Class of 2021

Class of 2021: Zoe Fleming

Anonymous — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 22:14:23 +0000

Class of 2021: Zoe Fleming Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 12/15/2021 - 15:14

With a dual-degree in communication and sociology, December graduate Zoe Fleming is adept at analyzing and explaining why complex issues exist, in an effort to solve them. It’s not easy work, but Fleming’s dedication to learning has given her the necessary skills.

This December, Fleming’s hard work paid off. She earned the William W. White Outstanding Graduate Award, an honor bestowed to the student graduating with the highest GPA in the College of Media, Communication and Information. Although she’s graduating with high honors, Fleming said achieving a certain GPA was never her goal.

“I have just always been told, from my parents, to always do my best,” Fleming said. “I would say that’s the best piece of advice because it doesn’t put the pressure on meeting a specific bar. It’s just your own bar.”

It’s one piece of advice she shares with first-year students through a College of Arts and Sciences mentorship program. The other is to visit professors during their office hours.

“One thing that helps me thrive as a student is when you have that personal interaction with the teacher,” Fleming said.

Originally a sociology major, studying communication wasn’t part of Fleming’s initial plans. But during her second semester at CU, she took a communication course about group interactions that motivated her to add communication as a minor.

She went on to join a Communication, Technology and Society course taught by Associate Professor Ted Striphas, and a Race, Hip-Hop and Communications senior seminar taught by Assistant Professor Danielle Hodge. The professors helped her discover more about her professional interests, the communication field and herself.

“They were invested not only in the material but the students in their courses,” Fleming explained. “Both of the classes really allowed me to see how you can actually apply what I’ve been learning for the past three and a half years to everyday phenomenon.”

Her interest in communication continued to grow, and by fall 2019, she declared it as a second degree.

Fleming focused her studies on examining why people interact in certain ways, rather than how. She has learned to look past the surface level and instead analyze the underlying factors and complexities that influence people and society, such as people’s identities.

People have multiple identities, such as race, gender, sociobabyֱ��app status and religion, which give each person a unique social location in society. For example, although Fleming is a racial minority, she also has privilege due to her sociobabyֱ��app status, she said. These two different identities coexist and can impact the way she experiences the world—they intersect.

“There are so many different social locations someone is a part of. It's so important to understand how those different social locations interact with one another, and how they either privilege or oppress certain people based off the different social location they are a part of,” Fleming said.

Applying this intersectional lens has been helpful during her internships with the nonprofit Save the Children U.S., where she worked as a human resources intern and an intern for the employee relations and child safeguarding team.

It’s because of her studies that she was able to offer a new lens to issues they were addressing, like communication differences, Fleming said. For example, she noticed women managers were more likely than men to come across apologetic in emails, such as saying, “Sorry about that.”

Although some misinterpret this as a lack of strength in leadership, through her studies, Fleming understood and could explain that women are more likely to apologize because they’ve been socialized to avoid appearing overly aggressive.

In addition to helping resolve organizational issues, learning about intersectionality has also helped her grow as an individual.

“You’re able to see the full picture and what different forces are interacting and causing specific things to happen, which has helped me be more open and empathetic, because I’m not just judging based off the outside,” she said.

Moving forward, she hopes to share similar lessons with other businesses.

“I find business very interesting, but I want to make it more people-based,” Fleming said, adding that she wants to help businesses apply a more empathetic lens in their operations rather than prioritizing data and numbers.

To accomplish this, Fleming plans to attend Wake Forest University in North Carolina in summer 2022 to pursue a master’s degree in management, where she’ll continue to ask questions, apply theories and explore the complexities that make up our world.

“I’m naturally a curious person, trying to understand the why,” Fleming said. “I really like how sociology and communications have given me that groundwork—that holistic kind of approach to everything.”

With a dual-degree in communication and sociology, Zoe Fleming is adept at analyzing and explaining why complex issues exist, in an effort to solve them. Fleming is CMCI's December 2021 William W. White Outstanding Graduate, awarded to the student with the highest GPA in the college.

