Volume 6
Communication Studies Department
August 2016
THE MEDIUM A quarterly newsletter serving Wilkes University students, faculty, alumni, and friends.
Department Welcomes New Class of Colonels By: Kimberly Hein The Department of Communication Studies welcomes our twelve new freshmen and a number of transfer students who are joining us this fall. Each person in the department including your peers, staff and faculty will be here to help you every step of the way towards that goal. The Chair of the Department, Dr. Mark Stine advises incoming students to take advantage of the opportunities Wilkes offers. He suggests co-curriculars so that students can become engaged both at the university level as well as the departmental level. “Co-curriculars are important because they help first year students feel a sense of identity within the Communication Studies program,” said Dr. Stine. There are two important events the department would like to invite the incoming students to attend. First, the Annual Colloquium will be held on September 1, from 11 am to 1 pm in the Ballroom on the second floor of the Student Center. The colloquium
is a welcome back lunch for the entire department which provides an opportunity for the new students to start to get acquainted with the department. The faculty will discuss changes to the curriculum for the year, the winner of the alumni scholarship, as well as introduce themselves. The colloquium is a great way to intermingle the new students and introduce them to the four concentrations and five co-curriculars the department has to offer. “The colloquium is imperative for first year and transfer students to be there because they can quickly get a lot of information on how to be engaged in the department,” Dr. Stine said. The second important date students are encouraged to attend is Club Day which will be taking place on September 8, 11am to 1pm on the Greenway. Club day is a university wide event that introduces new students to all the clubs Wilkes has to offer. The Communication Studies cocurriculars include: The Beacon, the student newspaper which is fully staffed by Wilkes Students; Wilkes Now, located in the Shelburne Television
Michael Osayi Isaiah McGahee Benjamin Mandel Samuel Sebia Tyler Aldinger Brianne Georgetti Caroline Rickard Gracie Franko Kylie Dillon Thomas Brown Yumiliy Paulino Micah Evans Joseph David Connor Johnson
Center is the television broadcast that is produced and run by students; WCLH, the independent, specialty programming radio station operated by students; Zebra Communications, the student-run, fullservice public relations agency and the Speech and Debate team. The department hopes that the incoming students can grow to treasure something about the department during their time here. Welcome to all our new majors—enjoy the new adventures that await in Communication Studies.
Summertime of Experience for Nine Students By: Samantha Earley We’re often told that interning is the best way to gain professional knowledge and experience while also getting a feel of the career we might want to pursue post-graduation. Nine Communication Studies majors interned this past summer, including Rachel Leandri, Annelise Przywara, Sarah Bedford, Megan Burns, Jake Chielli, Kimberly Hein, Taylor Ryan, Alyssa Mursch and Gabrielle Glinski. Rachel Leandri, a senior with concentrations in Public Relations, Journalism and Broadcasting spent her
summer interning at Montage Mountain Resorts focusing on the PR aspect of her studies. Rachel was able to get a first look at what it was to quickly jump into a job and learning all aspects of it working closely with the event coordinator. From helping coordinate over 50 summer events such as adult and kids swim nights, concerts, vendor fairs and many more to helping with fundraisers such as the Black Diamond running series, she did it all. Senior Annelise Przywara spent her summer at two internships. She worked in the district office of PA State Representative Mike Tobash (125th). This was a job that Annelise enjoyed
because her passion for politics and public relations were blended into one job. She also interned at Sahl Communications, Inc., a PR firm headquartered in Bethlehem, PA. At Sahl, Annelise gained experience working with a number of clients. Taylor Ryan, a senior with a concentration in Strategic Communications/Public Relations interned at The Gift of Life Donor Program in Philadelphia. Taylor interned in the Community Relations Department at the Gift of Life where she worked independently on many projects.
