A Falcon's flight: BGSU journalism student soars at Toledo Museum of Art

A full-circle moment at the Toledo Museum of Art results in BGSU journalism student working side-by-side with a fellow BGSU Falcon

By Branden Ferguson

Bowling Green State University senior journalism student Olivia Vallandingham knew her internship at the Toledo Museum of Art would be a significant step toward her future career. What she didn't realize is that her mentor would be a fellow Falcon.

Doreen Cutway, a 1991 BGSU journalism alumna, has been a key figure in Vallandingham's hands-on learning experience. As the senior public relations manager at the Toledo Museum of Art, Cutway works directly with Vallandingham.

Their shared BGSU foundation has proven to be a powerful connection.

"It's incredibly rewarding to see the next generation of BGSU students stepping into professional roles with confidence and creativity," Cutway said. "Olivia has been a standout intern who has reinforced my confidence in BGSU to prepare students for professional roles. I will absolutely be on the lookout for more Falcons in the future."

As one of only three accredited journalism programs in Ohio, BGSU prepares students with a comprehensive skill set. Vallandingham put her education — from writing and photography to public records research and community outreach — to the test.

As a public relations intern, she has worked with local journalists, planned events, drafted press releases and contributed to the museum's quarterly art magazine.

"BGSU provided me with applicable, hands-on skills that translated perfectly into the world of public relations," Vallandingham explained. "While education is important, the Toledo Museum of Art has allowed me to apply my skills to real-life tasks and gain the experience employers look for."

For Vallandingham, Cutway was the ideal mentor.

"She is honestly everything I want to be when I grow up," Vallandingham shared. "As a boss, she is the perfect balance between a talented professional and an empathetic people person."

Vallandingham's college experience has resulted in success, but it hasn't been without challenges. As a self-funded student, she credits the University's strong scholarship programs, including the Thompson Working Families Scholarship and the Lee Z. Steele Journalism Scholarship, for making her dreams possible. The Thompson Scholarship also gave her more than just financial support; it provided her with a community.

"I have the support of advisors, professors and classmates who encourage me to pursue my dreams," she said, noting that BGSU career-readiness resources like the Kuhlin Career Hub, networking events and career fairs also provided a distinct advantage.

As Vallandingham's internship draws to a close, Cutway said the experience has been a highlight for her and the entire department. 

"Watching Olivia grow throughout her internship has been incredibly rewarding," Cutway said. "Internships like this one are powerful stepping stones, and I'm excited to see where her path leads next."

Following the success of Vallandingham's summer internship, Cutway and the Toledo Museum of Art, one of the University's silver-tier partners, have decided to extend Vallandingham's internship through the fall semester.