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Class of 2021: Tayler Shaw

Anonymous — Tue, 04 May 2021 19:09:52 +0000

Class of 2021: Tayler Shaw Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 05/04/2021 - 13:09

Now a senior, Shaw is well known as a student leader in the college. She’s a lead CMCI Student Ambassador; a former intern and continuing contributor for CMCI Now magazine, and one of the founders of CMCI’s newest student media outlet, The Bold, where she serves as editor-in-chief of The Bold Magazine.

This month, Shaw will earn majors in both Journalism and Spanish for the Professions, along with minors in Leadership Studies and Anthropology. She’ll do so with the distinction of being the Department of Journalism’s William W. White Outstanding Senior––an award given to students in each department based on a combination of academic merit, professional achievement and service to the college.

We caught up with her to learn more about the opportunities that shaped her college experience and how she’s combining her passions for journalism and Spanish to give a voice to those who are traditionally underheard.

What led you to choose your major(s)? Is there anything you learned throughout the major that surprised you or that you didn’t expect?
During my senior year of high school, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to major in. All I knew was that I loved to write. I began to Google search “careers in writing” and stumbled upon a YouTube video about journalism and the increasing need for good journalism in a time of misinformation and political division. Because journalism combined my passion for writing with my desire to better my community, it seemed like the perfect fit.

After finishing my freshman year and reporting on a variety of topics and issues such as gender inequity and gun control, I discovered a love and passion for journalism. At the same time, I also took Spanish classes because I enjoyed learning the language and wanted to continue my studies from high school. After I took a class about Spanish media and the need for more accessible media for Spanish speakers in the U.S., I found a Spanish for the Professions major track that paired with my journalism degree. I decided to pursue both to communicate and share information with a wider audience.

How has the major you studied shaped the way you look at the world?
The beauty of journalism is that it is based on authenticity, education and relationships. In a time when people feel that there is a lack of clarity and it is hard to decipher what is real and what is not, journalism has offered a method of building community and trust based on accurate, ethical storytelling. I believe local journalism is vital to the success of a community and to democracy, as information is power. It’s my mission to empower people with information so that they can make informed decisions that best fit their needs and values. By studying journalism and Spanish, I also hope to make that information more accessible to Spanish-speaking communities. I aim to offer greater representation and stories about underrepresented and marginalized people in an effort to create more understanding and compassion among all people.

What’s an area where you feel like you’ve really grown between your first semester of college and today?
Coming into college, I was shy and terrified to talk to strangers. For those reasons, I felt unsure about my journalism major. How could I be a good journalist while also being an introverted, socially anxious person? However, through the mentorship of professors and babyֱ��app, I found my voice and became comfortable with being uncomfortable. Through being a CMCI Ambassador, an RA and a journalist, I have practiced having conversations with strangers on nearly a daily basis. It’s been incredibly rewarding to not only learn how to be comfortable with talking with others but also to have gained so much knowledge from those conversations.

Was there a project you worked on or a real-world experience that you gained as a student that you’re especially proud of or that taught you a lot?
There are two experiences that have been especially formative for me: helping create The Bold and working with the Denver Gazette as part of the CU News Corps capstone course.

In 2020, I began working with three other students to brainstorm and develop what would become The Bold, a multimedia-driven student publication with a variety of platforms, including a newspaper and a magazine. It was incredible to be a part of something from the ground up and gain experience in developing the foundation, the values and the brand of a publication. As editor-in-chief of The Bold Magazine––a publication that continues to evolve and improve with each iteration––I’ve loved mentoring writers of all levels and backgrounds while also brainstorming and innovating new methods of storytelling. I have grown as an editor, journalist, leader and individual while also gaining a great community.

The CU News Corps journalism capstone course was also incredibly rewarding, as I had the opportunity to work with the Denver Gazette to report on the impact of the Central 70 construction project on the 80216 zip code. Specifically, I worked with a team of journalists to report on the impact of the construction on the Elyria-Swansea and Globeville neighborhoods, a predominantly working-class, Hispanic community that has a history of contamination and increasing concerns about the rising cost of living and gentrification. It was amazing to have the opportunity to work on this project for months, allowing me the time needed to thoroughly research the history of the area and about the construction project. I also had the opportunity to speak with community members, with one of the interviews in Spanish. It was one of the hardest but most rewarding reporting experiences of my life.

