By: Bruna de Padua
Photo Credit: Zach Seidel
Zach Seidel is the Director of Digital Media for UMBC Athletics, and he also teaches in the Media and Communication Studies department. He has been part of the UMBC community for so long that the campus almost feels like a second home to him. His parents both graduated from UMBC, so he grew up hearing about the school and going to different events. His personal connection to the university grew even stronger when he started interning in the Athletics Department during his senior year of high school in 2007. What started as a simple internship eventually turned into a huge part of his life and career, and he still enjoys being surrounded by the energy and excitement of college athletics.
Zach completed his B.A. in Media and Communication Studies, added a minor in American Studies, and was part of the Honors College and the Humanities Scholars program. He has always been the kind of person who pays attention to how stories are told and how people interact with media. That curiosity naturally led him into studying media at a deeper level. Later on, he chose to pursue an M.S. in Human-Centered Computing because he became fascinated with the way technology and design can shape people’s experiences. It was the perfect blend of creativity, communication, and innovation, and it helped him develop a broader perspective on digital media and the ways people use it.
At UMBC, Zach teaches MCS 316, which is the sports broadcasting course. A lot of students come into the class thinking broadcasting is mainly about pointing a camera at the action and letting things run, but he loves showing them how much more goes on behind the scenes. Broadcasting a game means planning every detail, organizing people and equipment, communicating constantly, troubleshooting problems, and working under pressure. Even though it can be intense at times, he enjoys watching students build confidence and learn what it takes to create something that looks smooth and effortless to the audience. He hopes his students leave the class with a real appreciation for the effort and teamwork that go into producing live sports.
In his professional role with Athletics, Zach works in a field that never stops changing. Digital media grows so fast that there is always a new tool, trend, or idea popping up. That is one of the things he enjoys most because there is always something exciting to learn. Whether it is new camera technology, new ways to reach fans online, or creative approaches to storytelling, he makes an effort to stay ahead of the curve. One of the moments he is most proud of is seeing one of his former students win an Emmy. For him, it is a reminder that teaching goes far beyond the classroom. When his students go on to do amazing things, it feels like he gets to share a part of that accomplishment too.
Looking towards the future, Zach is happy to keep teaching and continuing the work he loves. He is always open to exploring new ideas, especially when it comes to innovations in digital media and sports production. He believes the field will keep evolving in ways that surprise everyone, and he enjoys being part of that change rather than just watching it happen from the outside.
Above everything else, the best part of working at UMBC for Zach is the students. He enjoys their creativity, their willingness to try new things, and their genuine excitement about learning. Being able to guide students, support their goals, and watch them grow is what makes his work meaningful. For him, UMBC is not just a workplace. It is a community he cares about and a place where he gets to make an impact every day.
By: Mika Lopena
Photo Credit: Mika Lopena
No two career paths unfold the same way, and for UMBC MCS alum Nick Elza '24, the path toward his degree was shaped by self-discovery and a lifelong interest in both movement and storytelling. From childhood through his college years, Nick trained extensively in martial arts, developing discipline, body awareness, and a deep appreciation for physical strength and technique. This foundation would later play a meaningful role in the work he found most fulfilling.
Nick arrived at UMBC as a philosophy major, drawn to complex questions and the challenge of thinking deeply about the world. At the same time, he had always been fond of film. He admired the emotional force of visual storytelling and understood how powerful it is to guide an audience's feelings through carefully crafted images and sound. Despite this passion, he initially felt uncertain and somewhat pessimistic about pursuing film seriously. The industry seemed difficult to enter, and he questioned whether he could truly build a career within it.
During his freshman year, the pull toward filmmaking became too strong to ignore, and he switched to cinematic arts in hopes of following that interest. By sophomore year, however, he felt unsure once again and transitioned to Information Systems, searching for a sense of direction. Although IS offered stability, it did not spark the enthusiasm he felt when working with media or discussing creative ideas. After reflecting on the interests that had stayed with him the longest, Nick realized that philosophy, communication, media studies, and film all intersected in ways that felt natural. When he discovered Media and Communication Studies, he found a home for all of these passions. The major allowed him to combine analytical thinking with creative expression, and by his junior year, he knew he had made the right choice.
