Author and professor Stephanie Verni (center) of the Business Communication department spoke with an interested group of students in conjunction with a Faculty in the Halls program on Monday, April 18, about her experiences as a writer and self-published author. She was invited by Western Run's faculty mentors, Leeanne Bell McManus and Chip Rouse, and the talk drew a wide assortment of faculty, staff and students. Professor Verni offered some great advice about the path to publishing to the interested would-be authors.
Senior Conrad Ellis has been learning how a university academic department operates during his internship as one of two business communication interns. Working with department chair Chip Rouse, Conrad has been engaged in research with Dr. Heather Harris and Dr. Leeanne Bell McManus, program development with Dr. Deric Greene, and data collection for the department. He has helped to organize events, plan menus, write marketing materials, and prepare for meetings. His invaluable help has made life easier for the entire department.
Senior Erin Schapiro's love of event planning and management led her to an internship in Canton with Elle Ellinghaus (in the photo on the right) of Elle Ellinghaus Designs, a boutique high-style wedding planning and design studio offering clients and couples everything from full planning and design through day-of coordination. Erin has helped with client preparation and has also been on site for several weddings this semester, which has only confirmed her career choice. Her interpersonal skills and strong organizational abilities have been Erin's go-to traits during her time with Elle.
His love of sports propelled senior Andrew Grimm into an internship with World Strides/Excel International Sports in Glenwood, Maryland. The company specializes in international sport tours for youth and collegiate teams with a focus on cultural exchange and competitive play. Under the supervision of vice president Eric McAleer, company founder and former European professional soccer player, Andrew has conducted research, helped with sales pitches, and gotten a glimpse into the intricate job of preparing international sports travel proposals.
Senior Lanie Swanhart has a dream internship -- that is, if you love the circus! Here she is clowning around with her supervisor and mentor, public relations guru Edie Brown herself. Working in the field of PR, Lanie has learned, means early mornings and late nights but she has prospered learning the ropes from one of the most knowledgeable folks in the field. Feld Entertainment, who runs the circus when it comes to the Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore, is one of Edie's clients.