A huge part of college is finding a community of people to support you, work with you, mentor you and encourage you. Who was in your herd during college and how did they shape your experience?
Being a part of CMCI was one of the best experiences I have had because of the support, mentorship and kindness that I received from students, babyֱ��app and staff involved in the college. At the beginning of my college career, I was terrified. I didn’t know anyone and I wasn’t sure what to expect. However, after that first year, I knew I had found a second home—a second family—within CMCI.

I found a supportive community through the CMCI Ambassadors organization during my first year and I am so grateful for all of the amazing opportunities and relationships that formed out of my involvement, including an internship with CMCI Now magazine. In this past year, I have also been fortunate enough to find a supportive community through my involvement in The Bold.

Based on what you know now, what is your best piece of advice for other students?
There are two pieces of advice I recieved my freshman year that positively shaped my college experience: get involved and always try.

Getting involved on campus through student clubs and organizations is one of the best ways to meet people who share similar interests and passions, which not only allows you to create great relationships but to also start discovering more information and opportunities related to your passions.

During my freshman year, a senior at CU Boulder told me that it’s always better to try something new and go after opportunities rather than never try at all. While it may seem intimidating to share your opinion, to offer new ideas or to try a new strategy, the worst that can happen is that it doesn’t work out or that someone says no. So, if there is something that piques your interest, try it out. College is the perfect time to be adventurous and do whatever may interest you and if it doesn’t work out, there’s always another exciting opportunity you can try instead.

If you’re up for a challenge, try to sum up your college experience in three words!
Challenging, inspiring, supportive.

When she first arrived at CU Boulder from her nearby hometown of Littleton, Tayler Shaw was deeply shy. She overcame that fear by taking journalism classes, which forced her to talk to strangers and showed her the beauty in sharing their stories. Now a senior, Shaw is well known as a student leader in the college. With majors in both Journalism and Spanish for the Professions, along with minors in Leadership Studies and Anthropology, Shaw is the Department of Journalism’s William W. White Outstanding Senior.

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Class of 2021: Megan Cunninghame

Anonymous — Mon, 03 May 2021 19:09:52 +0000

Class of 2021: Megan Cunninghame Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 05/03/2021 - 13:09

Senior Megan Cunninghame came of age during the rise of social media, but it wasn’t until the 2016 elections that she realized the true power social media platforms hold in our society.

Hailing from Monroe, Connecticut, Cunninghame spent her time at CU Boulder exploring the ways media shape culture, politics and social structures––both nationally and internationally. Highlights included working as a political marketing intern while studying abroad in the Czech Republic and overcoming her longtime fear of public speaking. Her experiences have taught her to collaborate more effectively, overcome cultural barriers and think critically about the way she interacts with information and people online.

This month, Cunninghame will graduate with a major in Media Studies, a minor in Political Science and a certificate in International Media. She’ll do so with the distinction of being the Department of Media Studies’ William W. White Outstanding Senior––an award given to students in each department based on a combination of academic merit, professional achievement and service to the college.

We checked in with Cunninghame to learn more about how she found her major––and how it has shaped her view of the world––as well as what it was like to finish her degree during the pandemic.

What led you to choose your major(s)? Is there anything you learned throughout the major that surprised you or that you didn’t expect?
One reason I was drawn toward the Media Studies program at CU was that I was deeply concerned with issues such as fake news and political polarization. I grew up during the rise of social media, so I was only vaguely aware of the issues surrounding these platforms. It wasn’t until the 2016 elections that I finally understood the impact these platforms can have on society at large. I decided to major in Media Studies to better my understanding of the media and prevent myself and others from falling prey to misinformation.

How has the major you studied shaped the way you look at the world?
Media Studies is all about understanding how media shape the world around us. During my time at CU, I did ample research on social media algorithms, specifically on how they are designed to keep people apart. I am now hyper-aware of the fact that the content I read online is meant to reinforce my own beliefs, not challenge them. I try to keep this in mind whenever I talk to someone with different views than my own. Having a difference of opinion should not stop us from connecting with one another.

