Penmen Press Volume XXIX Issue X

END OF SCHOOL YEAR RECAP

SNHU’S NEW DINING PLAN FINALIZED

PENMEN PRESS LETTER TO SENIORS

MEET THE STAFF

Co-Editor-in-Chief Taylor Posik

Co-Editor-in-Chief Chris Tutt NEws

End of School Year Recap

The Penmen Press

This has been the first full year on campus since the pandemic, and it has opened up many opportunities for the SNHU campus community. The SNHU community enjoyed all the aspects of campus life, from joining in on karaoke night at The Last Chapter Pub to supporting peers at Undergraduate Research Day. SNHU learned how to be a community again.

We have had the pleasure of writing a vast variety of articles, from opening the doors to spotlights (club, office, and faculty) to writing features on the foundation of the SNHU community, such as the growing support for The Cupboard, CAPE’s major concert, the success stories in sports, and so many more. The SNHU

campus has had much growth throughout the course of the academic year that should be recognized.

As an organization, we would like to thank all that have supported us throughout the entirety of this year. First, we would like to thank the Student Government Association (SGA) and the Office of Student Involvement (OSI) for supporting us in our endeavors, from Penmen Pride points to the conference trip in San Francisco.

Next, we would like to thank the Copies Plus team for printing our issues and always making sure they look amazing.

Thank you to the Pub staff for letting us hold all our events at the campus hub that really

brings everyone together. We would like to thank all the organizations we have co-sponsored with that have provided us with opportunities to branch out in the work that we do.

Finally, thank you to the SNHU community. Without you, we would not be able to do what we set out to do. We appreciate your interest and support in the content we put out, and we look forward to covering more amazing stories that you all give us.

With that said, we look forward to next year, where we look to grow as an organization and hope to bring the SNHU community content that you can enjoy. Here’s to turning the page to a new chapter.

Flags. (Image courtesy: Taylor Posik)

THINGS TO KNOW

SENIOR SHOUTOUTS

We are so very proud of you and all you have accomplished!

Congratulations! We love you!

~ Mom, Jason, Aydan

Congratulations Nolan! So proud of you and all that you’ve accomplished!

Love, Mom and Sophia

Nolan Sykes

Ali Dash

Sophia Peguri

Taylor Posik

Megan Charest

Alexis McLeish

News

Lights, Camera, Commencement

Megan Charest Staff Writer

SNHU will be holding its commencement ceremony at the SNHU arena in downtown Manchester, NH on Saturday, April 29, and Sunday, April 30. The university will be holding two ceremonies per day.

On April 29, the first ceremony will be held at 9:30am for oncampus programs. The second ceremony will be held for the online graduate programs at 2pm.

On April 30, the first ceremony will be held at 9:30am for online undergraduate business and STEM programs. The second ceremony will be held for the online undergraduate healthcare, liberal arts, nursing, and social sciences programs at 2pm.

Alternatively, a virtual commencement will be held on May 20 at 2pm ET.

Commencement is all about

capturing the moment and will be full of excitement, laughter, and some tears. It is a day to celebrate all the accomplishments made throughout the years of schooling.

“The feeling of commencement is somewhat overwhelming, but it is always joyful and amazing to see everyone together celebrating,” said Deanna Zanella, Assistant Vice President of Ceremonies and Events.

On the day of commencement, graduates will start showing up to sign in. They will be ushered to the right side of the arena towards the back lot, where they will sign and get the nameplate they will be holding to pass along to the name readers.

After signing in, graduates will then see the style crew to make sure their regalia is put on correctly. Then, graduates will

stand with the school they belong to and mingle with their peers.

As soon as the graduates hear the bagpipes, it is time for the ceremony to begin.

“If [you are] planning on going out after the commencement, make sure you make a reservation ahead of time,” said Zanella.

Commencement is a once-ina-lifetime event for graduates to celebrate with their loved ones and the SNHU community.

“[I’m] looking forward to walking with all my peers whom I’ve gotten to know my four years. Through the vast ups and downs, we made it. Here’s to the class of 2023,” said graduating senior, Zach Hark (‘23).

Additional information can be found at this website: https://www. snhu.edu/student-experience/ graduation .

SNHU Arena. (Image courtesy: Taylor Posik)

SNHU’s New Dining Plan Finalized

Chris Tutt Co-Editor-in-Chief

The news of American Dining Creations (ADC) taking over Sodexo as SNHU’s dining vendor spread across the university quickly; however, it left two lingering questions: how much will my meal plan cost and how will it be structured?