Today, Nick works as a Physical Therapy Technician, a role strengthened by years of martial arts experience and an intuitive understanding of movement and recovery. He supports patients, many of them older adults, as they rebuild mobility and strength. He often describes the clinic as a "gym for the elderly," a phrase that reflects his appreciation for the resilience he sees in the people he assists.
Nick continues to stay connected to his creative roots through his collaboration with Stanley Brown, a fellow UMBC alumnus. Together, they work on film projects that involve storyboarding, shooting, and editing with equipment such as drones, car mounts, and traditional cameras. These projects allow Nick to continue exploring the emotional depth of filmmaking, a passion he has carried for most of his life.
During his time at UMBC, Nick completed a social media internship with Black Hills Information Security. He connected with campus cyber clubs, researched global cybersecurity conventions, edited YouTube content, and helped increase community engagement through thoughtful outreach and giveaways. The experience showed him that communication plays an essential role in every field, even highly technical ones.
Nick looks back on his MCS coursework with gratitude. Dr. Snyder's early lessons in semiology, branding and marketing assignments in classes like MCS 355, and documentary projects that introduced him to editing and camera techniques all helped shape his confidence as both a communicator and a storyteller.
As he considers the future, Nick is exploring paths such as PTA school, potential military service, and further educational opportunities. His journey reflects an honest and evolving search for purpose, shaped by creativity, discipline, and a desire to support others. Whether he is guiding a patient through recovery or shaping a narrative behind the camera, Nick continues to follow the passions that have guided him from the beginning.
By: Bryan Dang
Photo Credit: Zion Murphy
Meet Zion Murphy, he is a man of many things. A filmmaker, cultural worker, and educator, you immediately get the feeling that every part of his life story has been driven by a passion and belief in the power of storytelling. Zion graduated from UMBC in 2022 and the following years after that followed a path of revelation through artistic rigor, leadership through his community and wanting to spread his passion of expanding people's views on how we understand the world through media.
Zion started at UMBC as a double major in Media & Communication Studies and Linguistics, but over time he slowly developed a stronger passion for MCS. He said that after taking MCS 222 with Professor Kathalene Razzano, he found that he was "falling in love with analyzing the media that shapes the world around us", and how culture, communities, and politics are all shaped through media. So after two semesters he primarily focused on MCS. This growing curiosity for media grew into a larger passion: a desire to create films that challenge dominant narratives, inspire audiences, and create stories that have authentic cultural roots.
For Zion, filmmaking is more than a passion and craft, it is a way of understanding humanity. He describes cinema as "the most complete art form. It combines photography, writing, sound, music, movement, speech, color, and much more." This complexity is what drives him in his passion for filmmaking. He states that it is "a very powerful tool for both social change and documenting important, globally-connected, human values." This belief is seen through his projects as he creates films that disrupts the current system, gives rise to marginalized voices, and prompts viewers to see the world differently.
After graduating from UMBC, Zion chose to take a gap year to dedicate it to perfecting his craft. During this time, he improved his extensive portfolio in which he was shooting music videos, taking still photos and wrote articles for the website Screen Spec. The year served as a time for creative freedom while polishing his skills in the career he wants to pursue. His work paid off as he was accepted into Howard University's Graduate Film Program, one of the top and respected MFA programs in the country and is an HCBU. He is on track to graduate with his MFA (Master of Fine Arts) in Spring 2026. During that time he has written and directed multiple short films and worked in every department in order to expand his view of filmmaking.
While working on his masters, he is also working as a graduate assistant and teaches two undergraduate film classes at Howard University. He creates the curriculum for both classes in hopes to inspire his students to improve their craft. His favorite part of the job is "being able to mentor younger filmmakers and seeing both their love for film and their technical skills grow during the semester." His teaching philosophy reflects his own personal standards in film. Being critical, intentional, and lastly passionate.