What’s a challenge or obstacle that you faced during college and how did it shape your experience?
Within my first year of college, I was forced to confront my biggest fear: public speaking. In high school, I avoided this task by any means necessary. I always thought that in order to be a good public speaker, you had to possess a certain quality that I just did not have. It wasn’t until I got to college that I had a teacher encourage me enough to face my fears. Once I did, I realized that public speaking is a skill that anyone can possess, it just takes time and practice to master.

Getting over my initial fear of public speaking positively impacted the rest of my college experience. Once I learned how to give a 15-minute presentation in front of a room full of strangers, anything felt possible. Suddenly, participating in a class discussion, raising my hand in a crowded lecture hall, or bringing up ideas in a professional meeting all felt natural. I now understand that if I have something to say, it is my responsibility to speak up.

Was there a project you worked on or a real-world experience that you gained as a student that you’re especially proud of or that taught you a lot?
Last year, I was lucky enough to study abroad in the Czech Republic where I worked as a political marketing intern under an expert in the field. From the start, I knew this internship was the best match for me as it combined my interests in communications, political science and international media. Not only did this give me real-world experience in the fields I was interested in, but it also gave me the opportunity to work in an international babyֱ��app. This experience taught me a lot about overcoming cultural barriers and working with people who are different from you.

Based on what you know now, what is your best piece of advice for other students?
Make sure you are studying something you are passionate about. During my freshman year, I committed to a major that I thought was a good choice for me, but it wasn’t until I started taking classes that I realized I had no passion for the work I was doing. It wasn’t until I switched my major to Media Studies that I realized the true value of my education. I am so thankful for the amazing professors within the Media Studies department who guided me through my college journey. They taught me how to use the knowledge and skills I acquired in class to develop my talents and interests in the real world.

College is rewarding, but it’s also challenging. No matter what you major in, you will always be confronted with hard work. But if you study something you are passionate about, that work will be worth it in the end.

The past year has been especially challenging. How did you adjust as a student during the pandemic and is there anything you’ve learned from the experience that you’ll carry with you beyond graduation?
Like most other students I know, I had a lot of trouble adjusting to online schooling after getting used to the “traditional” college experience. The most difficult thing I had to overcome was finding ways to stay productive and focused when attending classes entirely from my home. The main lesson I learned during this time was that, when no one else is looking, I have to keep myself accountable. I know I will use this lesson in the future to push myself to do bigger and better things, even when no one else expects me to.

Senior Megan Cunninghame spent her time at CU Boulder exploring the ways media shape culture, politics and social structures. Highlights included working as a political marketing intern while studying abroad in the Czech Republic and overcoming her longtime fear of public speaking. Her experiences have taught her to collaborate more effectively, overcome cultural barriers and think critically about the way she interacts with information and people online. With a major in Media Studies, a minor in Political Science and a certificate in International Media, Cunninghame is the Department of Media Studies’ William W. White Outstanding Senior.

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Class of 2021: Cera Kocher

Anonymous — Mon, 03 May 2021 19:09:52 +0000

Class of 2021: Cera Kocher Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 05/03/2021 - 13:09

Senior Cera Kocher knows how to create her own version of beginner’s luck.

After leaving her hometown of Glenwood Springs to pursue her education in Boulder, Kocher quickly realized that, while it takes courage to try something new, there’s power in the ability to feel comfortable as a beginner. From exploring classes outside of her majors to joining a local martial arts gym, she spent her college years seeking new experiences and ideas to spark her curiosity and propel herself toward success. After college, she’ll continue to fuel her entrepreneurial spirit by joining Boulder Media House, a production company recently launched by fellow CMCI and CU Boulder alumni.

This month, Kocher will graduate with majors in Media Production and Strategic Communication, as well as a minor in Creative Technology and Design. She’ll do so with the distinction of being the Department of Critical Media Practices’ William W. White Outstanding Senior––an award given to students in each department based on a combination of academic merit, professional achievement and service to the college.

We checked in with her to learn more about how she’s grown throughout college, hear about her dream job and find out what advice she has for future cohorts of Buffs.

