Letter from the Director WELCOME TO COM WEEK 2018 Communication Week is one of the most important traditions in the School of Communication. For more than 3 decades this event has provided opportunities for current students to network with and learn from accomplished alumni and professionals working in a diverse array of communication professions. COM Week 2018 spans 4 days and includes numerous panels, keynotes, a documentary film festival, and the annual awards and scholarship luncheon. This year’s theme, “Create Your Space,” highlights the many ways that our students and alumni are pursuing their passion for communication in a wide variety of settings. You should take full advantage of everything that COM Week has to offer. To help you do that, this schedule will guide you through all of the events, panels, and keynotes. By attending COM Week, you will gain a new appreciation for how to apply your communication degree and learn about some of the career paths that are possible. I urge all of you to participate actively in COM Week 2018. Our School of Communication Promotions and Development (SoCPD) team and staff have worked extraordinarily hard to bring a range of interesting, informative, and innovative events to campus. I look forward to seeing you at COM Week 2018! Sincerely,
Dr. Stephen Hunt Executive Director, School of Communication Illinois State University
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Meet the Keynote Speakers Marlen Garcia *
EDITORIAL WRITER AND COLUMNIST AT THE CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
Marlen (MARE-a-lin) Garcia is an award-winning news media professional and current member of the Chicago Sun-Times Editorial Board. As a columnist and editorial writer for the SunTimes she covers immigration, bills pending in the Illinois legislature and Congress, issues in Chicago Public Schools and other current events such as election endorsements. Before her work at the Chicago Sun-Times, she was a sports reporter for USA Today and the Chicago Tribune, where she covered multiple Olympics and NCAA Final Fours. Marlen is a 1993 graduate of Illinois State University.
John Gilmour
COMMUNICATIONS MARKETING DIRECTOR FOR HAMILTON
John Gilmour is the Communications Director for the Broadway Musical Hamilton. Gilmour manages brand engagement and awareness and also oversees the strategy implementation for Hamilton’s three productions in North America. Before working for Hamilton, Gilmour led the marketing and press efforts for TMG The Marketing Group/Allied Live/Allied Touring. During his time with TMG, he worked on other top Broadway Musicals including, The Book of Mormon, Motown the Musical, Mamma Mia!, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, In The Heights and Avenue Q. Gilmour attended Michigan State University and graduated with a dual degree in General Business Management and Dance Specialization.
Beth Grady *
MANAGER OF PUBLIC AND MEDIA RELATIONS AT THE CHICAGO BULLS
Beth Grady serves as the Manager of Media and Public Relations for the Chicago Bulls. Prior to being the Manager of Media and PR for the Bulls, Grady was the Manager of Corporate Communication. Grady graduated from Illinois State University in 2010 with a B.S. in Public Relations. During her time at ISU, Grady was a member of Public Relations Student Society of America and excelled her classes as a communication student. Grady was a student intern in Redbird Athletics Communications for two years. She always had a dream of working in sports public relations as a student, and is excited for the opportunity to return to the place where it all began and share her journey.
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* = ISU ALUM
Griffin Hammond * DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKER
Griffin Hammond is a documentary filmmaker in New York City, known for producing DIY filmmaking tutorials for indie filmmakers, and his award-winning documentary Sriracha. His 2016 election coverage aired on Bloomberg Television and MSNBC, and in the last 16 months he’s traveled to 16 countries as a brand ambassador for Panasonic Lumix cameras, and as a cultural diplomat for the U.S. State Department. Griffin previously worked at YouTube Next Lab and State Farm Insurance, and earned his Master’s in Communication from Illinois State University in 2009. He also cohosts the weekly podcast, Hey Indie Filmmakers.
