Communication News

Mackenzie Wieder, Business Communication class of 2017, has begun her thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail -- all 2,181 miles of it, from Georgia to Maine. Thru-hikers cover the entire distance in one long hike, taking months for the journey.

Mackenzie is chronicling her travels through Instagram posts and a blog, "Dreaming with My Eyes Wide Open," posted on The Trek, a blogsite that covers all things hiking. She began her trek on March 22 at Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, and has since begun progress north. You can read her blog posts here.

From filtering stream water to listening to an owl's lullabies at night, Mackenzie's trip has been anything but boring. Each day, she covers anywhere from eight to 15 miles, often meeting other hikers along the way, but sometimes enjoying the solitude that the Trail provides. In the photos, you can see her crossing a log and then enjoying the summit of Blood Mountain, the highest peak on the Georgia section of the Appalachian Trail with an elevation of 4,458 feet.

Our thoughts are with her as she learns from and  enjoys the experience!

(Photos from Mackenzie's Instagram site)

Congratulations to junior Lauren Novsak, who will serve as the Student Government Association president next year! Lauren's campaign was a masterwork in social media, positivity, and clear messaging.

On a Monday, March 26 Facebook past, Lauren wrote, "To the students- we made a promise to all of you that when we take office, we would be working for you. Nothing has changed. We are ready to take on this role with grace, dignity, and a steadfast commitment to this campus community."

Lauren and her running mate, Noah Connor, will assume their offices next fall.

Congratulations to all the Business Communication students and faculty who joined in the effort to raise money for the American Cancer Society via Relay for Life at Stevenson on Friday and Saturday, March 23 and 24. The team, spearheaded by Lambda Pi Eta, the honor society, raised over $1,700 for the cause. Students also designed t-shirts (shown in the photos below) that gave a nod to to faculty members in the department -- professor Christine Noya, who is recovering from cancer after a long year's battle, and Bryan Read, the son of faculty member Chip Rouse. Bryan's battle with colorectal cancer has just begun. The theme this year, Candyland, was reflected in games, prizes, and designs. The team has also been designated as a "Rising Star" team because of their fundraising efforts.

Congratulations to the Business Communication interns working diligently this semester at a variety of sites under the direction of School of Design assistant professor and internship director Sonya Lawyer:

• Ian Abee -- Elite Tournaments
• India Afriyie -- Girls' Life Magazine
• Hailey Bedford -- First Tee of Greater Baltimore
• Morgan Cary -- St. Paul's School
• Grace Clark -- Edie Brown and Associates
• Sarah Cullison -- Gramercy Mansion
• Michael Edwards -- St. Paul's School
• DeJonna Farrar -- Chick-fil-A
• Olivia Hare -- MGH Advertising
• Devon Hightower -- Ed Block Foundation
• Courtney Hottle -- Sterling Forever
• Octavia James -- Public Justice Center of Maryland
• Hannah Krasinski -- Inside Lacrosse
• Meghan Loveless -- MGH Advertising
• Gage Markley -- Stevenson University Career Services
• Jaclyn May -- GKV
• Taja McNeal -- Liston Baylor, LLC
• David Miles -- Ed Block Foundation
• Daniel Miller -- CASA Maryland
• Malik Mohammed -- St. Paul's School
• Taylor Murphy -- Employer Assurance Solutions
• Lauren Novsak -- Maryland Public Television
• Tiara Pitt -- Maryland Public Television
• Kamica Price -- Vectorworks
• Kaya Roberts -- Eleven Courses & Port Discovery
• Tony Rossi - St. Paul's School
• Najee- Rudolph -- Stevenson University Athletics
• William Small -- Stevenson University Athletics
• Lindsay Somuah -- Action Chapel International
• Lauren Spivey -- 1840s Plaza
• David Steinwedel -- Ed Block Courage Award Foundation
• Steven Thomas -- Stevenson University Information Technology
• Lauren Weaver -- Stevenson University Athletics
• Daniel Williams -- Stevenson University Athletics /Communication
• Jacqueline Wolf -- The Knitting Factory

Congratulations to the exceptional inductees of Lambda Pi Eta, the outgoing officers, and the faculty who supported all of them on their journey. The induction ceremony was held on Saturday, March 24, 2018. Inductees included the following students:

• Grace Harper Clark
• Alyssa Julianne Dahle
• Tyler Layne Didra
• Olivia Ellen Hare
• Savana Michaela Herndon
• Joseph Quinn Luethy
• Maya Stefania Murphy
• Molly Elizabeth Myers
• Lauren Novsak
• Tyler S. Reynolds
• Mariah L. Williams

Keynote speaker Amanda "Mimi" Bory Tinkler, class of 2009, is the Executive Director of the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center Foundation, directing all philanthropy and donor relations in the Development area.

Outgoing officers of Lambda Pi Eta include Sarah Cullison (president), Courtney Hottle (vice president), Kaya Roberts (secretary) and Lauren Spivey (social media coordinator). Faculty moderator is Dr. Leeanne Bell McManus.