It’s clear that you took academics very seriously during your time at CMCI. Outside of classwork, what’s something you learned about yourself during college?
It is important to move in the direction of self-growth––both as a person and in my field of interest––even though it is uncomfortable or I may be bad at something to begin with. If I’m bad to begin with, I need to do it with the mindset of, Of course, I’m bad. This is my first time doing ‘x’ and I might as well have fun being a beginner at something. Positive steps toward growth are uncomfortable but serve me well in the long run.

What motivated you to persist throughout college?
I had to prove to myself that if I really put my mind to something, despite its level of difficulty, I was capable of achieving it and doing it well.

No pressure to have this figured out yet, but do you have any post-graduation plans at the moment?
My post-graduation plans consist of working at Boulder Media House out of Denver, working as a barista at The Laughing Goat and riding my motorcycle around the Rockies. Within the next year, I’d like to find myself in Thailand training Muay Thai for a chunk of time as well.

Ten years from now, if you could create your perfect career, what would it look like?
My ideal career would be owning my own game development studio.

Based on what you know now, what is your best piece of advice for other students?
My best piece of advice for other students is to use college to develop their true interests and passions and use it to explore potential fields of interest. This means looking into independent studies and internships that you actually get value from––not just for a resume. Take classes normally outside of your scope, like courses on Vikings or printmaking, and join a club or community of some kind. The community doesn’t have to be strictly through CU, either. For me, this meant joining the martial arts gym, Easton, in Boulder to build a sense of community. School can be very difficult and we all go through real-life hardships while getting our degrees. Giving yourself a spark of excitement to look forward to every week truly helps.

After leaving her hometown of Glenwood Springs to pursue her education in Boulder, senior Cera Kocher quickly realized that, while it takes courage to try something new, there’s power in the ability to feel comfortable as a beginner. After college, she’ll continue to fuel her entrepreneurial spirit by joining Boulder Media House, a production company launched by fellow CMCI and CU Boulder alumni. With majors in Media Production and Strategic Communication, as well as a minor in Creative Technology and Design, Kocher is the Department of Critical Media Practices’ William W. White Outstanding Senior.

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Class of 2021: Clark Mousaw

Anonymous — Mon, 03 May 2021 19:09:52 +0000

Class of 2021: Clark Mousaw Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 05/03/2021 - 13:09

After beginning college with an interest in studying data science, senior Clark Mousaw found that there was so much more to explore.

Originally from Long Beach, California, Mousaw’s time in Boulder has allowed him to learn more about the human side of data, which relates to everything from design to politics. Soon, he’ll dive even deeper into the interdisciplinary field of Information Science by continuing his studies through CMCI’s master’s program in the fall.

During his undergraduate career, Mousaw earned a major in Information Science and a minor in Space. He did so with the distinction of being the Department of Information Science’s William W. White Outstanding Senior––an award given to students in each department based on a combination of academic merit, professional achievement and service to the college.

We caught up with Mousaw to find out what surprised him about his major in Information Science, the project he’s most proud of as a senior and his plans for the future.

Based on what you know now, what is your best piece of advice for other students?
Life’s full of strikes and gutters, ups and downs. Try to just take it easy and not stress about things that are out of your control.

What led you to choose your major? Is there anything you learned throughout the major that surprised you or that you didn’t expect?
I initially chose to major in Information Science because I was interested in data science, but this major just has so much more breadth than that. It’s true that much of Information Science involves learning about data analysis and computational tools, but there are also fundamentally human elements of this major that make it more of an interdisciplinary science such as design, social science, politics and ethics.

Was there a project you worked on or a real-world experience that you gained as a student that you’re especially proud of or that taught you a lot?
My honors thesis without a doubt. The entire process was challenging but I’m thankful to have had that opportunity. Making contributions to a field of study I’m passionate about was a really rewarding experience.

You mentioned that you're really proud of your honor's thesis. What is it about?
I’m interested in cybersecurity, so I tried to contribute to the field of industrial control system security by using the skills I’ve learned at CU. My research was focused on the discoverability of industrial control system honeypots. A mouthful, I know… I basically deployed a set of ICS honeypots with varying configurations to see what makes them discoverable.

A huge part of college is finding a community of people to support you, work with you, mentor you and encourage you. Who was in your herd during college and how did they shape your experience?
The professors and grad students in the Info Science department are some of the most dedicated and supportive people I’ve ever met. I think my overall experience would have been very different if not for their mentorship. Big thanks to all the Info Science professors and grad students.