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Communication Studies Department
August 2016
Two Top Seniors Join Allan P. Kirby Center By: Meghan Burns The Allan P. Kirby Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship at Wilkes University has named two undergraduate Communications Studies majors scholars for the 2016-2017 year. The Allan P. Kirby Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship at Wilkes University is dedicated to teaching the principles of free enterprise and entrepreneurship. As an affiliate of the Jay S. Sidhu School of Business and Leadership, the center serves the entire University and region of northeast Pennsylvania. Scholars are top performing students who undergo a difficult selection process involving a review committee of field-specific faculty, Kirby Center staff and the executive-in-residence.The two chosen will be working with other students in fields such as accounting, marketing, integrative media and various graduate students. Last year, a position was created for the program to include communications scholars. Two students are chosen to work directly with clients providing services such as writing press releases and feature stories. The scholars will also
be serving as spokespeople for the clients and the center. Annelise Przywara and Taylor Ryan, both undergraduate Communications Studies majors, were chosen as this year’s Kirby Scholars in Communications. “Being nominated by some of the Communications Department is a huge accomplishment, one that I am honored to fill,” stated Ryan. Przywara also added, “It was an honor to have been recommended for the position and I am grateful to have been selected as one of the Kirby Scholars in Communications at the Center.” Through this program, students receive valuable experience in their fields while also gaining recognition for their work. “Student scholars are regarded highly as experts in their perspective fields of study, therefore I am really looking forward to being one of the primary PR advisers for whatever projects I might work on. In this role, I hope to gain even more PR experience, while working with my peers and real clients,” said Przywara. When asked about the experience, Ryan stated, “This opportunity gives me the chance to take the PR work that I have learned from the classroom and
Taylor Ryan, Annelise Przywara Zebra and put it into real clients.I hope to be able to gain experience with new clients as well as gain further PR skills that I will take with me after I graduate this year. It is amazing to work with such a vast team, from all different skill sets.”
Zebra Communications Announces 2016-2017 Executive Staff By: Taylor Ryan As the 2016-2017 academic year begins, so does a new chapter for Zebra Communications. This past year the Board consisted of 17 members and 14 additional staff. Then 15 Zebra seniors graduated. So, Zebra changed its executive leadership and has selected four Board Co-Chairs to run this year’s team. The Co-Chairs consist of seniors Rachel Leandri, Taylor Ryan, Kimberly Hein and Annelise Przywara. Each of these women brings unique experiences, styles of leadership and spunk to the table. “I am looking forward to working with this Executive Leadership Team,” said Dr. Jane Elmes-Crahall, Zebra’s faculty advisor. “I have worked with all of them as account managers in the past and I know the level of creative energy will be amazing,” she added Page 2
As Co-Chairs each holds her own specific job responsibility, allowing all necessary parts of the Executive Board to flow properly. Rachel Leandri and Annelise Przywara are currently the office Co-Managers and serve as Co-Editors of The Medium. Kimberly Hein and Taylor Ryan hold the positions of Operations Co-Manager and Client Relations. At a recent meeting of the Zebra Board, four clients were accepted for the fall 2016 semester: The Special Olympics of Luzerne County, Anthracite Curling Club, Children’s Miracle Network and promoting the Department of Communication Studies. Kim and Taylor are already in the process of meeting with two other potential clients who recently applied for Zebra’s assistance.
This group of individuals is up for the task continuing the high quality standards of Zebra Communications. They are also likely to leave their own legacy. The four Co-Chairs will be joined by a group of dedicated Board members, including, Meghan Burns, Sam Earley, Jennifer Flynn, Zach Smith, and William Deemer Board members play a vital role in the success of the Zebra Communications since they serve as account managers and co-managers, allowing them to bring new ideas, and professionalism to this dedicated team. This year has said to be a transition year for this award winning on-campus Public Relations agency, but with this group of determined individuals the outcome will be nothing short of impeccable. Meet the new 2016 Zebra Communications Executive Board and Board Members!
Communication Studies Department
August 2016
Future Center to Honor Karambelas Family By: Samantha Earley Last year Wilkes announced that the University would be renovating what used to be Bartikowsky Jewelers at 141 South Main Street, and that building would soon house the Communication Studies Department. Earlier this summer, at the Founders Gala, Wilkes University’s President Patrick Leahy revealed that the new home of Communication Studies will be named the Clayton and Theresa Karambelas Media Center; to honor the couple for giving the University an outstanding amount of support throughout the years. The 17,726-square-foot facility was purchased by Wilkes University in March 2015 for $1.2 million. The Center will allow the Communication Studies department to have a place to call home. The building will allow all of our co-curricular activities including our campus radio station, WCLH-FM, our television studio and weekly broadcast, “Wilkes Now”, the campus newspaper, The Beacon, our student-run PR agency, Zebra Communications and the Speech and Debate team; to come together under one roof. Not only will this building house the Communication Studies Department, it will also become the new home of the Sordoni Art Gallery. Upgrades to the Communication Studies center include
Photo Courtesy: Zachary Smith two computerized classrooms, faculty offices and conference rooms, video and audio editing spaces and a shared newsroom with a viewer’s gallery. Clayton Karambelas earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Wilkes in 1949. The Karambelas, who reside in Kingston, have spent many years contributing to Wilkes success. Owners of C.K. Consulting, they also contribute to enriching the community.