Larry Long
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR EMERITUS, SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION AT ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY
In 15 years as executive director of the School of Communication and six more as a professor at Illinois State, Dr. Larry Long’s vision and leadership helped create ISU’s public relations and communication studies programs while redesigning mass media and journalism to focus on preparing students for today’s communication opportunities. He also opened the SMACC, expanded the internship program, developed Illinois’ first public relations program and led ISU’s first Communication Week (some 35 years ago). But the keys to his success work for everyone: fostering innovation, inspiring risktaking, and leading through collaboration—traits that define today’s ISU School of Communication, and its students and faculty, and translate to better careers for ISU graduates.
Stacey Shoemaker
HR BUSINESS PARTNER AT MAUI JIM
Stacey Shoemaker has worked with Maui Jim for eight years. She seeks to develop integrated solutions for her employee’s needs. Shoemaker forms partnerships across the Human Resources function to ensure that business objectives reflect those of Maui Jim. She also acts as the first point of contact for managers and employees in teams including: Training & Development, Marketing, Corporate Gifts, Sponsorship & Events, Visual Design. These teams’ jobs involve incentive trips, VIP events, rewards programs, sponsors, and consumer engagement. Shoemaker’s job ranges from benefits to training and development for all of these teams, which is always keeping her busy.
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Monday April 16
COMMUNICATION INNOVATION CENTER GRAND OPENING 10:00AM - 11:00AM • FEL 280
AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEON 11:30AM - 2:00PM • BSC - CIRCUS ROOM
BRINGING BROADWAY TO ISU •
KEYNOTE
2:00PM - 2:50PM • STV 101 One of Broadway’s top publicity stars shares branding strategies for top Broadway productions, including Hamilton.
John Gilmour •
COMMUNICATIONS MARKETING DIRECTOR FOR HAMILTON
BLOGGERS AND VLOGGERS
3:00PM - 3:50PM • FEL 148 In a blogging / vlogging rich society, learn how professionals attract a following and keep up with relevant topics and trends.
Jerome’ Holston •
FORMER NONPROFIT BLOGGER AT JEROME’ BLOGS AND CURRENT DIRECTOR AT LGBT
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF ILLINOIS
Ashley Workman* • LIFESTYLE BLOGGER AT TWO BEAUTIFUL DISASTERS Meghan Madl • LIFESTYLE BLOGGER AT TWO BEAUTIFUL DISASTERS Gil Mercado* • VLOGGER AT GILMERCVLOGS
GOOD JOURNALISM OR “FAKE NEWS”
5:30PM - 6:45PM • FEL 123 Journalism professionals will share the importance of the news media and free speech in the democratic process.
Ema Sasic* • EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AT THE VIDETTE Lenore Sobota • REPORTER AT THE PANTAGRAPH Judy Valente • REPORTER/PRODUCER AT WGLT Les Vann* • VICE-PRESIDENT/GENERAL MANAGER AT FOXCAROLINA GREENVILLE, SC
COMEDY NIGHT
6:30PM - 9:00PM • STV 101 A night of laughter will begin with ISU alumni discussing their experiences in the entertainment field. They will give insight on how comedy and performing can enhance your communication skills. The night will continue with a performance by the panelists, It’s So Funny, Improv Mafia, Normal Humor, and Theater of Ted.
Andrew Bogue * • SENIOR MARKETING COORDINATOR AT MEDIX™ Mary McMahon* • ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR AT OLD TOWN MERCHANTS AND RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION Ryan Cashman* • TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR AT SMS ASSIST, L.L.C.
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* = ISU ALUM
Tuesday April 17
COMMUNICATING IN A CRISIS
9:35AM - 10:50AM • FEL 152 Experienced communications professionals who have been there when “it” hits the fan share insight on effective communication strategies to mitigate crises.
Phil Bedella* • FORMER VP/GM AT COMCAST SPORTSNET CHICAGO Jamie L. Fox* • SENIOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS MANAGER AT CATERPILLAR Sarah Marotta* • COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGIST AT STATE FARM INSURANCE Nick Nottoli* • ISSUES AND CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGIST AT GOLIN
THE WORLD OF JOURNALISM •
KEYNOTE
11:00AM - 12:15PM • CVA 147 Marlen Garcia will share her experiences in the ever-changing world of journalism, from covering some of the largest sporting events with USA Today and the Chicago Tribune to writing editorials and columns on immigration and Illinois legislation for the Chicago Sun-Times.