Ten years from now, if you could create your perfect career, what would it look like?
I think it would be really interesting to apply data science principles and practices to investigate issues related to information security.

No pressure to have this figured out yet, but do you have any post-graduation plans at the moment?
I’ll be pursuing an MS in Information Science at CMCI starting in the fall. Grad school wasn’t initially part of my plans post-graduation but I’ve really enjoyed my time learning from the Info Science professors and grad students.

After beginning college with an interest in studying data science, senior Clark Mousaw found that there was so much more to explore. Originally from Long Beach, California, Mousaw’s time in Boulder has allowed him to learn more about the human side of data, which relates to everything from design to politics. Soon, he’ll dive even deeper into the interdisciplinary field of Information Science by continuing his studies through CMCI’s master’s program in the fall. With a major in Information Science and a minor in Space, Mousaw is the Department of Information Science’s William W. White Outstanding Senior.

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Class of 2021: Nina Williams

Anonymous — Mon, 03 May 2021 19:09:52 +0000

Class of 2021: Nina Williams Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 05/03/2021 - 13:09

In 2010, during her first year of college at the University of Rhode Island, professional rock climber Nina Williams hit a wall and decided it was time to let go––so she dropped out of school to focus full-time on her sport.

A few years later, she found herself compelled to traverse a new path through the world of communication, so she transferred to her hometown campus of CU Boulder and began taking courses in CMCI.

Now a senior, Williams is merging her two passions, creating a niche for herself that is both personal and profoundly relatable. She recently gave a TEDxCU talk on the fear of letting go––from the perspective of a climber trained in the art of falling––and over the summer she’ll launch a coaching program for climbers focused on mindset and inner dialogue.

This month, Williams will graduate with both a major in Communication and a minor in Leadership Studies. She’ll do so with the distinction of being the Department of Communication’s William W. White Outstanding Senior––an award given to students in each department based on a combination of academic merit, professional achievement and service to the college.

We checked in with Williams to learn more about how she’s combining her two passions and the professors and classes that shaped her college experience.

What’s an area where you feel like you’ve really grown between your first semester of college and today?
I’ve grown more comfortable in voicing my opinions based on what I’ve read or learned about. I feel that my comprehension and critical thinking skills have improved, and so I have more confidence in drawing on prior knowledge. At the same time, I’ve also gotten more comfortable being wrong and re-thinking my position. Confidence goes both ways.

What’s a piece of advice or a lesson someone shared with you during college that you still remember?
One of my COMM professors, Instructor Jeff Motter, once told me: “Know what you want to say, and say it.” He taught me the value of figuring out an essay’s content before writing out sentences with irrelevant fluff. I’ve had trouble writing essays because the task seemed daunting at the beginning but Jeff’s advice has helped me start from the core of what I want to say and build from there.

No pressure to have this figured out yet, but do you have any post-graduation plans at the moment?
I’m excited to combine my new perspective of communication in tandem with my passions for coaching and climbing! This summer, I’m launching an eight-week coaching program for climbers that focuses on mindset and inner dialogue. I have a long-term vision of creating college-style classes for outdoor sports enthusiasts around mind/body connections and how they relate to our attitudes about life. I’m considering grad school in sports psychology but I need a little break first.

How has the major you studied shaped the way you look at the world?
Initially, I understood communication as interpersonal and relationally based. Now, I see communication as expressions of unique reality. There are certainly interpersonal and relational components, but learning how to communicate is not just about getting your own meaning across. It’s a process of learning about yourself through the other person’s perspective in an ongoing cycle of meaning-making. Communication creates culture and vice versa; therefore, we have the opportunity to create the world we want to exist in based on how we communicate with others.

Was there a class or club outside of your major area that you found really memorable or fascinating? What was it?
Two classes stand out––one was GRMN 2301: Inside Nazi Germany, with Associate Professor Arne Höcker, and the other was EDUC 3013: School & Society, with doctoral student Page Regan. Höcker’s class was particularly relevant given our country’s political climate and proximity to fascism. Learning about the historical events leading up to World War II gave interesting context to current events. Regan’s class gave me further insight into educational institutions and how we might look differently at school systems. Both professors taught with passion and grace and respected us as students.

