Turning Gratitude into Impact
UM Alumna Gives to Empower Future Journalism Students
Courtney Robles was a sophomore at the School of Journalism when her professor, Ray Ekness, challenged her to report on a sporting event on campus. Although she had limited broadcast journalism training, Robles fondly remembers not only completing the assignment, but also enjoying it, and feeling gratitude for her professor’s encouragement.
“Sometimes you need people to believe in you more than you believe in yourself, and that’s what my mentors did,” Robles said.
That support, and the invaluable skills she learned at UM, inspired Robles to give back to her alma mater over the years. Earlier this year, during UM’s annual day of giving in March, she increased her commitment when she gave $10,000 to the School of Journalism Impact Fund, which provides unrestricted resources to help campus leaders address emerging opportunities and challenges.
Robles’ generosity allows the school to provide hands-on learning opportunities, like traveling to Helena to cover legislative sessions, as well as scholarships, technology and other student resources.
A first-generation college graduate and scholarship recipient, Robles appreciates the collective power of philanthropy on campus.
“I hope to give students the confirmation they need to keep going,” she said. “When you’re in college, any support matters. If everyone gives, it adds up to make a big difference.”
After graduating in 1995, Robles worked in journalism for a few years then pivoted to a career in human relations, first as a recruiter, and now as the Global Operations Leader at Apple in Austin, Texas. She said her UM education laid the foundation for her success.
“I learned critical thinking, problem solving, communication and collaboration skills — transferrable attributes you need, no matter what career you pursue,” she said.