The YMCA and the F.M Kirby Center are two of many places they have contributed to. Clayton and Theresa Karambelas have many who owe them thanks since their most recent generous contributions will allow future generations of Communication Studies students to enjoy a brighter future. Construction on the Karambelas Center continues with a tentative completion date set for spring 2017.
The Beacon Editorial Staff
Managerial Staff
2016-2017
Assistant Editors
Editor-In-Chief .................................Sarah Bedford Managing Editor ................................Gabby Ginski Managing Editor .............................Rachel Leandri Adviser ......................................Dr. Kalen Churcher
News ....................................................Toni Pennello LA&E ................................................Amanda Bialek Opinion .......................................................Available Sports..............................................Luke Modrovsky
Section Editors
Design Editors
News ..................................................Alyssa Mursch LA&E .................................................Kimberly Hein Opinion..............Mark Makowski & Andre Spruell Sports.................. Taylor Ryan & Danny Van Brunt
Nicole Kudos...................................Senior Designer
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Communication Studies Department
August 2016
Meet the Colonels of Communication Studies: Kim Hein Leads the Way for Underclassmen
By: Annelise Przywara Kimberly Hein is a senior Communication Studies major, pursuing dual concentrations in Strategic Communication and Media Production. In addition to her major, she is working towards a minor in Sports Management. She is from Bethlehem, PA where she attended Freedom High School. Kimberly is a friendly face known throughout the Department and campus community for her outgoing, genuine personality and overall campus involvement. Her work ethic, enthusiasm, and kindheartedness make her well liked by both her peers and professors. Initially, Kimberly came to Wilkes University as a Psychology major. After realizing this wasn’t the right path for her and speaking with Dr. Jane ElmesCrahall, she decided to change her major to Communication Studies in the spring semester of her sophomore year. “I spoke with Jane and knew right away that Communication Studies was the better fit for me,” said Kimberly. “Once I switched, I immediately got as involved as possible in the Department’s co-curricular activities.” Within the Department, Kimberly holds multiple executive positions.
Currently, she is a Co-Chair of Zebra Communications, the student-run public relations agency on campus, and serves as an Operations Co-Manager. In the past she has worked as an account comanager, as well as a Board Member of Zebra. She is also the Secretary of Wilkes University’s Chapter of PRSSA. Kimberly is an active member of WCLH 90.7, the student-run radio station. Last year she launched the country station called Country Stilettos and co-hosted the show. This year, she will also serve as the station’s Marketing and PR Director. At The Beacon, Kimberly serves as the Life, Arts, and Entertainment Editor. In addition to Department cocurriculars, Kimberly works as an e-Mentor for incoming freshmen and is the Secretary of the Sports and Event Management Club. “Becoming a Communication Studies major was one of the best decisions I’ve made at Wilkes. The hands-on experience I’ve acquired coupled with the opportunity to hold executive positions has been of great benefit to me in a number of ways,” Kimberly said. “I love how close-knit our Department is and truly value the relationships I’ve built with my professors and fellow majors.”
Kimberly Hein Last spring, Kimberly was a public relations intern at the Osterhout Free Library in Wilkes-Barre. Over the summer, she continued working at the library as the Developmental Assistant. In this position, she was responsible for handling the PR, along with planning events and fundraisers. “Right now, I’m really passionate about entertainment public relations. Ultimately I could envision myself planning events for either a minor league or major league baseball team and serving as their PR director,” Kimberly explained.
