside of the classroom by having them collaborate working at the annual Rodburn Elementary School Fall Festival in Morehead on Sept. 6.  

The festival serves as Rodburn Elementary’s largest annual fundraiser. This will be Manis’ 17th year participating in the event. One of the reasons he incorporates this service project into his communication classes is that it fulfills a small group communication requirement. As a school that serves many of the most economically disadvantaged students in Rowan County, Manis said it is primarily a way for his student to assist others in the community while allowing the school’s parents and teachers to spend time with their children and loved ones enjoying the event.  

“Participating in the fall festival at Rodburn Elementary is something I look forward to every year,” Manis said. “It is an exciting evening of food, fun and games that both my students and the students of Rodburn truly enjoy. This annual endeavor helps to fund educational opportunities within the school, which further strengthens the relationship between MSU and the local community.”  

For more information on MSU’s Department of Communication, Media and Languages, visit www.moreheadstate.edu/cml, email cml@moreheadstate.edu or call 606-783-2134.

Photos: Communication students taught by Randy Manis, communication instructor at MSU, came together to serve the community for class credit working at the annual Rodburn Elementary School Fall Festival on Sept. 6.