Marlen Garcia* •
EDITORIAL WRITER AND COLUMNIST AT THE CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
FASHION IN COMMUNICATION: THE WORLD IS YOUR RUNWAY
12:35PM - 1:50PM • FEL 158 Four professional fashionistas explain their journey into the fashion industry from majors unrelated to the field.
Amy Olson* • INDEPENDENT FASHION SHOW & EVENT PRODUCER Brianna Duffer* • ECOMMERCE MANAGER AT LANA JEWELRY Sarah Throne • MARKETING DIRECTOR AT HW HOLDINGS/ALL ABOUT EYES Audie Lauf* • FASHION ASSISTANT AT WOMEN’S HEALTH MAGAZINE
MAKING THE PITCH: EFFECTIVELY PITCHING STORIES TO THE MEDIA 2:00PM - 3:15PM • FEL 280 - CIC Public relations and media professionals share best practices for pitching stories to media gatekeepers.
Cassie Burica* • SENIOR ASSOCIATE AT WEBER SHANDWICK Ryan Denham* • DIGITAL CONTENT DIRECTOR AT WGLT Mark Pickering • EDITOR AT THE PANTAGRAPH Ryan Smart* • ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE AT BVK
COMMUNICATION DEGREES OPEN THE DOOR TO OPPORTUNITIES • KEYNOTE
3:35PM - 4:50PM • CVA 147 Listen to Dr. Larry Long share his keys to success during his time as the executive director of the School of Communication at Illinois State and the steps he took to transform its programs, open the SMACC lab, expand the internship program, develop Illinois’ first public relations program, and led ISU’s first Communication Week.
Larry Long •
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR EMERITUS, SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION AT ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY
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Tuesday April 17 cont.
UPGRADE FROM AMATEUR TO DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKER • KEYNOTE
5:00PM – 6:00PM • FEL 280 - CIC Take your amateur documentary filmmaking skills to the next level as you learn from Griffin Hammond, an Illinois State University alumnus who has done just that.
Griffin Hammond* •
DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKER
MOCKTAIL HOUR: A NETWORKING EVENT
7:00PM - 8:30PM • HANCOCK STADIUM CLUB The Student Alumni Council and Association for Women in Communications will sponsor a 45-minute panel featuring ISU Alums discussing the importance of networking for professional development, followed by 30 minutes of guided round table discussions with Alums working in the field. The event will finish with 15 minutes of open conversation. Free headshots, appetizers and mocktails will be provided. The event is free, but registration is encouraged. The link to register can be found on the COM Week Website.
Raychel Yokem* • LEARNING CONSULTANT - HUMAN RESOURCES AT HORACE MANN EDUCATORS COMPANY Rachel Marti* • SENIOR CUSTOMER SUCCESS MANAGER - GLOBAL ACCOUNTS AT LINKEDIN Kristy Wojnicki* • MANAGER, CUSTOMER SUCCESS AT HIREOLOGY Stephanie Jacobsen* • SENIOR CUSTOMER SUCCESS MANAGER AT LINKEDIN
Wednesday April 18
YOUNG ALUMS: SO I GRADUATED…NOW WHAT?
9:00AM - 9:50AM • FEL 280 - CIC Recent graduates share what RSO’s, courses, and internships at ISU made them stand out from other candidates.