In an email sent to students on February 22 by Dr. Meagan LaMarca, the university announced the new meal plan structure for the 2023-2024 school year and beyond. The university will no longer have a declining balance system; they will be shifting to a “membership meal plan.”

According to LaMarca in the email: “We’re pleased to introduce a new type of meal plan that will replace our previous “pay per item” model. Starting in the 202324 academic year, students will have a membership meal plan, a new concept that very few local

institutions have. This means that a single swipe of your ID card gives you full access to all you care to eat at any dining location during open hours, including the Dining Center, the Webster Café, Dunkin’, and Einstein Bros. Students have unlimited swipes as part of the membership plan,” said LaMarca. “For example, you’ll swipe to enter the Dining Center and can then enjoy an “all you care to eat” menu at no extra charge and no extra swipes. The retail locations around campus will require students to swipe in order to receive a fountain beverage, coffee, and food item of choice. Students can visit any location as many times as they want throughout the day as they have unlimited swipes throughout the semester.”

There are two different options with the plan available to students. The first is the Membership Meal

Plan, which will be $1,900 per semester. The second is the Commuter Membership Meal Plan, which will be $1,200 per semester. That provides students with unlimited swipes and unlimited food throughout the semester.

Penmen Cash isn’t going anywhere; in fact, with this new plan, students will receive $200 in Penmen Cash as part of the membership meal plan, and $50 for those who choose the commuter membership meal plan. This would be for any items that aren’t considered “all you care to eat,” such as bottled beverages and pre-packaged snacks. Cash and credit will still be an option for students.

Students can find more information about this within their housing license or by reaching out to Student Affairs at studentaffairs@snhu.edu.

SNHU Dining Center Entrance (Image courtesy: Katelyn Nicholas)

A&E & Opinion

Seniors Visit “A Whole New World” During Class Trip

Emily Blais Marketing Manager

SNHU’s Senior Trip is something seniors look forward to all year. It’s the last chance for the graduating class to come together for one final event.

This year, the seniors went to Walt Disney World in Florida. They left Manchester on March 13 and returned on March 17.

Stephanie Matte (‘23) was one of the many seniors that attended the trip. She had a lot of fun traveling to different parks with the Park Hopper Pass and got an upgrade during her time there.

“It was a super easy way to be able to do everything we wanted to do with only being there for three days. We even got upgraded to extra magical rooms at Port Orleans which is a much fancier hotel than we

were originally staying in, so it was super nice,” said Matte.

Students were able to plan out their day. They would respond to text messages from their chaperones by a certain time during the day to keep them updated.

“They were always fun questions asking what our favorite thing has been or which Disney character we would be and why,” said Matte.

Nicholas Gaston (‘23) attended the trip with his friends, where his expectations were exceeded.

“My favorite part of the trip was being able to enjoy a vacation with my friends and being able to explore Disney as an adult,” said Gaston.

Many other programs had

trips planned over spring break, directly conflicting with the senior trip. Matte shared her hopes for the Senior Trip next year.

“Hopefully they are able to move it back to the week between finals and commencement... there isn’t much that happens that week but there were a lot of other trips and programs happening over spring break, so many students had to make a decision about what they wanted to do,” said Matte.

The trip went stress-free and was an experience that both Matte and Gaston enjoyed.

“The organization of faculty made the travel stress free. Hats off to all the faculty for going above and beyond on this trip,” said Gaston.

Nicholas Gaston (‘23) and friends in Disney over Spring Break. (Image courtesy: Nicholas Gaston)

Lifestyle

The Masters Program: From a SNHU Students Perspective

Lillian Nelson Lifestyle Editor

Madailein Lindsay graduated from SNHU in 2022. She is now enrolled in the master’s program at SNHU and will complete her requirements during the last week of August 2023.

Lindsay chose to go to SNHU for the master’s program because she found an education plan that aligned with her desired start and end times. It was recommended to her by a dean in the field of her major, education, because it worked for her plan of a 5-year program.

“I chose to do my graduate program through SNHU years prior,” said Lindsay. “When selecting a college to go to right out of high school, I was hoping to attend a school that had a 5-year master’s program for education. SNHU did not offer this, but instead, the dean of the School of Education at the time, Cathy Stavenger, introduced me to an alternative path to take: finish my undergraduate degree in three years, and immediately enroll in the Clinical MEd program to earn a master’s degree in less than four and a half years.”