Summertime of Experience (cont.) Continued from page 1
“This internship gave me a lot of confidence in a professional setting and allowed me to display everything that i have learned over the last three years. I was expected to formulate my own work and ideas and was critiqued to gain more of those skills,” said Taylor. Interning with the Wilkes University Marketing/Communications Department allowed senior Sarah Bedford to get a behind the scenes view what the office does to promote the University. Sarah concluded, “I don’t think people really understand what all it means to be working in marketing communications. I learned a lot about the inner workings of a university and it was definitely a worthwhile experience.” Someday she could see herself in a university setting Page 4
in the Marketing/Communications Department. Meghan Burns, senior, spent her summer interning at the Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA, where she focused on the Marketing aspect of the job. During her internship she had hands-on experience that has also been allowing her to get an idea of what her future may have in store if she pursues a career similar to her summer internship Kimberly Hein, senior, interned with Boscov’s Public Relations Director, Irene Kelly. Kim did an array of tasks, from planning and even fundraising to helping cook hotdogs to show appreciation to the employees there. From press releases, to designing new ads, she was able to see everything from behind scenes. She also helped with Boscov’s grand reopening. This not only helped her gain experience,
it helped solidify her options about public relations in the business. Jake Chielli, senior, spent his summer interning with Frontier Communications working in the business development area. Jake found the internship to be “a great experience, which gave me insight into a possible career in sales.” Two of our interns were placed in the journalism field. Alyssa Mursch, senior, interned at The Times Leader, where she learned what it is like to work in a newsroom. After completing several assigned stories, the quality of her work caught the attention of her supervisors and she was offered a freelance position. Gabby Glinski, senior, interned with the Town and Country newspaper in Pennsburg PA writing several front-page features stories, ranging from beaver problems to Grammy nominees.
Communication Studies Department
August 2016
Dr.Estwick Speaks at IAMCR Conference in England By: Zachary Smith Dr.Evene Estwick, associate professor of Communication studies, was invited to speak at the International Association for Media and Communication Research, which was held July 27 – 31 at the University of Leicester, in Leicester, United Kingdom. The IAMCR conference brings together hundreds of professionals, teachers and researchers in the field of Communication Studies. The theme for the conference this year was “Memory, Commemoration and Communication: Looking Back, Looking Forward”. Dr.Estwick described the conference as “a great place to network, it brought together scholars from all over the world”. Dr.Estwick’s study, entitled “Radio Karagwe: Voice of the People”, focused on the role that local radio plays in Karagwe, Tanzania.
For the past five years, Dr. Estwick has traveled to Karagwe, Tanzania as part of an on-going summer research project. In the study, she delves into the logistics of getting a radio station up and running in a part of the world where, due to low literacy and little to no electricity, information is hard to acquire. With the use of radio, it is significantly easier for the populace to get their local and national news. Dr. Estwick’s abstract was sent in February, and was accepted for the conference in April after a selection process called “blind review.” Not all papers submitted get accepted. In terms of future studies, Dr.Estwick hopes to be able to expand her initial study to include a broader area to see what effects radio has in more areas like Karagwe. “Radio stations are the heart of local communities like Karagwe” she said “There are a lot of challenges to overcome in order for it to sustain itself”.
Dr. Evene Estwick
Dr. Churcher Delivers at AEJMC Conference By: Rachel Leandri Dr. Kalen Churcher, assistant professor of Communication Studies, presented research on three panel discussions at the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC) conference in early August. Held in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The three-day conference consisted of original research presentations and panel discussions focused on both theory and research by practitioners and reporters in the fields of journalism public relations, and advertising. The professional oriented organization is divided into numerous divisions based on interests and areas of expertise. Dr. Churcher belongs to the Critical and Cultural Studies, Law and Policy, and Mass Communication divisions. “The conference is a great way to interact with colleagues from around the country and to get new ideas to incorporate into not only my research but into the classroom as well,” Churcher stated. On her first panel, Churcher was one of five professionals who discussed magazine research. She discussed
using ethnography to study magazine organizations. “Ethnography, to put it simply, is when you go out in the field and observe for an extended period of time,” she explained. “So for this panel, I discussed the shift on how magazine industries disperse their employees in a very mobile, fluid, environment which can be a challenge to perform ethnographical research.”