Alyssa Ortiz* • BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROJECT SPECIALIST AT GUARANTEED RATE (SPRING ‘17) Tyler Krivich* • CONSUMER INTERN AT WEBER SHANDWICK (SPRING ‘17) Allison Buehner* • JUNIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE AT MAC STRATEGIES (SPRING ‘16) Brian Hanik Jr.* • VENDOR RELATIONS FULFILLMENT SPECIALIST AT VIVID SEATS (SPRING ‘16)
STUDENT ACCOMMODATION
10:00AM - 10:50AM • FEL 280 - CIC Get a better understanding of instructors’ views on accommodations requests, what role anxiety and stuttering play in the classroom, and how student accommodations on campus make a difference for people after graduation and in their careers.
Dr. John Hooker* • ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR AT ISU Jillian Joyce* • DOCTOR OF EDUCATION STUDENT AT ISU Anna Wright* • DOCTOR OF EDUCATION STUDENT AT ISU
WZND PRESENTS: RADIO PERSONALITIES ON THE AIR 10:00AM - 10:50AM • FEL 116
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* = ISU ALUM
Wednesday April 18
EVENT PLANNING: PLAN TO BE THERE
11:00AM - 11:50AM • FEL 158 From corporate outings, weddings and concerts; get the behind-the-scenes scoop on all the things you didn’t know went into event planning.
Mike Pohlmann • OWNER AT PALACE EVENTS Samantha Schultz* • DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS AT PALACE EVENTS Sarah Watson • DIRECTOR, CENTER FOR OPERATIONAL AND RESOURCE EXCELLENCE AT
BCD MEETINGS AND EVENTS
Jenna Koons* •
MARKETING AND HOSPITALITY SPECIALIST AT ISU EVENT MANAGEMENT, DINING,
AND HOSPITALITY
WZND PRESENTS: SPORTS BROADCASTING 11:00AM - 11:50AM • FEL 116
INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATION: DIVERSITY AND LANGUAGE IN THE AMERICAN WORKPLACE
11:00AM - 11:50AM • FEL 162 Listen to a diverse panel of professionals as they discuss the value of a communication degree among other cultures, macroaggressions, and other aspects of international communication, diversity, and cultures in the workplace.
Kallie Bundy* • BUSINESS ANALYST AT STATE FARM INSURANCE Dr. Brea Banks* • ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AT ISU DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY Charity Mendoza* • BUSINESS MANAGER AT THE PICKLE Kenneth Porter* • ELECTIONS IN ACTION COORDINATOR AT MIVKA CHALLENGE
OUTSIDE THE BOX
12:00PM - 12:50PM • FEL 152 Hear from the alumni who are taking on careers “outside of the box” from what they thought they would be doing post-graduation with their communication degrees.
Scott Peterson* • VP OF SALES AND ECOMMERCE AT PREGIS Nick Gulino* • FOUNDER AT GET SOCIAL COMMUNICATION Heather Young* • OWNER AT OHMFIT ACTIVEWEAR Jenny O’Brien* • OWNER AT DREAMS DANCE ACADEMY
COLLEGE 2.0: THE VALUE OF A MASTER’S DEGREE
1:00PM - 1:50PM • FEL 148 Hear from SoC grad students about the process and work it takes to earn a master’s degree in communication.
Corey Green* • GRADUATE STUDENT AT ISU SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATIOn Haley Palmer* • GRADUATE STUDENT AT ISU SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION Mitch Combs* • GRADUATE STUDENT AT ISU SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION Nate S. Brophy* • GRADUATE STUDENT AT ISU SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION
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Wednesday April 18 cont.
TIPS FROM AN EMMY-AWARD WINNING PHOTOGRAPHER
1:30PM - 2:30PM • FEL 080 WGN-TV’s Kevin Doellman will show his Emmy-Award winning work and demonstrate the techniques he uses to get great shots.
Kevin Doellman* •
PHOTOGRAPHER AT WGN
POLITICAL COMMUNICATION: CIVICALLY MINDED IN A MODERN SOCIETY
2:00PM - 2:50PM • FEL 158 Take communication into the political realm as you learn how information spreads and influences politics and policy makers, the news media and citizens.
