South Ohio News

Ohio University Chillicothe, in partnership with the Hopewell Culture National Historic Park, launched the Bruce Lombardo Internship in 2022 to honor Bruce Lombardo (1956-2017), a retired teacher, published author, conservationist, and biologist who worked at the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, as well as several other cultural sites in the area. 

 One paid intern will be selected each year to work with Chillicothe's Hopewell Culture National Park in the summer. In this position, the student will assist the park in a variety of ways depending on their interests, background and needs of the park. Such opportunities include aiding with educational programs and youth outreach activities; communication and research projects; and assisting rangers. This internship will help instill an appreciation of the significance of the prehistoric people through their complex system of earthworks and burial mounds while simultaneously expanding and enriching students' experiences.  

A Hopewell Culture National Historical Park ranger and an Ohio University faculty member will mentor the student throughout the internship. At the end of the summer, the intern will reflect on their experience through a 3–5-page essay about what they learned through the internship and how it complemented and enriched their educational experience.  

Ohio University Chillicothe senior David Stafford was selected for the inaugural Bruce Lombardo Internship last summer. Stafford is an early childhood education major and graduate of Zane Trace High School. 

In February each year, a group made up of two representatives from Ohio University Chillicothe, two representatives from the Friends of Hopewell Culture, and Dr. Richard Rooney (or his representative) will review the applications and determine the internship recipient. The fellowship recipient will be notified of her/his award before the end of the spring term to aid in proper planning.  

Applications should include a resume, an application letter summarizing the applicant's interest in Hopewell culture and the internship, along with what the student hopes to learn from the internship, and a letter of recommendation from an Ohio University faculty member detailing the student's suitability for the internship. Interviews may be scheduled with applicants as part of the selection process. For additional information and to apply, submit completed applications to Ann Holmes in the Dean's Office. 

Original source can be found here.