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Alumnus Turns Student Organization Involvement into Full Time Job

Recent Belmont graduate Zack Middleton has stayed “up ’til dawn” for St. Jude’s kids for the last few years — as an alumnus, he’s turning his love for the organization into a full time job. Now that his time at Belmont is complete, Middleton is serving as a regional development representative for St. Jude in their Nashville office, a position he says he’s grateful to have after interning for the team for the past year and becoming involved with Up ‘Til Dawn, St. Jude’s student organization on Belmont’s campus.

In his new role, Middleton will manage his own book of business in Bowling Green, lead staff through campaigns and drum up new business in the area. Responsible for generating revenue through volunteer and donor management, Middleton and his team are dedicated to raising funds for St. Jude while increasing support and awareness for the hospital. When it comes to fundraising for the kids, Middleton is a pro. While in college, he was significantly involved with Up ‘Til Dawn, serving as recruitment director last year where he and his team raised more than $113,000.

This student leadership experience, coupled with his time as an intern for ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for the hospital, are what Middleton said led him to pursue a full-time position after graduation. “This is a job where I know I can wake up every single morning and be happy going to work,” Middleton said. “St. Jude is a family, and everyone is working toward the same meaningful goal–to end childhood cancer.”

Middleton stays up to be an inspiration.

Looking forward, Middleton said he’s most excited about building relationships throughout his job and celebrating the stories of life–something that, in his line of work, is uniquely valued. “One of my favorite things to do is talk to individuals and get to know them and their backstory,” he said. “I think the coolest part about the life we live is that every individual lives a completely different story. It’s an honor to walk alongside each story.”

Grateful to walk right off the stage and into a full time position, Middleton credits Belmont with much of his ability to be successful right after graduation. “If it weren’t for Belmont’s incredible internship program and staff, I don’t think I would have been set up for success right out of school,” Middleton said. “I have had countless professors and faculty members who have gone above and beyond helping me and pushing me towards success. So many people pushed me as a leader, student and friend to become the best version of myself and I am so thankful for the community and family Belmont has provided. It’s those people who have supported me in my dreams to impact lives in a meaningful way. After all, it’s for the kids!”

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