Mary Cullen* • POLITICAL REPORTING INTERN AT NPR ILLINOIS John Walsh* • GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS MANAGER AT MCLEAN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Dr. Carl Palmer • ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF POLITICS & GOVERNMENT AT ISU
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT 101
3:00PM - 3:50PM • FEL 162 Seasoned communications specialists share tips and tricks on how to create and implement a social media strategy that clicks.
Allison Kramer* • CREATIVE AND DIGITAL ACCOUNT LEAD AT ALL POINTS PUBLIC RELATIONS Dillon Maher* • COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST AT ISU OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS Blake Zitko • PUBLIC AFFAIRS MANAGER AT STATE FARM INSURANCE
INSIDE THE TV NEWSROOM
3:00PM - 3:50PM • FEL 080 TV-10 alums working in newsrooms in Milwaukee, Rockford, Peoria and more will share their experiences and advice for students considering TV News careers
Maggie Hradecky* • WIFR-TV NEWS DIRECTOR Coventry Adrian* • WJDT-TV EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Jaymee Toler* • WMBD/WYZZ-TV ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR Bailey Deitz* • KWQC-TV ANCHOR/MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST
DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL
6:30PM - 9:30PM • •NORMAL THEATER The Documentary Film Festival is an avenue where students share self-made documentaries on topics everyone enjoys. This year we will feature three documentaries that will include Good Game Well Played: An Esports Documentary by Gabby Devia Allen, Open Mic: Humor and Hardship by Ryan Cashman and a Documentary on Medical Marijuana by Kaitlyn Broderick, Michael Diaz, Abbie Paul, & Kayla Williams. The festival celebrates the hard work of the students and faculty involved in each project and allows students to present films that show off their passions.
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* = ISU ALUM
Thursday April 19 CAREER INSTITUTE
9:00AM - 12:00PM • BSC - BROWN BALLROOM The Career Institute boasts over 25 professional networking opportunities, divided into two segments: Education and Networking. The Career Institute allows students to ask professionals questions and meet with recruiting professionals from various industries.
GRAPHIC DESIGN: TIPS & TRICKS IN A DIGITAL WORLD 12:35PM - 1:50PM • FEL 280 - CIC Experienced visual communicators give valuable insight on what it takes to be a graphic designer in a digitally innovative world. From the writing process to print and social media these professionals will share the tips for success.
Bobby Bobbitt* • MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR AT ISU CONFERENCE SERVICEs Mallory Simonds* • ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR AT SURFACE 51 Dylan Simonds* • DESIGN & MOTION DESIGNER AT SURFACE 51 Sean Thornton* • GRAPHIC DESIGNER AT ISU UNIVERSITY MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Cristy Gillespie • SENIOR WRITER & CONTENT STRATEGIST AT SURFACE 51
THE LANGUAGE OF LEADERSHIP
2:00PM - 3:15PM • FEL 152 Learn, grow and be inspired as you discover the role of communication in leadership settings.
Dr. James Applegate • VISITING PROFESSOR AT ISU Natilie Williams* • BUSINESS ANALYST APPRENTICE AT COUNTRY FINANCIAL Joe Malisia* • BANK SUPERVISOR AT STATE FARM BANk Thomas Sheridan* • COO AT INCENTIVEFOX MARKETING SOLUTIONS
PR PRACTICE: AGENCY, CORPORATE AND INSTITUTIONAL
3:35PM - 4:50PM • FEL 125 Public Relation professionals share their stories of how they used their PR degree to find their perfect fit across the industry.
Jillian Collins* • VICE PRESIDENT AT EDELMAN Kaitlin Nickrent Saldanha* • MARKETING MANAGER AT MEDIX Melissa Libert* • DEVELOPMENT DIRECT AT WGLT Michelle Nagy* • MARKETING PROJECT COORDINATOR AT JOLIET JUNIOR COLLEGE
NO BULL: WHAT IT TALES TO MAKE IT IN PRO SPORTS • KEYNOTE
3:35PM - 4:50PM • CVA 147 As a young girl, Beth Grady dreamed of working in the pros. As an ISU SoC student and young alum, she worked hard to earn a job in pro sports, and now is Manager of Public and Media Relations for the Chicago Bulls. Learn how she got there, and how she stays there.