Lindsay’s program is accelerated, but affordable. It’s unique to her, and Lindsay got the opportunity to complete her bachelor’s degree and a graduate degree in a shorter span of time.

“I finished my undergraduate degree in three years by working towards and earning a degree in General Education, rather than Elementary Education. Overall, I chose this program because of the unique opportunity it gave me to complete both a bachelor’s degree and graduate’s degree in such a short span of time. It was

also a very affordable schooling option for me, as I am paying for my schooling on my own,” said Lindsay.

Compared to undergrad life, there is less time for downtime and leisure during a master’s degree; but due to the accelerated nature of the course Lindsay chose, it is expected to have more work.

“My undergraduate [degree] had a lot of time available for leisure, whereas right now, I feel as though I have no free time,” said Lindsay. “Due to the uniqueness of the program I am completing right now, the majority of my time during the day is spent at my field placement in an elementary school. These differences are nothing not to be expected considering the difference between the programs and the intensity of the accelerated graduate program that I am completing. Regardless of these differences, my experience as a graduate student has been an overall pleasant one. Through this program, I have been able to make several professional connections in my field, and I have learned an immense amount.”

Compared to the undergrad workload, it is more work because it is more immersive in the classroom.

“My course load has definitely gotten heavier now that I am a graduate student, but again, this is to be expected, not only because this is a secondary degree, but also because the program I am enrolled in is accelerated,” said Lindsay. “I have been immersed in the classroom community so much that I have taken on a

load of work done throughout the school day for the students. This is exactly the experience I was hoping for, so although it is a lot of work, it is most definitely worth my time to be able to learn as much as I am.”

Lindsay doesn’t feel as connected to the SNHU campus community compared to undergraduates due to the workload of being a grad student.

“Because this program is accelerated and asks so much of the students in it, I do not feel connected to the SNHU environment. I know that the same campus events, experiences, and opportunities exist for graduate students, but I have been so busy I have not been able to attend or take advantage of any of these.”

Undergrad life compared to graduate life is different for Lindsay.

“I think the biggest difference between my experience as an undergraduate and a graduate student here at SNHU is the social aspect of school,” said Lindsay. “While earning my undergraduate degree, I had a lot more time to spend with friends and to join in on activities and events on campus.”

Lindsay’s favorite part about being a graduate student is the experience. The program offers connections at a student-tostudent level and a student-toeducation level.

“My favorite part of being a graduate student here has been the amount of experience I have been able to gain. SNHU has some amazing connections with different schools in the area, and I have built so many professional

relationships,” said Lindsay. “I also enjoy how my program is built in a cohort model, so I have been able to connect with the other students in my program on a different level since we are all going through the stress and experience together.”

The master’s program also offered her the opportunity to work at a school. Being an education major, it helped further her connections within the educational field on a personal and professional level.

“The school I’m working at, which was assigned to me through this program, has given me so many amazing opportunities to teach and learn, and I have enjoyed working with every teacher I have met so far. The community that is built within this tiny program honestly warms my heart,” said Lindsay.

Hannah Robitaille (‘23), is starting her master’s program in higher education administration and expects to graduate in 2025.

She plans on doing an online higher education administration program and hopes to get an oncampus graduate assistantship.

Robitaille wanted to go to SNHU for her master’s program because she calls SNHU home. Having completed all four years of her undergrad at SNHU, it was a no-brainer to choose SNHU to continue her education.

“SNHU has been my home for the past four years, and it is the only place I can imagine doing any more of my schooling. The passion I have for my major, I found at this school and I couldn’t think of a more perfect team of staff and teachers to help me move on to the next stage,” said Robitaille.

Robitaille also discussed her fears, as well as what she is excited about for the start of her graduate year.

“I am most excited to really get to dive into the things that I am truly interested in and passionate about. I went through most of my

bachelors not really knowing the route I wanted to take, and being uninterested in most topics. I am [looking forward] to [being] excited about the content I will be learning,” said Robitaille. “I am terrified of failing. I am scared for the idea of self-accountability and making sure I stay on top of my work.”

Robitaille heard good things about the master’s program at SNHU, but also knows of some requirements that will challenge her academically.

“I have heard many different things about the graduate programs at school. Mostly good things, but some specifics are that it is challenging in a good way. The professors do their best to prepare you for the field you are looking to go into,” said Robitaille.

