Finding her place

Shae Bernhardt said receiving the email that she had been selected as the spring 2026 College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) Convocation student marshal is a moment she won’t forget. 

“I literally dropped to my knees,” she said. “I was on spring break with some of my friends, and we were all just screaming. It was the best surprise.” 

Bernhardt (‘26 public relations, event management) said that the recognition felt especially meaningful because it reflects her years of work, involvement, and growth at Iowa State University. 

“It’s something I’ve wanted for a long time,” she said. “It really shows a testament to how hard you work in college and the impact you make.” 

LAS Dean Benjamin Withers selects student marshals after a nomination and application process. For Bernhardt, the honor represents more than just academic achievement. It feels like a milestone that ties together her entire college experience. 

“I’m proud of myself, which I don’t say very often,” she said. “It makes me realize I did make an impact at Iowa State.” 

Finding home at Iowa State 

Bernhardt is from Van Meter, Iowa, a small town where she graduated in a class of 55 students. While she wanted a larger university experience, she also wanted a place where she could still feel connected and supported. 

“I knew I wanted to go some place big, but still find my place within it,” she said. “That’s what I found at Iowa State.” 

From her first campus visit, she said something clicked.  

“I remember walking around and just feeling like home,” she said. “It’s such a beautiful campus.” 

Bernhardt was especially drawn to the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication, where she immediately felt a sense of belonging. 

“The faculty and staff I met just made me feel like this was where I was supposed to be,” she said. 

Building experiences through PR, events, and sports 

Looking back now, Bernhardt said her experiences have exceeded anything she expected.  

“I’ve accomplished so much in just four years, professionally and personally,” she said. “It’s everything and more.” 

Bernhardt combined her longtime passion for photography and content creation with her interest in sports when choosing her majors. 

“I’ve had a camera in my hand since I was 3,” she said. “Public relations and event management just let me bring everything together.” 

One of her most meaningful experiences came during her internship with Iowa State Athletics, where she worked as a marketing intern and gained an inside look at game-day operations. 

“Being on the field for the Iowa – Iowa State game was my ‘I made it’ moment,” she said. “Singing ‘Sweet Caroline’ with everyone … I’ll never forget that.” 

Her role included everything from assisting with marketing materials to running in-game entertainment and fan engagement efforts. 

“It’s a mix of creative work and hands-on work,” she said. “Some days you’re building ideas, and other days you’re literally setting things up in the stadium.” 

Internships that shaped her path 

Bernhardt has also held internships with the Office of the Governor of Iowa, the Memorial Union, the Iowa High School Athletic Association, the University of Hawaii Athletics, and the Kansas City Chiefs training camp. 

Of all her experiences, she said two stand out the most. 

“The Iowa High School Athletic Association really helped build my confidence,” she said. “But Chiefs training camp was honestly the most fun month of my life.” 

At training camp, she worked in fan engagement and event operations, helping manage crowds, assisting families, and supporting on-site activities. 

“We were waking up at 5 a.m. every day, but I was doing it with people I loved,” she said. 

Looking ahead and reflecting on Iowa State 

As graduation approaches, Bernhardt said she will miss the everyday life in Ames the most. 

“I love being able to walk everywhere and live so close to my friends,” she said. “Ames just feels like home.” 

Looking ahead, Bernhardt plans to return to Kansas City Chiefs training camp in a leadership role and continue working with the Iowa High School Athletic Association. 

For students considering public relations or event management, she offered simple advice. 

“Do it,” she said. “Immerse yourself in everything. Every company needs a storyteller.” 

As she reflects on her time at Iowa State, Bernhardt said her experience can be summed up in one phrase. 

“The time of my life,” she said.