Zion started his college career at Howard University then transferred to UMBC saying it was his first choice for a college. What he learned at UMBC shaped the person and professional he would become. UMBC changed his global perspective on media through a respect for intercultural communication, and he learned that media is a powerful tool for political and social change. He thanks the MCS program for teaching him to look beyond the broader sense of media and to look at media with awareness of its history in historical context, political impacts, and identity. He said that certain classes did change his perspective on media. He said that "MCS 311 'Films of Resistance' started me on a path of subversive and revolutionary filmmaking by exposing me to films made outside of the traditional Hollywood model." He also said that capstone classes like MCS 399 and 499 with Professor Fan Yang and Dr. Elizabeth Patton opened his mind "to how the history of media and communications is paired with progressive politics." He learned from many MCS theorists such as Marx and Engels, Bell Hooks, Stuart Hall, Antonio Gramsci, Laura Mulvey, Marshall McLuhan changed his perspective on how he consumes media and forced him to look at it more actively rather than passively and to create products that promote positive radical change. One highlight in his UMBC career was he was featured on UMBC's episode of The College Tour on Amazon Prime, which was his first experience seeing professional filmmakers in action. It reaffirmed his passion that he wanted to be behind the camera creating his own stories.
When asking Zion about a piece of advice he would give to MCS students that want to work in filmmaking, his answer is a simple one: "Just start." He emphasizes that filmmaking comes from the individual, not what equipment they have. "Don't worry about your camera's quality or working with a big time actor," he says. "Focus on finding your own unique voice and way of seeing the world, then translate that into images." Lastly, he shares a phrase that was given directly to him from legendary filmmakers: "Tell your grandma's story." So what does this mean exactly? It means to "not shy away from your background, create stories from your own cultural context that are important to you and find your community. Lean on that community to find your passion and ultimately your creative voice.". In the end for Zion, filmmaking is not just the process of creating art, it's about building a connection with the viewers through a collected vision, and he hopes to do that in many films in the future.
By: Nate Walton
Photo Credit: Brittany Wichtendahl
In the field of public relations, flexibility and fast thinking are crucial. These traits, along with an educational foundation, can lead to a fulfilling and influential profession, as demonstrated by Brittany Wichtendahl, a public relations specialist with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in Baltimore. In this interview, Wichtendahl discussed how her time at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) prepared her for her career, gave an inside look at her role overseeing media relations for a significant humanitarian nonprofit, and listed the essential abilities that have enabled her to succeed.
Her function is "never typical," according to Wichtendahl, which highlights how dynamic public relations work is. Although she frequently begins her mornings by utilizing monitoring software to review media coverage and checking overnight emails from colleagues around the world, what happens next varies greatly. In addition to creating campaign materials, interview scheduling, and media training sessions for spokespeople, she also writes talking points and oversees press visuals. Given this unpredictability, a professional needs to be well-organized and media-savvy but also understand narrative storytelling, particularly in light of CRS's international humanitarian work.
Wichtendahl struggles with the constant tempo of the news cycle and the intricacy of internal and external interactions, just like many others in the field. She does point out, though, that the most fruitful creative breakthroughs frequently result from these very difficulties."Working within [constraints] forces you to be creative," she explains. "That's when you have to look at the situation from multiple perspectives to find the right solution for the right outlet." The excitement of seeing a CRS spokesperson featured in The New York Times or on the BBC highlights the observable results of her team's strategic efforts, especially in times of crisis when higher visibility is directly linked to more donations and, eventually, saved lives.
Although the core of her present work is campaign strategy and rapid-response communication, Wichtendahl attributes her success to UMBC for providing the foundational elements. Above all, she highlighted the importance of a course that she didn't originally enjoy: technical writing. One of her main strengths in her current position is her ability to communicate with a variety of audiences, including journalists, funders, and internal stakeholders. Beyond the course of study, however, Wichtendahl attributes her path to the individuals at UMBC, particularly her teachers.