Beth Grady* •
MANAGER OF PUBLIC AND MEDIA RELATIONS AT THE CHICAGO BULLS
BEHIND THE SHADES
• KEYNOTE 5:00PM - 6:15PM • EDW 235 - CAPEN AUDITORIUM Learn what it takes to be the best in the human resources field while incorporating major communication aspects, in a tropical style
Stacey Shoemaker •
HR BUSINESS PARTNER AT MAUI JIM
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Meet the Panelists
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COVENTRY ADRIAN*
DR. JAMES APPLEGATE
DR. BREA BANKS*
PHIL BEDELLA*
BOBBY BOBBITT*
ANDREW BOGUE*
NATE S. BROPHY*
ALLISON BUEHNER*
KALLIE BUNDY*
CASSIE BURICA*
RYAN CASHMAN*
JILLIAN COLLINS*
MITCH COMBS*
MARY CULLEN*
BAILEY DEITZ*
RYAN DENHAM*
KEVIN DOELLMAN*
BRIANNA DUFFER*
JAMIE L. FOX*
CRISTY GILLESPIE*
COREY GREEN*
NICK GULINO*
BRIAN HANIK JR.*
JEROME’ HOLSTON
DR. JOHN HOOKER*
MAGGIE HRADECKY*
STEPHANIE JACOBSEN*
JILLIAN JOYCE*
JENNA KOONS*
ALLISON KRAMER*
TYLER KRIVICH*
AUDIE LAUF*
MELISSA LIBERT*
MEGHAN MADL
DILLON MAHER*
* = ISU ALUM
JOE MALISIA*
SARAH MAROTTA*
RACHEL MARTI*
MARY MCMAHON*
CHARITY MENDOZA*
GIL MERCADO*
MICHELLE NAGY*
NICK NOTTOLI*
JENNY O’BRIEN*
AMY OLSON*
ALYSSA ORTIZ*
DR. CARL PALMER
HALEY PALMER*
SCOTT PETERSON*
MARK PICKERING
MIKE POHLMANN
KENNETH PORTER*
KAITLIN NICKRENT SALDANHA*
EMA SASIC*
SAMANTHA SCHULTZ*
THOMAS SHERIDAN*
DYLAN SIMONDS*
MALLORY SIMONDS*
RYAN SMART*
LENORE SOBOTA
SEAN THORNTON*
SARAH THRONE
JAYMEE TOLER*
JUDY VALENTE
LES VANN*
JOHN WALSH*
SARAH WATSON
NATILIE WILLIAMS*
KRISTY WOJNICKI*
ASHLEY WORKMAN*
ANNA WRIGHT*
RAYCHEL YOKEM*
HEATHER YOUNG*
BLAKE ZITKO
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Meet the SoC PD Team Manny Carrera SENIOR PUBLIC RELATIONS MAJOR
Manny found his passion of Public Relations and design within Illinois State University’s Chapter of Public Relations Student Society of America, serving on the Executive Board as the 2016-2017 Director of Digital Media. Manny previously worked as lead intern at Digital Vision Enterprise, a digital media agency in Chicago. This year, Manny is also working on a Variety Show for the Student Television Workshop as designer, writer, actor and social media manager. Manny has a deep interest in visual communication and entertainment PR, and hopes to land a job at a creative agency or corporation.
Daniel Gee SENIOR PUBLIC RELATIONS MAJOR
Danny is proud to close his final year at ISU by being a part of the School of Communication Promotions and Development Team. Danny has been heavily involved across campus as a Student Manager/Admissions Tour Guide, Teaching Assistant, President of Phi Sigma Pi, Vice President of Lambda Pi Eta and as an Account Executive for the Public Relations Student Society of America. Danny also interned at the Office of Admissions and State Farm. Following graduation, Danny plans to pursue a career in the agency public relations setting and hopes continue his journey towards becoming a communications professional.