What motivated you to persist throughout college?
I persisted through college (this time) because I felt connected to my major in terms of how it matched with my personal characteristics. I knew I was in the right area of study because I found joy in the process of learning, rather than stressing about the outcome.

Based on what you know now, what is your best piece of advice for other students?
If you don’t know what you’re doing, it's okay––most people don’t know what they’re doing either. We can understand what we’ve done in the past and apply those lessons in the present moment, but the process of figuring things out is all very confusing and based on trial and error. The best way to learn is to dive right in and make some mistakes.

During her first year of college at the University of Rhode Island, professional rock climber Nina Williams hit a wall and decided it was time to let go––so she dropped out of school to focus full-time on her sport. A few years later, she found herself compelled to traverse a new path through the world of communication, so she transferred to her hometown campus of CU Boulder and began taking courses in CMCI. With a major in Communication and a minor in Leadership Studies, Williams is the Department of Communication’s William W. White Outstanding Senior.

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Class of 2021: Emily Reno

Anonymous — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 23:46:10 +0000

Class of 2021: Emily Reno Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 04/29/2021 - 17:46

Senior Emily Reno came to CMCI from Lake Oswego, Oregon, and found herself on her own for the first time.

Luckily, during her years at CU Boulder and CMCI, she found a support system of great friends, roommates and professors who helped her make the most of her college years and encouraged her to finish strong.

This May, Reno will graduate with a major in Strategic Communication focused on public relations and a minor in Business. She’ll do so with the distinction of being the Department of Advertising, Public Relations and Media Design’s William W. White Outstanding Senior––an award given to students in each department based on a combination of academic merit, professional achievement and service to the college.

We caught up with Reno to learn more about the people who helped make her college experience special, what it was like to be a senior during the pandemic and the advice she has for future students as they embark on their own college careers.

From your time at CU, what will you carry with you into your next chapter?
My professors have made my experience at CU so wonderful because I truly feel like they have prepared me to be successful in whatever role I take on post-grad. I have also made the most amazing lifelong friends here and will carry the memories we have with me forever.

A huge part of college is finding a community of people to support you, work with you, mentor you and encourage you. Who was in your herd during college and how did they shape your experience?
I would not have had as positive of an experience in school if it weren’t for professors like Erin Willis, Dawn Doty, Jolene Fisher and Mark Heisten to name a few. These individuals served as amazing mentors and I appreciate all of the advice, guidance and encouragement I received from them these past four years. Outside of school, I had my eight incredible roommates, my sorority filled with some amazing women and so many other great friends that made college so much fun.

Based on what you know now, what is your best piece of advice for other students?
Enjoy it! These past four years went by so quickly and if I could do it all over again I would. It is also so important to find a good balance between school and your personal life. You are here for an education, but you should make sure you take the time to do things that make you happy.

What’s an area where you feel like you’ve really grown between your first semester of college and today?
I am much more confident and independent than I initially was coming into college. As an out-of-state student, I was truly on my own for the first time. While it was intimidating at first, this really gave me the chance to grow on my own and learn things about myself that I didn’t know before.

The past year has been especially challenging. How did you adjust as a student during the pandemic and is there anything you’ve learned from the experience that you’ll carry with you beyond graduation?
While it was weird not being in person this year, I fortunately adjusted well to class on Zoom and appreciated the extra time it gave me in my day. In addition to the self-discipline I learned from being online all day, I also became much more productive with my time––two things that I think will serve me well beyond graduation.

What motivated you to persist throughout college?
I have such an amazing support system in my friends and family and they were always there for me when times were tough. Whenever I was stressed or upset, I knew there were people that I could go to. I feel so lucky to have this kind of support and encouragement throughout college!

Senior Emily Reno came to CMCI from Lake Oswego, Oregon, and found herself on her own for the first time. Luckily, during her years at CU Boulder and CMCI, she found a support system of great friends, roommates and professors who helped her make the most of her college years and encouraged her to finish strong. With a major in Strategic Communication focused on public relations and a minor in Business, Reno is the Department of Advertising, Public Relations and Media Design’s William W. White Outstanding Senior.