Wichtendahl emphasizes UMBC's instructors and groups as essential tools outside of the classroom. She urges students to use career-services links, attend department activities, and look for mentorship. These connections were more than simply academic for her; they led to career networks and internships that are still very beneficial today.
Her relationship with Professor Paul Eagle turned out to be crucial. She remembers, "He connected me with a summer job for my current organization". During her last semester, that opportunity evolved into part-time work, and following graduation, she received an offer for full-time employment. It's a prime illustration of how mentoring and networking can have life-altering effects.
Wichtendahl offers practical and passionate guidance to students considering a career in public relations. She encourages them to develop a ravenous taste for news, stating that media literacy is essential to both identifying and creating a compelling story. Rejection is a natural part of the process, she also reminds newcomers. She makes the point that a lack of reaction does not imply failure because journalists have too much on their plates. Rather, you must persevere—public relations thrives on tenacity and building relationships over time. Her remarks highlight a crucial reality in the field: public relations is about more than just spreading information; it's also about establishing relationships, being persistent, and having a thorough awareness of your audience.
Wichtendahl is currently in the forefront of international media engagement because of her work at CRS. She is crucial in making sure the organization's objective is clearly understood, whether that is through interview preparation or emergency communications coordination during emergencies like the Myanmar earthquake. The journey from UMBC student to a media leader in international rescue efforts emphasizes the importance of communication studies in the actual world and the indispensable worth of a solid mentor, a demanding academic program, and perseverance.
Wichtendahl's tale serves as both a model and a source of encouragement for present students who aspire to pursue jobs that combine impact and communication.
By: Nicholas Remy
Photo Credit: Isabella Fasolo
No college journey looks the same between two people, and this Alumni was no exception. Keegan Leffler graduated from UMBC in the spring of 2022 with a Bachelors in Media Communication Studies and a minor in Sociology. Keegan is originally from Wilton New York where he grew up with his Parents Mark and Julie, his Brother Quinn, and his sister Olivia. This was not the first University that Keegan originally attended, coming from Herkimer County Community College where Keegan was a back to back regional junior college champion as a pitcher on their baseball team!
After his two years at Herkimer Keegan was able to graduate with his Associates in Science, and from there he was on his search for a four year university he could finish his schooling at. Luckily enough UMBC came calling. Keegan spent three more years at UMBC as a Media Communications major as well as a key player for the UMBC baseball team. Keegan came into school eerily similar to a lot of college athletes, ready to play their sport and a bit less ready to figure their future after college. WIth Keegan he was no different, with the exception of the fact that he was extremely classroom driven.
Through his three years at UMBC Keegan was able to accomplish a 3.4 GPA graduating with honors, all while being an important piece of the baseball program. Over his career at UMBC as a baseball player Keegan pitched in 42 games amassing 92 career innings pitched with 10 career starts and 5 career saves. "Playing baseball at UMBC was easily one of the best decisions I made in my college career, I can easily say that some of my favorite memories in life came from my years with that team". Although professional baseball was not in the cards for Keegan, he wasn't ready to step away from the game yet.
Following his graduation from UMBC Keegan was able to secure a coaching position with his former school at Herkimer County Community College as their Pitching Coach and Recruiting Coordinator, as well as being a Technical Assistant to the academic support staff for the student athletes at Herkimer. In this position Keegan had the task of finding potential student athletes for the baseball program as well as Overlook Herkimer's students using the flag system to assist student athletes to graduate on time and reach milestones in their educational journeys. "I was still unsure where I wanted to go with my professional career after graduation, when the opportunity came about where I could help those exact same student athletes figure out what they wanted to do I had to take it". Spending two years at Herkimer was all the time Keegan needed to figure out his next path in life.
