Communication News

It's great to read a feature on Business Communication alum Caroline Izzi, whose story is pictured here on the Stevenson Online site. As she pursues her master's degree in Communication Studies, Caroline is working as a graduate assistant in Stevenson's Office of Student Success, and when she finishes her degree in May 2019, she will pursue a position in the marketing and communications field. In the photo, Caroline is receiving the Orsia F. Young Leadership Award from Stevenson President Elliot Hirshman at the undergraduate Commencement in May, 2018. (Photo from SUOnline)

The Girl Scouts of Central Maryland communications team earned an Award of Excellence from PRSA Maryland for its media campaign supporting the 25th anniversary of the Girl Scouts Beyond Bars program. The campaign included coverage in the Baltimore Sun, Washington Post, LA Times, A Mighty Girl, BBC and Good Morning America.

Business Communication alum Maura Kovalcik Winebrenner, the organization's digital media specialist (on the right in the photo), handled the graphics and content for the email marketing, social media campaign and website. The organization's most popular social ad was a video that Maura created, which can be viewed here.

The campaign helped raise more than $40,000 for the program. which currently serves 34 girls whose mothers are incarcerated at the Maryland Correctional Institute for Women. The Girl Scouts Beyond Bars program provides girls the opportunity to develop and maintain bonds with their mothers, and more than 400 girls have been served by the program in 25 years.

According to their website, "the Girl Scouts Beyond Bars (GSBB) Program has been in continuous operation since November 1992, in partnership with the Maryland Correctional Institution for Women, and this year we celebrate the program’s 25^th Anniversary." Girl Scouts Beyond Bars works "to maintain the mother-daughter bond, strengthening the self-esteem of both mothers and daughters, lessening the anxiety experienced by children of incarcerated parents, and providing these children with positive role models." (Photo courtesy of Coyle Studios/coylestudios.com)

Business Communication professors Leeanne Bell McManus and Chip Rouse joined nursing professor Laurel Moody and business professor Romas Laskauskas, all of whom serve as Faculty in the Halls for the first-year residences, for an end-of-the-year ice cream splurge in Western Run Hall lobby on Monday, December 10. "Sundaes on Monday," always a popular activity, included all the first-year residents and featured seven gallons of ice cream along with a variety of toppings -- all in an effort to give final exam week a sweet start. Over 180 students enjoyed the treats. (Photos by Olivia Hare)

A great big thank you to several of our Business Communication students and faculty members who volunteered to help with the Alumni Office's annual Breakfast with Santa event. Dr. Leeanne Bell McManus and Professor Chip Rouse invited students to serve as elves for the morning, helping with face painting and arts & crafts for the guests. The students, including Lauren Novsak, who took a leadership role in the event planning, were happy to step up with their faculty for an exciting Saturday morning. They included Grace Clark, Alyssa Dahle, Paul Farrell, Christine Favata, Zaria Greene, Olivia Hare, Hannah Krasinski,  Alyssa Maher, Maya Murphy, and Leah Wittler. Alums Tara Shismanian and Nick Farano were helping out as well, and BizComm visitors included Ashley Kline Bartkowiak and family, and Michele Giannini Price and family.

Which program is right for you?

So you want the top skills sought by employers? Communication programs contain a variety of options to study and explore communication skills, and degree seekers have options to consider in selecting coursework. Stevenson’s communication programs offer different focus areas to help students craft their path to their desired interests and potential career. What’s the difference between Business Communication and Communication Studies at Stevenson?

	Business Communication Bachelor of Science	Communication Studies Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts
Is this program right for me?	The Business Communication program is designed for students who know they want to work in public relations, marketing, social media, or event planning. Business Communication supports students with a branding mindset, allowing them to maximize their career options through interdisciplinary classes and work experience in required internships. Designed in partnerships with experts in the field, students in Business Communication have access to the knowledge and skills in communication, business, writing, technology, and design required for the ever-changing strategic communication needs of organizations.	The Communication Studies program is designed for students who want the communication skills they know businesses need. Students gain transferable skills which broaden their employment options and enrich their personal and professional relationships. Communication Studies supports students with an entrepreneurial mindset, allowing them to maximize their career options through specialized electives, working in multiple internships, or exploring undergraduate research. This program allows students to expand their education options with a potential double major, minor(s), and prepares them for graduate school.
What skills will I learn in this program?	Verbal and Written Communication skills Relationship Building Conflict Management Collaboration Problem Solving Basic Design Storytelling Technology Basic Management Principles Public Relations Marketing Strategies Event Planning Budgeting Social Media Creativity	Verbal and Written Communication skills Relationship Building Conflict Management Collaboration Problem Solving Leadership Effective Listening Persuasive Strategies Group Dynamics Emotional Intelligence Competent Code Switching Empathy Open Mindedness Contextual Awareness Adaptability
What jobs or internships can I get with my degree after graduation?	Marketing/Design Account Manager Public Relations Specialist Social Media Coordinator Event Planner Event Coordinator Corporate Communications Sports Communication Advertising Community Relations	Sales Human Resources Training/Development Specialist Hospitality/Customer Service Nonprofit Leadership Patient Advocacy/Relations Financial Services Recreation/Tourism Management Graduate School
What are some highlights or cool features about this program that I can look forward to?	Experiential learning through required internships in the business world with a network of support including faculty, staff, and alumni Build a brand! Develop a story for yourself, as well as for others Positions students to begin working immediately upon graduation Request information about Business Communication	Practical application of theory in service- based learning courses where students will learn transferrable skills sought by employers: communicating effectively (written and verbal) in all contexts Flexible options allow you to connects skills and passions for a personalized career with minor(s) or double major   Request Information about Communication Studies