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Morgan Byrne

Morgan Byrne, Class of 2015

Learning Abroad Program: Cuba: Complexity, Community, and Change

U Background:  MPA, University of Utah, 2017

Current Position: Development Officer at the Bennion Community Center

My Story

The Learning Abroad program, Cuba: Community, Complexity, and Change (offered through the Bennion Center), was one of my first introductions to community engagement in the MPA program at the U. The course introduced to me the idea of working within a community to learn what the community needs are and to use the resources and knowledge and expertise within that community to create change. I learned more in this course than in any of the other classes I took in the MPA program. We learned about Cuban history and culture and about their education and healthcare systems prior to the 10 days we spent in country over fall break. While in country it was incredible to learn directly from our partners in Cuba. When I started in the MPA program my goal was to become Executive Director of a small nonprofit in the Salt Lake City community. Throughout the course of the MPA program I came to further appreciate the vital function and role played by fundraisers working in nonprofit development. As I was finishing the program, I couldn’t believe it when I saw a position as Development Director at the Bennion Center open up! Three years later I remain passionately devoted to helping raise money to support Bennion Center student and faculty programs focused on providing enriching opportunities for community engagement.

Last Updated: 7/12/22