Deciding to take a chance in life Keegan took a step away from baseball and took a step toward the mortgage and financial career fields by joining Launch Financial Group. Keegan has recently started with Launch back in August 2024. His official title with this financial group is Disclosure Desk Manager, where he takes care of a lot of things for the company. Giving his flowers to UMBC, Keegan attributes his career path change to UMBC and the MCS degree for the flexibility it allowed him in the professional fields. "UMBC and the MCS degree really gave me a great base where I could expand on knowledge in many different fields!". Because of the flexibility Keegan has found his next passion outside of baseball which was not something he thought could be possible.
Since his start with Launch Financial Keegan has really found his footing. "My passion and knowledge is in the mortgage industry, where I sell investment loans for properties. The company I work for is called Launch Financial Group, in Upstate NY Currently, I am our disclosure desk manager. Along with being a manager I also am a Loan Processor and a Loan Officer. The cool thing about my position is that I can take a loan from start to finish myself!". Although it's only been 10 months since starting his new position, Keegan is ready to step up to the plate for more. "This is just the beginning for me here at Launch and the beginning of my career as a Loan Officer, and I can't wait to see what the future holds!". Everyday is an exciting day at work for Keegan which is something most people can't say, and because of UMBC he now can.
By: Isy Davy
Photo Credit: Malik Gay
Meet Malik Gay, a 2023 graduate of UMBC’s Media and Communication Studies program. After transferring from the University of Hartford, Malik searched for a school that aligned with his athletic and academic goals. What he found at UMBC wasn’t just a degree; it was a supportive, tight-knit community that helped him sharpen his voice, expand his perspective, and explore media as a tool for connection, creativity, and change.
Today, Malik is a Junior Media Buyer at WHITE64, a full-service advertising agency based in Northern Virginia. His role places him at the forefront of campaign execution, collaborating with clients across the DMV area to help them meet strategic advertising goals. It’s a dynamic, fast-paced space where Malik thrives, bringing together data-driven insight and creative thinking to help brands tell the right stories to audiences.
His interest in media didn’t begin after graduation; it was strengthened throughout his time at UMBC. He credits the MCS program for helping him understand the broader impact of media in society and encouraging critical thinking through collaboration and mentorship. “Learning alongside talented peers and being taught by professors who genuinely cared about our success beyond the classroom was invaluable,” Malik shares.
One of the most memorable projects from his time in the program was a media literacy class competition that challenged students to gain as much traction as possible on TikTok in one week. “I may or may not have won!” he jokes. But the real takeaway wasn’t just winning, it was learning how platform algorithms work, creating engaging content, and tapping into trends that resonate with audiences. These are the exact skills he now uses every day in the world of digital media.
That hands-on experience also speaks to a deeper pattern in Malik’s journey: a consistent sense of intention. Malik approaches his work purposefully when managing a group project or strategising with clients. For him, it’s not about producing content just to keep up, it’s about understanding who it’s for, why it matters, and how it can impact.
After graduating, Malik continued to grow personally and professionally by enrolling in UMBC’s Community Leadership Graduate Certificate program. The experience deepened his connection to the Baltimore community and broadened his view of what it means to lead with empathy. “It gave me a fresh perspective on the Baltimore community and reinforced the importance of supporting those around me,” he reflects.
Looking ahead, Malik has his sights set on continued growth, not just within the advertising industry but also in his personal development and community involvement. In the next five years, he hopes to keep evolving in his career, stay curious about new technologies, and give back to others navigating early career challenges. His balance of ambition and community-mindedness makes him a powerful example for current students looking to make a meaningful impact in media.
Malik’s advice is simple but powerful for those still figuring out their path: “Build and nurture relationships within the UMBC community, especially in the MCS department. Your peers and professors are incredible resources, so engage with them, learn from each other, and maintain those connections long after graduation.”
Though still early in his career, Malik has already proven what’s possible when intention meets action. His story reminds us that when used thoughtfully, media can do more than inform or entertain; it can improve lives, build communities, and inspire meaningful change.
By: Rithik Kavanakudy
When Dan Truckenbrodt began his time at UMBC, he started off on an engineering track. However, like many students just starting college, he discovered it wasn’t the right path for him. He soon found the MCS program and decided to give it a shot, as it piqued his interest and seemed to be the best fit from the other majors he had looked at.