To learn more about the master’s program, students can talk to their advisor about the options that work best with their major and educational future.

Graduate Office. (Image courtesy: Katelyn Nicholas)

Sports

Valorant Team Wins Collegiate LAN Tourament in Worcester

Avery Bertrand Staff Writer

SNHU Esports team, Valorant Blue, traveled to the All Systems Go Esports Bar in Worcester, MA on March 18.

Hosted by UMass Amherst and WPI (Worcester Polytechnic Institute), the tournament had eight schools attending and competing. The first-place prize was $500.

Sean ‘Peachy’ Lightbody (‘24), a player on Valorant Blue, shared his experience with the tournament and discussed which competition had the team on edge.“Going into this tournament, we were expecting to win,” said Lightbody. “At the time, we thought that the only team that would give us a challenge was Northeastern University, since we hadn’t played them in the NECC yet.”

The NECC (National Esports

Collegiate Conference) is the primary conference that the SNHU Esports varsity teams compete in. According to the NECC, 383 different schools compete in Valorant, with some schools having more than one roster.

Lightbody spoke on the team’s confidence as the tournament went on and how rewarding it was to have competed.

“As the tournament went on, we became more and more confident,” said Lightbody. “My favorite moment from the tournament was definitely winning, since we each got one hundred dollars.”

Valorant Blue played a total of five games, each against different schools. The first match they played was against UMass Amherst, which they won 13-8.

They later played against Tufts University (Middlesex, MA) and won 13-3. Then, they went up against the University of Massachusetts Boston, winning 13-8. After playing these three matches, SNHU made it to the semi-finals.

Competitive games in Valorant are typically played to thirteen, unless both teams are at twelve wins. In this case, it goes into overtime, in which the game continues until one team has won twice in a row. The Valorant team’s first game in the semifinals was against the University of Connecticut, which SNHU won in overtime, 15-13.

Their last game was against Northeastern for a best two-outof-three match. SNHU took the win in a 2-0 set of games.

The SNHU Valorant Team (Image courtesy: Kayleigh Phillip)

Club Spotlight: Club Field Hockey

Elise Fasano Events Manager

During the fall semester of the 2022-2023 school year, club field hockey completed its second season as a club at SNHU. The club was brought to light during the 2021-2022 school year.

Roxanne Quinno (‘26), a forward on the team, talked about her experience after her first year playing.

“One of my favorite memories was when we would bond as a team and just play music and goof around together during our practices,” said Quinno.

Overall, she felt the team did well and that their second season offered plenty of opportunities for growth and perseverance.

“We had a lot of growth during our season...after our first tournament, we used the mistakes we made to practice and prevent them. We also bonded as a team when playing against some of our common enemies,” said Quinno.

Quinno spoke about what it was like being a newer club sport on campus and mentions the help of their president, Caroline Carrozzini (‘23). This even helped Quinno decide to become Vice President of

the team next season.

“This season was challenging as a newer sports team on campus, especially getting our bearings together, but [Carrozzini] stepped up into that coaching role and would give us pep talks and hype the team up in our huddles,” said Quinno.

Though the team lacked a coach for the season, Carrozzini took on a leadership role and spoke on what it was like being a graduating senior on the team.

“I thought it was a great opportunity to lead a group of people on campus while getting to work with other sports teams and other parts of the SNHU community,” said Carrozzini.

She mentioned why she decided to take the role of president and what it meant to her.

“It gave me more of a chance to be on campus because I used to be a commuter. It gave me more of a reason to be there and be more involved with the time I had left here,” said Carrozzini.

She also talked about being a part of the club’s inaugural year and some of the struggles they went

through.

“It was a learning experience. I was thankful that I had other clubs under my wing. Luckily, there was also a lot of engagement because we started the team after covid,” said Carrozzini.

When asked if the team faced any challenges being new to campus, she mentioned the obstacles that were faced.

“Being a club for the first time, no one knows about this specific club making it different than previous ones, so it caused things to be difficult sometimes. But there was so much help from [Club Sports director,] Meagan Bircher, she was amazing when we needed it,” said Carrozzini.

Carrozzini finished off with why she is glad she joined club field hockey. With graduation around the corner, she reflects on what the team meant to her and what next year looks like.

“I made so many new friends even outside of friend groups. I wouldn’t have met them without it. I am so excited to be able to come back to watch the games and see everyone again,” said Carrozzini.

