Mini-Marathon, Major Internship

By Kelly O’Brien ‘15

Upon crossing the collegiate finish line at graduation in December, Lauren Watts ’14 took the fast lane from Peoria to Indianapolis to begin an internship with the Indy 500 Festival.  Working in event management, she will help produce a pair of programs in celebration of the famed race.   

The first lap of Watts’ post-college career comes in the racing capital of the world, where the 99th Indianapolis 500 will take place May 24.  Watts is working with the 500 Festival, which features fun-filled events throughout the month of May to showcase the city that hosts the historic IndyCar race.

The 500 Festival programs that Watts assists in preparing are the largest half-marathon in the country and a memorial service honoring Indiana veterans and military members.  As an intern through June, her efforts will ensure these events enrich the host city and state.

“My job is to work with the event manager to make sure the festival remains a premiere event,” the Watseka, Illinois native said, “whether that means ordering 40,000 baggies and 160,000 safety pins, securing porta-potties or making sure the national anthem singer arrives on time.”

From the menial to the most important tasks, Watts considers herself fully capable of succeeding in the workplace because of the sports communication curriculum at Bradley.

“The sports communication program completely prepared me for working in sport,” she said.  “I felt I had a grasp on what would be expected of me after I graduated, and it’s such a reassuring feeling to walk into the office and know I am on the right track.”

As she readies the mini-marathon racetrack for 35,000 runners on May 2 and makes arrangements to recognize the armed forces during Memorial Day weekend, she thanks her Bradley family for smoothening her transition from school to events surrounding the world’s largest single-day sporting event.

“I wouldn't be where I am today without the amazing faculty in the communication department,” she said.  “They are the most supportive individuals I have ever met.”

With their support and a Bradley education fueling her, Watts can’t wait for the festival to finally kick off.

“We will be working about 36 hours straight on Mini-Marathon day,” she said.  “But that's the day everything I've done the last four months will have paid off and I can watch the finished product unfold before my eyes.”