Chippewa Valley Times

Shawn W. Pfaff, a University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire alumnus, has established the Shawn W. Pfaff Advocacy Internship Fund to support students interested in nonprofit and governmental careers. This initiative is a collaboration between the UW-Eau Claire Foundation and Career Services.

"We need the next generation out there to tell the story and to really advocate for good things, whether it’s for Alzheimer’s research or raising money for a symphony," said Pfaff. He added, "I was pleased to be a part of UW-Eau Claire’s efforts to get a lot of these buildings on campus, so I felt it was good to get the next generation involved."

Pfaff, who graduated with a degree in political science in 1994 and owns Pfaff Public Affairs, launched this fund in spring. It offers up to $3,000 for students undertaking unpaid summer internships focused on advocacy within nonprofits or government bodies.

"Basically, I’m helping pay the rent and helping to open up a few doors," explained Pfaff.

Dylan Peck, a senior sociology major from St. Louis Park, Minnesota, is the first beneficiary of this fund. The financial aid supports his internship at Downtown Eau Claire Inc., which works on business development and cultural initiatives in Eau Claire's downtown area.

"It’s so invaluable," Peck stated about the funding. "Because of the generous gift, I can focus on gaining these skills I’ll get from the internship and helping Eau Claire in general."

Julia Diggins, vice president of the UW-Eau Claire Foundation, highlighted how alumni contributions like Pfaff's create opportunities for students: "Supporting opportunities for students to engage in this kind of work through paid, high-impact experiences is a unique and powerful way to give back by connecting classroom learning with real-world influence and leadership while ensuring all students can access transformative career-building opportunities," she noted.