Morgan Gurican JUNIOR ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP COMMUNICATION MAJOR
Aside from being a part of the SoC PD Team, Morgan is a member of the sorority, Phi Sigma Sigma. Throughout her membership, she has the leadership positions of Public Relations Chairman and Vice President. These positions gave her the opportunity to travel and attend leadership conferences with other executive officers from all over the country. This summer, Morgan will be interning with Country Financial Insurance at their corporate office as a Social Media Engagement intern. Upon graduating in Spring of 2019, she hopes to land a job in a corporation in Chicago and travel as much as possible.
Sabrina Khachi JUNIOR PUBLIC RELATIONS MAJOR
Along with being an intern on the SoC PD Team, Sabrina fundraises for the Redbird Rising Campaign at Illinois State University’s telefund. In her previous semesters, she has been an active member of the business professional fraternity Phi Gamma Nu. In addition, she has interned for Palace Events in Bloomington and Diversity Advocacy at ISU. During her summers throughout college, Sabrina works at the boat tour company Shoreline Sightseeing in downtown Chicago. Sabrina hopes to continue practicing her creative writing and problem solving skills to land a career as a public relations professional in the movie industry.
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Jessica Konstantelos JUNIOR PUBLIC RELATIONS MAJOR
In addition to being on the School of Communication Promotion and Development Team Jessica is an active member of her social sorority, Delta Zeta, having served as a Standards Chairwoman, and currently serving as a Panhellenic Delegate. As Panhellenic Delegate she acts as a liaison between her sorority and the rest of greek life community. Jessica is also an active member of Illinois State University’s Public Relations Student Society of America chapter and works part-time at her favorite boutique, Francesca’s. She is looking forward to continuing gaining experience as lead intern for the 2018 - 2019 SoC PD team.
Molly Lawless JUNIOR JOURNALISM MAJOR
As lead intern of the School of Communication Promotions and Development Team Molly is grateful for the opportunity to combine elements of both her major and minor into interviewing, hiring and leading the 2018 team towards COM Week. Along with leading SoC PD Molly is a member of the National Communication Association, Lambda Pi Eta, and currently serves as Treasurer for ISU’s Association for Women in Communications. In the summer of 2018, Molly plans to study abroad in Paris, where she hopes to combine her passion for photography and writing in a new culture.
Madeline Rose JUNIOR PUBLIC RELATIONS MAJOR
Maddie will always rave about the amazing experience she had studying abroad in Rome, Italy. During her time abroad she was able to combine her love of traveling, learning and photography. In addition to interning on the School of Communication Promotions and Development Team, Maddie found her passion within ISU’s Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) where she serves as the Development Chair Manager and Co-Leading the Fundraising Chair. She also recently attended PRSSA’s National Assembly in Miami, Florida as their chosen delegate. She looks forward to continuing leadership positions senior year.
Molly Waasdorp SENIOR PUBLIC RELATIONS MAJOR
In addition to being a School of Communication Promotion and Development Team intern, Molly is a member of Lambda Pi Eta, the honor society of the National Communication Association, and Phi Theta Kappa, an international honor society. In an effort to leave a positive impact wherever she goes, Molly has been involved with 103.3 WZND Radio, the Vidette, Public Relations Student Society of America, and served as an undergraduate teaching assistant. Recently, Molly has enjoyed working with the administrative technologies team serving as a liaison between tech professionals and ISU faculty, staff and students. SoC Business Manager Denise Thomas is the guiding hand that has lifted COM Week to the top of Illinois State University’s professional development and networking events for students for the past nine years. The SoC PD intern class of 2017-18 appreciates her inspiration, dedication and professionalism, and is proud to be included among “Denise’s students.”
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