Dr. Kalen Churcher
In her second presentation Churcher discussed how the shift to digital ethnography and studying people online is effecting the study of magazines. The third panel, dealing with critically teaching social media, allowed Churcher to describe the ways she teaches her students to use an array of diverse applications, to view and post them publically, and how to both utilize the technology and learn from the assignments. “I really enjoyed this panel the most because I was able to share how my students’ experiences have helped them remove themselves from the technical aspect of the material and into the practical aspect.” Churcher said. Dr. Jane Elmes-Crahall, professor of communication studies and fellow colleague, is impressed by Churcher’s great effort to be heavily involved in the largest of the professional organizations in Journalism and Mass Communication. Page 5
Communication Studies Department
August 2016
Political Spin Course offers Young Voter Insights By: Zachary Smith In an increasingly tense presidential election season, there is a demographic seemingly being overlooked that recent focus groups conducted on campus suggest should not be: young voters. During Wilkes University’s 2016 spring semester, several focus groups aimed at young voters were conducted by the COM 398 – Controlling Spin class under the guide of Dr. Jane Elmes Crahall. There were four focus groups conducted consisting of a total of 45 participants, from high school seniors to Wilkes University seniors, ranging in age from 17-26. In order to be included in any of the groups, the participants involved would need to be 18 by the time of the election. Participants were asked numerous questions regarding their feelings on the current state of the electoral process, as well as their feelings on several “hot button” issues. Most participants stated that the elections felt more entertaining than informative, using words such as “chaotic” and “childish”, as well as likening it to a reality show. In spite of such cynicism, however, the majority of participants do plan on voting in the election come November.
Photo Courtesy: Zachary Smith Issue wise, the participants cited cost of education/student debt and national security as the issues that concern them most. Economic growth/jobs and immigration were the next most important issues. The most interesting data gained from these groups would be the individual ratings given to the current (at the time) front runners. With the list of candidates including the likes of Bernie Sanders, Ted Cruz and John Kasich, it was surprising when Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump both scored the lowest average scores, 2.7 and 3.85 respectively on a scale of 1-10
when asked who was best suited to be President of the U.S. “Young voters, ages 18-29, are now the largest demographic in the U.S. electorate. If they choose to vote in November they could determine the outcome of the election,” said Dr. Elmes-Crahall. The results of these focus groups could prove invaluable to any of the campaigns over the next few months, should they choose to use them. One thing is clear though, the young voter demographic is a far stretch from the apathetic group of young people they are sometimes made out to be.
WBRE Features Dr. Elmes-Crahall on Political Rheto ric By: Annelise Przywara Dr. Jane Elmes-Crahall, professor of Communication Srudies, will be featured on WBRE’s Newsmakers program. Her interview was taped on the evening of Thursday, August 18 and the segment is scheduled to air on Sunday, September 18. Tying into the ongoing 2016 Presidential race, the segment focused primarily on over-all campaign rhetoric and the importance of speaking in campaigns. Dr. Elmes-Crahall’s background in rhetoric and public speaking allow her to speak proficiently on the topic. “One of the first questions I was asked was ‘What in my opinion, was the most powerful presidential speech?’” said Elmes-Crahall. “I said FDR’s ‘I Hate War’ speech and fireside chants Page 6
during World War II. Though Andy Mehalshick was sure I would say JFK, this lead to an interesting discussion of the power of words as presidential ethos.” In the interview she also spoke about the Controlling Spin course she taught this past spring and shared a summary of the class’ focus group results, which included significant information about young voters in this election. “I was also asked if gender was playing a role in how presidential candidates are evaluated,” said ElmesCrahall. “It was good to know journalists consider rhetorical discourse as powerful.” Dr. Elmes-Crahall was also invited to share feedback on the upcoming Presidential debates with the hosts of the Newsmakers show. Dr. Jane Elmes-Crahall
Communication Studies Department
August 2016
WCLH Executive Staff 2016-2017
John Rey ....................................................Production Director Emily Bellanco................................Alternative Music Director Kimberly Hein ............................................Marketing Director Cody Colarusso .....................Asst. Alternative Music Director Kendle Peters ........................................... Metal Music Director Kya Lewis............................................. Hip Hop Music Director
Alumni Update: Bryan Calabro ‘13 By: Meghan Burns Bryan Calabro, Wilkes ‘13 alumni, has found success in his chosen career path while also doing what he loves. Bryan is the Manager of Marketing and Graphic Design for George Mason University, located in Fairfax, Virginia. While originally a new hire for George Mason, Bryan got lucky when the marketing manager left and the position opened up. Calabro said, “I got really lucky with my current position.” As manager of marketing and graphic design, he utilizes his skills from Wilkes. Using platforms such as the Adobe suites and Asana. He also uses avenues such as Google Adwords, Linkedin, and Facebook to help with digital marketing. “My job is to find ways to engage and promote our continuing education courses for mid to experienced level employees in Northern Virginia, Maryland and the Washington DC area,” Bryan shared, “Our clients include highranking government officials, human resource managers, project managers, architects, engineers, facility managers, CEO’s and other professionals seeking nationally recognized certifications in their field.” Along with his job at George Mason, Calabro also works with multiple nonprofit and for-profit clients on various different communications and marketing
Bryan Calabro projects. His most recent project was for Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia. Graduating in 2013 with a Bachelors of Science in both Communications and Integrative Media has had a profound impact on his life. “By pairing both the Communication Studies Major and the Integrative Media Major, I learned how to visually communicate my message effectively,” said Calabro, “With this combined skill set, I was prepared to function right out of school at a professional level.”
