As a proud member of the DeKalb community, NGOLD-DCNP intern and NIU senior, Wesley Richter, understands the importance of giving back to the local community.
Wes came to Glidden Homestead as the current President of NIU Public Relations Student Society of America, a member of the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity, and a member of Red Riot — NIU’s student-fan organization for NIU Athletics. Richter explains, “As a student at NIU, I have taken pride in being involved on campus and in the community.” In May, Richter will graduate with a BS in Corporate Communications and will pursue his passion for public relations.
As a marketing intern at the Joseph F. Glidden Homestead & Historical Center, Richter develops PR and marketing strategies aimed at increasing the Homestead’s visibility and promoting its historical significance. To do this, he assumed control of Glidden’s social media accounts and forged social media strategies that increased followers and online engagement. Richter additionally launched a blog that continues to deliver compelling content for Glidden Homestead’s online followers about the renovation and archaeological excavation of the 1870s brick barn on the property. At the same time, Richter lends his talents in planning and promoting “The Taste” — the Homestead’s biggest fundraiser — scheduled for April 23.
“Wes is making a broad contribution at Glidden Homestead, helping to bring attention to so many of the projects and initiatives here,” said Rob Glover, Executive Director of Glidden Homestead. “He has strengthened our ability to inspire our members and donors and connect the community with their history.”
The internship program is a collaboration between Northern Illinois University’s Center for NGO Leadership and Development (NGOLD) and the DeKalb County Nonprofit Partnership (DCNP). Financial stipends for interns are made possible through support from the Douglas C. and Lynn M. Roberts Family Foundation.
A full season of programs highlighting “Digging Up the Past” continues at the Glidden Homestead and Historical Center in 2016. Joseph Glidden developed barbed wire in DeKalb in 1873 and went on to patent numerous other inventions. Visitors to the Glidden Homestead can tour the home where Joseph Glidden and his family lived when he created his most famous invention, see a working onsite blacksmith shop, and walk where Glidden walked. Located at 921 W Lincoln Hwy, Glidden Homestead is open Tuesdays 10-2 or by special arrangement. For more information, visit www.gliddenhomestead.org, e-mail info@gliddenhomestead.org or call (815) 756-7904.