Senior, Caroline Carrozzini and senior, Sofia Barassi (Image Courtesy: Caroline Carrozzini)

Seniors Say Goodbye to SNHU Sports

Adam Dufault Sports Editor

With commencement taking place the weekend of April 29, graduating student-athletes are preparing to leave SNHU athletics behind them.

A catcher on the baseball team, Alex George (‘23) spoke on why he chose SNHU and the impact that the baseball team has had on him since the recruitment process in high school.

“I wanted to play college baseball for a team that had a strong history of winning and a team with the potential to win a national championship,” said George. “When I first came up to SNHU for my visit with Coach Loiseau, he told me how one of his goals is to win a national championship with a team consisting [mostly of] players from the Northeast. This meant a lot to me being a kid from Hollis, New Hampshire.”

While many athletes find it fun to play sports, it’s a commitment that requires time and effort every week. George spoke on the difficulties of being a

student-athlete.

“Playing a college sport isn’t the easiest task in the world….I learned how time management and staying organized is the most important thing you can do to see success in the classroom,” said George.

Outside of playing on a field or a court, sports offer camaraderie and a sense of togetherness. George spoke on what being part of the baseball team has given him.

“SNHU baseball is a big family. It is awesome to have a group of guys who are, as individuals, all very different, but [have] the same goal….It is a great feeling to know I have forty-five lifelong friends who will always have my back,” said George.

Sydney Todd (‘23) of the women’s lacrosse team is also graduating. She reflected on her time on an athletic team at SNHU.

“I chose SNHU because of the great team environment and the highly competitive NE10

conference. Many of the teams we play are nationally ranked and give us great competition throughout the whole season, which I love,” said Todd.

With her lacrosse career coming to an end, she spoke about what life may look like when she is no longer on the field, nor in the classroom.

“Being a part of a college sports team has meant a lot to me. I have been involved with sports for my whole life….It has been a great outlet for me, and I am definitely going to be lost without it once it’s over,” said Todd.

She went on to speak about relationships she formed through athletics, and what she learned from being around fellow athletes.

“My teammates have become my best friends throughout the past four years….I have definitely learned that it’s okay to mess up and make mistakes in a sport because your teammates will always be there to make up for them,” said Todd.

Number 20, Senior on the women’s lacrosse team, Sydney Todd. (Image Courtesy: SNHU athletics)

Features

Office Spotlight: Institutional Advancement

Taylor Posik Co-Editor-in-Chief

Institutional Advancement is an office located in Gustafson, suite 214, that features departments that work with students and alumni and provide outlets for connection and engagement.

Departments within the office include Development and Advancement Services, Alumni Engagement, Advancement Communications, and Grants.

SNHU has over 215,000 alumni from at least 175 countries, and Institutional Advancement provides the ability for alumni to remain connected long after commencement.

Associate Director of Alumni Engagement Alli Pudvah discussed what the office has to offer.

“We are the official record after students graduate. We communicate with alumni, we talk with alumni, we have volunteers that come back, [and] we have different events that we host,” said Pudvah.

Pudvah also discussed the office’s goals and how they are connected to the SNHU community.

“Our goal is to support alumni and the advancement of the university, and so a lot of the work that we do aligns with the strategic plan and the ultimate goals of the greater university, and so we align all of our tasks [and] goals individually and as a group to some of the programs that are happening across the university.”

Alumni are also given opportunities to return to campus to give back to the SNHU community. These often include

assisting in mock interviews, presenting during career days, and even attending classes.

“We really love when our alums can come back and share their story with current students, volunteer at different events, and really be able to share what they’ve been up to and inspire the next generation,” said Pudvah.

Pudvah also discussed that alumni seeking assistance in their career paths are always welcome to connect with career advisors in Gustafson.

Within the office, they host different events throughout the academic year. The first one they host is Homecoming, which is held during the second weekend of October.

In preparation, Institutional Advancement will partner with the Office of Student Involvement (OSI) along with other campus offices.

“We always love our alums that come back each year. If you haven’t been, it’s an incredible weekend that is jammed packed to the brim with opportunities,” said Pudvah.

Following Covid-19, Homecoming included virtual opportunities for those that are unable to make it to the SNHU campus.

Activities include the 5k, big money bingo, paint nights, and live streams.

Homecoming for the ‘23’24 academic year will be hosted Friday, October 13 through Sunday, October 15. Registration for virtual events will open in September.

