Every semester, I find myself inspired all over again by the creativity and commitment of the students who choose to step into five fountains, our College of Communication’s student-run strategic communication agency. As faculty advisor for the past five years, I have a front-row seat to watch these leaders transform classroom learning into real strategic work that serves clients in need and builds professional confidence. 

At its core, five fountains is a living laboratory—and the lab is working. The agency celebrates its fifth anniversary this spring semester. Earning its name from the five working fountains on Butler’s campus, the agency is where theory meets practice and where students move beyond assignments to do real work for real organizations. Unlike class projects with hypothetical scenarios, our student agency teams tackle tangible challenges from nonprofit partners, community groups, and internal campus clients by shaping communication plans, crafting content, building brands and managing campaigns that matter. 

One thing that makes five fountains special is how it mirrors the structures and processes of a professional agency. Students hold leadership and staff roles, serving as directors, managers, communication or creative specialists. These roles aren’t conferred lightly. They require project management, collaboration, and the kind of accountability that prepares students for their first jobs or internships. Members also take advantage of intentional professional agency visits around the Indianapolis-area to strengthen students’ internship and job networks.

From public relations and brand strategy to social media management and community outreach, five fountains members gain hands-on experience in areas that reflect the evolving demands of strategic communication fields. For example, the lower case five fountains is intentional and was part of the brand strategy developed for the agency by its founding student members. And the work speaks for itself. Past clients have praised the professionalism, organization, and quality of deliverables that students produce, often exceeding expectations for student work.

But the value goes well beyond portfolio pieces (though those are important). What I see time and again is students growing in confidence, learning to lead meetings, respond creatively under pressure and collaborate across teams with empathy and strategic insight. They learn how to apply frameworks like ROPE (Research, Objectives, Programming, Evaluation) not just on paper but in practice, closing the gap between classroom learning and professional performance. 

One of my favorite moments each semester is hearing students reflect on what they’re most proud of from the semester. They surprise themselves with how quickly they can adapt to new clients (and each other), how thoughtfully they can solve problems and how confidently they can articulate strategic decisions in client presentations. I’m reminded that five fountains doesn’t just build skills, it nurtures communicators who are ready to lead with integrity and creativity in an ever-changing profession.

I’m proud of our students and grateful for the faculty, alumni and community partners who support this program. five fountains is one of the many ways the College of Communication prepares our students not just to enter the world of strategic communication, but to redefine it with human curiosity, professional creativity and proven skill before they even graduate. Learn more about five fountains and the incredible impact of our student leaders at www.fivefountainsbu.com.