While Bryan is enjoying his current work, he has big plans for his future. Within the next 5 to 10 years, he hopes to have a master’s degree from George Mason University. Eventually, he hopes to learn how to develop websites for the government. He hopes to make the transfer to the private sector or be an internal marketing manager for the CIA, FBI, or NSA. If you would like to know more about Bryan or work with him, his website is bryancalabro.com. Page 7
Communication Studies Department
August 2016
Alumni Update: Kristen Karpinski ‘11 By: Rachel Leandri
Making Miracles Happen
Growing up we are often taught that we should choose a career path that we are not only passionate about, but also one that makes a difference contributing to the world. Wilkes Grad Kristen Karpinski is exemplary of this teaching. Karpinski graduated in 2011 with a B.A. in Communication Studies and concentrations in Public Relations and Broadcast Media. She also completed minors in Marketing, Women’s Studies and English. Her first career move started with the Geisinger Foundation as a Gift Entry and Donor Records Coordinator, where Karpinski processed all charitable gifts and maintained the donor database. She quickly advanced within the Foundation to Coordinator of Development Information Services where she was responsible for generating donor reports that were used by the Annual Giving team as well as the Front Line Fundraisers for Geisinger. Her strong interest in her Wilkes PR course is what led Karpinski to the realization that this was the route she wanted to take post-graduation. “Although I wasn’t on the front lines in the Foundation, I volunteered my time at stewardship events where I was able to interact with the public and at Children’s Miracle Network events where I actually had opportunities to meet the kids that were treated at our hospitals and benefited from the fundraising we supported,” Karpinski shared. Karpinski’s previous role allowed her to have such a close connection to the CMN team that when a position became available, she jumped at the opportunity to apply. “I was thrilled when they selected me to join their team,” she exclaimed. “It was definitely a dream come true.” Karpinski’s job as a Coordinator with Children’s Miracle Network at Geisinger is varied and overarching in that she handles the Annual Giving program where she coordinates all direct mail and online giving avenues, and oversees the employee department fundraising within the entire Geisinger system working with Page 8
employees of departments in Danville, Wilkes-Barre, Altoona, and more. Karpinski also coordinates events throughout the year to support the local children that are treated at Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital each and every day. The most rewarding part of Karpinski’s job is knowing what she endures every day has a positive influence on the lives of so many kids in the local area. “Knowing that each dollar raised through fundraisers, events or direct mail pieces is going right back to support our local hospital is the most gratifying feeling,” she stated. Karpinski owes her success to her professors in the Communication Studies Department at Wilkes who she felt made the learning environment a closeknit group and second family, always encouraging her to become a better student. “They really paid close attention to their students and knew what inspired them and worked hard to have that student open up and explore opportunities that can help them grow personally and professionally,” Karpinski explained. “I loved all of my PR courses while at Wilkes because it was a preview of what could possibly come and gave real-life
Kristen Karpinski
experience which is priceless.” Aside from the Department, Zebra Communications, the University’s studentrun PR agency, also played a crucial role in the future Karpinski envisioned for herself. “Zebra allowed me the opportunity to explore that realm of Communication Studies and get experience for my future,” she said. “I’m now able to appreciate and understand all of the back-end work that makes a fundraising event so successful. I’ve learned the art of storytelling and the ability to paint a picture for your audience so they too not only have the mental connection but also the emotional connection to the story.” Kaprinski foresees a future of not only starting a family of her own one day, but expanding her position within CMN. She plans to have her children involved with hr organization’s line of work so they one day understand that life and health are two things not to be taken for granted. “CMN patients or not, there are so many kids every day dealing with issues most can’t even comprehend, but they find the strength and carry right on through,” Karpinski explained. “I’d like to be able to take that mentality and continue fundraising for decades to come.”
Photo Courtesy: Stever Photography