“There’s always a ton of

things going on, both on campus and off campus, that weekend and we really encourage folks to come back, celebrate the future, and honor the past...and it’s a great way to see campus, see the spaces, especially if folks haven’t been in quite some time,” said Pudvah.

Another event that is hosted from March through April is Global Days. Institutional Advancement works with OSI and the Chandler Center to promote and provide opportunities for Global Days.

In the past, it was held only in April; however, it has since been extended to a duration of approximately two months. This is their eighth year holding the event.

Global Days provides all members of the SNHU community with new opportunities to give back through service. Participants are able to lead various projects throughout the event.

“We find that service is such a great equalizer. It doesn’t matter how you got your degree, it doesn’t matter what your title is, it doesn’t matter what you’re currently doing, but when we could come together in the name of service, it’s really powerful for our communities,” said Pudvah. “Folks have the opportunity to lead a project, which has a little bit more responsibility behind it. They find an organization they want to partner with, and they kind of are like the organization liaison.”

Projects typically performed include hosting food banks, beach clean-ups, and events

within a community. Options to get involved can be found on the SNHU Global Days of Service website.

Following commencement, alumni are also encouraged to join SNHU community groups,

such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn. Pudvah emphasized that LinkedIn is a great resource for members of the alumni community to share information and ask questions.

Additional information regarding Institutional Advancement can be found on their website, Southern New Hampshire University (snhu. edu), and questions can be sent to alumni@snhu.edu.

Penmen Press Letter to Seniors

Jon Boroshok Faculty Adviser

It’s too easy to look at a graduating class and see it as simply part of the four-year cycle at a university. While the traditional path of college is a four-year journey, the graduating class of 2023 is an exception. You were the last class to experience a normal senior year in high school, followed by the first COVID college cohort.

As a professor, my first introduction to some of you was not in person, but socially distanced in remote classes. For the longest time, my only physical image of a few of you was a black screen. For others, I met you and your favorite dog or cat at the same time. All we saw of each other was from the waist up, like Elvis’ first TV appearance.

Even after we came back to campus, we had to reintroduce our masked selves. Apparently, I sounded taller on video! How many people did we finally meet

in person and found they looked different than we expected?

I look at our time together with a surprising sense of nostalgia and joy. We got through all this together and survived to some sense of normalcy. There are some of you that I had as “puppies” four or even five years ago. I’ve had the privilege of watching you grow up before my eyes.

You are the last graduating class that will be the same age as my youngest child. I got to share my bad Dad jokes with you as a Dad as well as a professor. After this, I truly will start aging right before your eyes. Luckily, I get better looking every day, so my new students might not catch on!

I’m going to miss you all. Graduation is a rite of passage with joy and loss. More than anything else, I look at you all with a sense of pride. How many of you have made permanent indentations on the comfy seat in my office? You

dropped in for a chat, even when it had nothing to do with classes. How much have you taught me about life and being a twentysomething today? These are the moments of the journey - our journey - that I will treasure long after we’ve all moved beyond SNHU. There are so many of you that deserve shout-outs, but there’s not enough time or space to give it justice.

We’re about to kick you out of the nest for your first solo flight. Know that we’re still here supporting you and rooting for you. Our conversation can continue, now on a more even level. It’s easy to tell you to follow your passion, but the property owner prefers a check (not even Venmo). Hang in there; it won’t always be easy, but you made it through these last four years. You’ve got this!

With love and respect,

Jon Boroshok (JB) Instructor in Communication

Homecoming, 2022. (Image courtesy: Taylor Posik)

Adam Dufault: Senior Letter

Adam Dufault Sports Editor

As I sit here crafting my final piece of writing for The Penmen Press, I’m reflecting deeply on my time at SNHU. I am incredibly fortunate to have found a club that has given me the opportunity to enhance my skills in an area in which I take great pride: writing. After I graduate, I plan to teach English classes at Alvirne High School in Hudson, NH.

SNHU has provided me with some of the greatest people I have had the privilege of calling my friends, professors, and mentors. When I first stepped foot on campus on move-in day of my freshman year, I was nothing short of nervous. I wondered how difficult the college workload would be, how personable the professors would be, and who would be my friends. Looking back on it, I wouldn’t have chosen any other school if I had the opportunity. Those professors, who I feared wouldn’t even remember my name, are individuals who I would gladly call companions and even friends. They helped get me to the

point I am at today. I am proud of the student I have become, and it would be selfish to say I got here alone. I often think to myself about how lucky I am. I think about how lucky I am to have had such an unforgettable college experience. My group of friends is full of people I love, and I am sad that our time together on this campus is coming to an end, but I am so happy that it happened and ecstatic for the post-college memories that are yet to come.

