Journalism Portfolio

Feature Stories:

Published online through a six semester writing assistant position with the University of Mary Washington Office of News and Public Media

“A Thirst for Theatre”-Original Publish 2/18/15

A Thirst for Theatre

Austin Bouchard had no clue about a major or a career path when he auditioned for a University of Mary Washington theatre production before stepping foot on the Fredericksburg campus his freshman year. Now four years later, not only has the senior theatre major found direction as an actor, he’s directing his first full-length theatre production.

“Scanning Through History”- Original Publish 04/15/15

Scanning Through History

It’s the ultimate combination of old and new. Decked out in full body armor as a gladiator from the ancient Roman Empire, Senior Harry Rol clamps on his helmet and steps onto a 3-D printing scanner in the University of Mary Washington’s 21st century classroom known as the ThinkLab.

 

“Voices of Hope”- Original Publish 04/07/14

Voices of Hope

Growing up in Afghanistan, Fatemeh Ahmadi moved every couple years, her family bouncing from one house to another. The University of Mary Washington junior, who never imagined she’d attend a university in the U.S., spent last spring break giving another family a place to call home as part of a Habitat for Humanity trip.

“Chronicles of Courage” – Original Publish 12/12/13

Chronicles of Courage

Seven years have passed since Retired Marine Sergeant Kenny Lyon sat down with CBS’s Scott Pelley on “60 Minutes.” With a wire holding his jaw together, Lyon vowed that he would fight to regain everything back that he lost in a mortar attack on May 1, 2006, while serving in Iraq.

“Stage Presence” –Original Publish 11/14/13

Stage Presence

Nicholas McGovern ’14 never planned to major in theater at the University of Mary Washington. He never considered auditioning for a play and had no idea he had the talent to make it on stage. He didn’t realize that he could sing, let alone belt out a tune in front of hundreds or be accepted into a competitive summer acting school.

 

“Speaking Intensive”– Original Publish 09/30/13

Speaking Intensive

Anand Rao came to the University of Mary Washington more than a decade ago with one goal in mind: to teach students to communicate effectively. “Strong communication skills are essential to succeed in every area of life,” said Rao, associate professor of communication and director of the Speaking Intensive Program.

 

“Lift Off” – Original Publish 02/06/14

Lift Off

Olivia Schiermeyer led fifth graders in a countdown as she manned a miniature rocket launcher at the “3…2…1 Lift Off” station. Several covered their ears in anticipation of the blast. “W-h-o-a-h! That’s so cool!” shouted one student as the paper rocket soared across the Lee Hill Elementary School gymnasium.

“Educating Innovators”– Original Publish 09/09/13

Educating Innovators

Don’t walk into Teresa Coffman’s classroom and expect to see a typical lecture. “I flip my classroom,” said Coffman. “I want my students to read and explain and think about the information. I like to hear what they have to say and how we can make it better.”

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News Releases:

“UMW Student Athletes Team with Local Children’s Program”-  https://www.umw.edu/news/2015/02/18/umw-student-athletes-team-with-local-childrens-program/

“UMW Gives Back This Holiday Season” – umw.edu/news/2012/12/10/umw-gives-back-this-holiday-season/

“Students Hone Leadership Skills at Conference” – umw.edu/news/2012/11/12/umw-students-develop-leadership-skills-at-sixth-annual-conference/

“Students Gain International Experience Over Spring Break” –umw.edu/news/2013/03/12/students-gain-international-experience-during-spring-break/

“Department of Foreign Languages Presented Fourth Annual World Language Day” – umw.edu/news/2012/03/21/umw-department-of-foreign-languages-to-present-fourth-annual-world-language-day/

“UMW Finishes in Top 20 in RecycleMania Competition” – umw.edu/news/2012/04/16/umw-finishes-in-top-twenty-in-international-recyclemania-competition/

 

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Class Projects and Assignments:

-“Audiojournalism Blog: The New News” – www.audiojournalism.umwblogs.org – A comprehensive blog site created as a class assignment to report on the incorporation of technology and journalism

-Articles written for “The Blue & Gray Press,” University of Mary Washington’s student run newspaper