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Class of 2021: Julia Merten

Anonymous — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 23:41:12 +0000

Class of 2021: Julia Merten Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 04/29/2021 - 17:41

Lauren Irwin

Senior Julia Merten, known by friends as Juju, lives and works by the motto, “Express your unapologetic self.” As a self-described emotional person, in tune with her past and current feelings and mental well-being, she tries to convey universal human emotion in her playful scrapbook-type aesthetic. As she rounded the corner to commencement, Merten accepted a full-time position with a Detroit-based chocolate company, Bon Bon Bon. With a major in Media Production and a minor in Technology, Arts and Media, Merten is CMCI’s 2021 William W. White Outstanding Graduate––an award given to the student with the highest GPA in the college.

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Class of 2021: Department of Communication Student Awards

Anonymous — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 20:39:50 +0000

Class of 2021: Department of Communication Student Awards Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 04/29/2021 - 14:39

Undergraduate Awards

CMCI William W. White Award: Outstanding Senior
Nina Williams

Academic Achievement Award
Karissa Hayes

Civic Engagement Award
Dana Villareal

Academic Leadership Award
Daniela Martinez

Remote Learning Leadership Award
Jeans Mobley

Phillip K. Tompkins Award for Student Achievement
Abby Hanson

TEDxCU Leadership Award
Nick Kokat

Graduate Student Awards

John Waite Bowers Award for Outstanding Graduate Student

Logan Rae Gomez (PhD)
Vincent Russell (PhD)

Outstanding Graduate Student Teaching Award

Jone Brunelle (PhD)
Emily Loker (PhD)
Myles Mason (PhD)

Distinguished Graduate Student Service Award

Nancy Maingi (PhD)
Jo Marras Tate (PhD)
Bernardita Yunis (PhD)

Congratulations to CMCI's Department of Communication spring 2021 award recipients, who earned honors for outstanding achievement, leadership, engagement, teaching and more!

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Class of 2020: Madeleine Bendalin

Anonymous — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 23:37:07 +0000

Class of 2020: Madeleine Bendalin Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 12/14/2020 - 16:37

Strategic Communication major Madeleine Bendalin, with minors in Media Studies and Jewish Studies, dreams of being a White House Press Secretary. She is CMCI's December 2020 Outstanding Graduate.

Name a class that you loved while you were here and explain what you'll take away from it.
"I loved the Public Relations Event Planning class. I had to learn how to think critically and creatively, as well as problem-solving. It taught me how to conceptualize big ideas, execute them and to always expect the unexpected."

Any extracurricular activities that were highlights for you here at CU?
"I joined Student Ambassadors and it was one of the best decisions I made. I loved showing prospective Buffs around campus and serving as a resource for them. I also really enjoyed giving joint tours with the friends I made and reciting random facts about campus!"

We know it's been a tough time to graduate. Is there a piece of advice, a lesson you learned from a mentor or a support resource that helped you finish strong?
"Advice I have taken to heart is to stay positive and always keep working on yourself. The world is so uncertain right now, and there isn’t a ‘right’ place to be or a ‘right’ job to have directly after college, so don't put too much pressure on yourself to constantly have the next thing lined up."

Best Buff memory?
"Pretty basic, but… celebrating game days with my best friends!"

What does the future hold?
"I guess this is my way of saying that I’m graduating from college unemployed, but I think the future will take me exactly where I need to be. I would love to work at a PR agency, or work in the nonprofit world, or eventually become Press Secretary for the White House! It’s all up in the air, but I like to be ambitious."

Presenting CMCI's December 2020 Graduates

As a CMCI Student Ambassador, senior Madeleine Bendalin loved showing prospective Buffs around campus and serving as a resource for them. She also enjoyed giving joint tours with the friends, who she made recite facts about campus. In the future, Bendalin would love to recite more facts in her dream job as a White House Press Secretary. With a major in Strategic Communication and minors in Media Studies and Jewish Studies, Bendalin is CMCI's December 2020 William W. White Outstanding Graduate, awarded to the student with the highest GPA in the college.

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