The Penmen Press has been a massive part of my experience at SNHU. I am honored to have been given the opportunity to rise from Staff Writer, to Sports Editor, to Staff Representative, and to Senior Managing Editor. I am honored to have gained the trust of an entire campus media outlet to help spread the news about everything happening on campus. The Press is an awesome source of news for this school, and the students are lucky to have it.

Sophia Peguri: Senior Letter

Sophia Peguri Staff Writer

SNHU has given me so many opportunities throughout my years here. One is The Penmen Press. I have been incredibly lucky to have been part of this journey in this club and would recommend it to any student thinking of joining. It has prepared me in many ways for my plans after I graduate and I will hold the skills that I gained throughout this semester in my future career.

When I first entered SNHU as

a freshman, I had no idea what the future was going to hold. Little did I know I was going to meet friends, teachers, mentors, and even family. Walking out as a proud senior, I am so grateful to have been a part of this beautiful community. Whether it’s students or faculty, everybody is so supportive and wants nothing but success for you and your future, in or out of the classroom. Coming to this school has made

me feel special and helped me realize that I am capable of all that I dream of.

Being in The Penmen Press emphasizes that feeling of being special. I was able to grow and surprise myself by applying skills that I didn’t even know I had. This wouldn’t have been possible without the great team I had at my side during this semester, and I am honored to have been a part of it.

Adam Dufault. (Image courtesy: Taylor Posik)

Alexis McLeish: Senior Letter

Alexis McLeish Staff Writer

Attending SNHU helped me climb out of two major holes in my life. When I enrolled in the online creative writing program, it gave me a sense of direction and purpose. I decided to transfer to campus for similar reasons. After moving from Massachusetts to Colorado, I lacked direction. As my graduation came closer, I still wasn’t sure what I wanted out of life. Transferring to campus was a welcomed change of pace; it gave me a chance to be around people my age and figure out what I wanted.

Before I arrived, I was most excited to join the Penmen Press. Years ago, during a visit to the campus, I’d met members of the Press at the time and got a good impression. I was especially eager to learn how to edit in a more professional way. It was far from a disappointment. I’ve learned more than I could’ve imagined from Press. More than editing, I’ve learned about making the newspaper and

working on a group project like this where everyone wanted to be involved. I’m extremely grateful for the friendships I’ve found in Press and the time I got to spend with everyone there.

It surprised my family when I joined the drama club. When I tried out for “Rocky Horror Picture Show” by Richard O’Brien and Jim Sharman, I hadn’t been in a play, nor had I seen Rocky Horror. In some ways, it was a perfect combination. The people were what made the club such a wonderful space to explore acting and learn about theater. My fellow club members were some of the most patient and accepting people, especially when it came to my shortcomings as a new actor. Performing with them has given me a new appreciation for theater, and I hope to continue to join plays after I’ve left SNHU.

I also have to give a shoutout to everyone in Professor

Moloney’s Advanced Creative Writing (ENG-431) class. It helped me set my head straight about my writing and my expectations as an author. Being trapped in my head about my work did me no favors. Hearing other authors talk about their struggles and hear their perspectives on my work helped me more than I can say. Despite wanting to work with words, I don’t think any exist that can convey my gratitude. I hope to someday call these people my coworkers, my fellow authors, or publishers.

Something I wasn’t expecting to happen while I was on campus, but I suppose was only natural, was gaining confidence. I haven’t written as much as expected, but I’ve been able to think about what writing means to me. I know how I want to spend my time in my life. I’ve learned that it’s ok to not know or to be out of place. My time at SNHU has taught me to go out of my way to experience life.

Megan Charest: Senior Letter

Megan Charest Staff Writer

Wow! What a wild ride these last four years have been. Through the ups and downs, we did it, Class of 2023! I would like to thank the incredible Communication staff that helped me achieve my goals and find my passion for writing.

For my amazing staff advisor, JB, thank you for being one of my largest supporters since day one. You saw the potential in me that I didn’t see, and you helped me build who I am. Andrea Bard, you will always be my university mom, and I know you will always look out for your Communication students,

even when you are leaving yourself. Thank you for supporting me these last four years, and I can’t wait to keep in touch with you both for years to come.

