Today we welcome a new summer intern with the Institute of Agricultural and Natural Resources Communications Team! Olivia Vanderford is currently an agricultural communications major with minors in advertising and public relations and the Engler Agribusiness Program.
Vanderford is from Lincoln, Nebraska, and she grew up showing pigs in Nebraska 4-H. But she also attended Lincoln High School, where she was involved in both show choir and theatre. Because of her background in both rural and urban backgrounds, she learned how important it is to connect the two as someone who has experienced both.
One of her favorite experiences on campus putting this idea into action was FCLA (Freshman Campus Leadership Associates). Through this program she was able to create a National Ag Day Meal at the UNL City Campus. This allowed more students to come and learn about agriculture from commodity board members across the state while also getting a free slice of pizza. She believes that through communications and events like this, more people can become aware of the history of agriculture in Nebraska.
Vanderford has always been a Husker, born and raised in Nebraska. Was there really another choice? She remembers watching Husker football ever since she was little and attending Cornhusker band exhibitions with her family. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has always felt at home, and she loves being able to be on both East and City campuses. But what she loves most about East Campus is the community, quality education and especially the Dairy Store ice cream. (The coffee crunch is the BEST flavor!) On campus she is a member of the Sigma Alpha Sorority, the Change Maker Program, and the Big Red Singers Show Choir.
She currently works as the podcast host of the Engler Journey Podcast and highlights students' stories and their business in the program. She has loved learning more about video, audio editing, and how to share a student's story in 20 to 30 minutes. While continuing her work at Engler, she is excited to bring her skills to the IANR communications team this summer as an intern. This summer she knows she will gain quality connections in the communications industry and highlight Nebraska agriculture through storytelling!