One of the biggest challenges I faced was my sophomore year when, we as a community, were online. There was a missing spark when it came to school. I thought I was missing part of me when we had to leave and not come back. I must give a shout-out to SNHU LARP, as I was acting vice president during that time. I was able to build connections even if we were apart.

To my wonderful Reslife family, I will miss you all from the bottom of my heart. You inspired me to be myself, and not care what others have to say. I will always have a family in Kingston. This won’t be the last time you hear from me.

Finally, to my fellow Penmen Press staff, thank you for giving me a voice and letting my creativity flow through my work, whether it be writing or through the marketing team!

I will miss everyone at SNHU, but as they say, this isn’t a goodbye, this is simply a see you later.

Taylor Posik: Senior Letter

Taylor Posik Co-Editor-in-Chief

I joined The Penmen Press during the second semester of my freshman year. I remember how intimidated I was to be in a room full of people I didn’t know. All I knew is that I joined to gain experience in journalism. Little did I know that I would become passionate about it and would want to go into the field of journalism for my career.

My time working on the school newspaper officially kicked off during my sophomore year, the full year of SNHU being remote. I remember the exhilaration of my first article being published. If it was printed, I probably would have framed it.

As a staff writer, I started off in news and found that I enjoyed it. I liked writing about current events and being able to share them with the SNHU community, not to mention we had a great team in the news section. However, I dabbled in Arts & Entertainment, even writing one of my most successful pieces that raked in nearly 13000 views, “Crewmate or Imposter: Online Game Gains Traction

Amongst SNHU Students.”

I’m happy to say that I was able to write for every section of the newspaper (even sports, which is something I wouldn’t have ever seen myself doing, but I really enjoyed it). I feel lucky to have been able to write so many articles, which is over 40 now since I began on The Penmen Press. Because of this, I was able to meet so many people, and also be able to give them a voice on campus.

It wasn’t just the writing that brought me joy while being in the organization; it was the editing. In my second semester of sophomore year, I helped with

copy editing. However, I toyed with the idea of becoming a section editor. When I didn’t get voted in as Staff Representative, it gave me the push I needed to work toward becoming a section editor for Arts & Entertainment.

It was a great learning experience being in the role of section editor for both A&E Editor, as well as News Editor later on in my junior year. I loved being able to guide people along to help them with their writing, and to give them opportunities to go out and get experience in the field of journalism.

Then, when I found out I was going to be one of the Editorsin-Chief, I was completely elated. Thinking back to my freshman year, I remember not thinking I would be able to work my way up to such a role, nor did I really want to at the time. However, I fell in love with what The Penmen Press has to offer, and I never felt more humbled to have been given a chance to lead such an amazing organization.

Admittedly, I had doubts that I would be able to fulfill the role, especially when it came to speaking in front of people during general meetings. It can be daunting to be asked to fill your predecessors’ shoes, but as we proceeded throughout the school year, we learned and were able to improve as we went. I found courage from the support of my peers, who were always there to help.

I’m so grateful to have been given such an amazing team. It was a joy seeing all our new and returning staff thrive in the sections they were in, from seeing enthusiasm for esports to the passion for taking photos.

I’m proud to have seen such successful events, such as the recent fundraiser for The Cupboard, or the Halloweenthemed Issue Launch Party. I loved seeing the new design for the new cover of our issues take shape.

Now for the list of thank you’s:

Thank you to our staffwriters, photographers, and copy editors - for always having enthusiasm for the work you put in.

Thank you to our editors and managers, who were always so diligent throughout the school year to make our issues the best they could be.

Thank you to our advisor, Jon ‘JB’ Boroshok, for the Dad jokes we pretended to listen to and the helpful advice in all things journalism (and sometimes life). A special thank you to my amazing e-board. Katelyn Ditto (‘25), our Business Manager. Emily Blais (‘24), our Marketing Manager and Staff Representative. Adam Dufault (‘23), our Senior Managing Editor. Finally, Chris Tutt (‘24), my Co-Editor-in-Chief (you’re amazing, and I’m happy I got to be able to work with you. I couldn’t have done this without you!).

I am so grateful for the opportunities The Penmen Press gave me, and I’m looking forward to using them in the future. Thank you to my absolutely wonderful team. I can’t wait to see what The Penmen Press has in store for next year.