“I went into my freshman year on an engineering track but very quickly realized that it was not for me,” Dan recalls. He “eventually attended an intro-level MCS class – if I’m remembering correctly, Dr. Snyder was my professor – I really enjoyed the topics that we covered and the discussions we had in class.” This class would serve as the catalyst for Dan’s MCS career.
Dan would go on to graduate in Winter 2015 with his major in MCS and a minor in English/Writing. Though he wasn’t entirely sure where MCS would lead him when he decided on the major, he didn’t let that stop him from immersing himself and taking away key skills that would one day prove to be useful. One of his favorites was learning to create and do voiceover for stop-motion videos, which he did for an MCS assignment.
“The assignment was to create a presentation discussing one of your favorite pieces of technology, but I decided I wanted to take it further than just a PowerPoint presentation. It was a lot of work for just a 1-2 minute video, but I was super happy with how it turned out.” He explains that he had fun going through the process of compiling photos and putting them together and putting a voice over to create a finished product.
Today, Dan is working as a project manager at a web agency in Baltimore that specializes in building websites for high-end clients, as well as museums, cultural institutions, and some multinational corporations. Recently, they won a Webby for one of the sites they had produced. Before this position, he was working as a marketing manager at a publishing company for 5 years here in Baltimore.
For Dan, career goals can be defined in two ways: where one looks at job titles/positions and the money they earn, and the other looks at what one gets out of their career. He goes on to note that “a solid work-life balance, finding satisfaction in the work you do, and having great coworkers that make your days enjoyable are all things that I find myself placing greater importance on. I still want to make money! But, I also want to have an enjoyable time doing it, too.”
Going back to skills, Dan recommends that students focus on gaining skills in communication and personability. “So much of media, comms, marketing, and management jobs are people-facing, and being able to effectively communicate is extraordinarily important.” He goes on to note how many other technical and job-specific skills can be picked up along the way, but that being able to communicate effectively is one of the most important.
For new MCS students, Dan notes that one of his regrets was not doing more internships when he had the chance. “Internships can really open the door to so many more opportunities and connections post-graduation that you otherwise will have to work 10x harder for.” He adds that they are a great way to see the working world and potential fields of interest to work towards. One of Dan’s bigger regrets was not planning to do study abroad earlier in his academic career before it became too late. Studying abroad can allow students to explore and experience the world outside of their home countries.
Despite these regrets, UMBC still helped to shape Dan’s career in tangible ways. He was able to make connections with some of the hiring managers at some of the jobs he’s worked at after he noticed they were UMBC alumni, and thus mentioned that in his cover letters to them. He also notes that he got his first office job through a friend he had met at UMBC.
The process to Dan’s current role was, as he describes as “Unusual?”. He continued working at his restaurant job for several months until he got the aforementioned job from his friend, with which he started to build up his resume. He goes on saying, “After leaving that job and taking a bit of time off to do some post-education soul searching, I found my way into the marketing and publishing world by happenstance.”
Outside of work, Dan enjoys a multitude of hobbies. “I’ve always been into photography, that’s a bit of a mainstay in my life. Last year, I bought a super-telephoto lens, so I’ve been getting more into bird photography recently.” Dan also loves to travel, for which he has a few trips planned for this year, as well as partake in pottery classes, which he's done for 2 years now.
Dan does not forget about his time at UMBC. When asked about his favorite memory, he jokes, “Graduation day? No only (half) kidding. Honestly, just walking around campus, especially on nice spring days,” He explains how it wasn’t something he truly appreciated until after he had graduated.
Dan most often consumes media through social media, “though I don’t love that that's the case.” A fun fact about Dan is that he has officiated a friend’s wedding and recommends it to those who have the opportunity.
By: Marilin Argueta-Osorio
Photo Credit: Noël Johnson
Meet Dan Glennon, a Winter 2023 graduate who has built himself quite a resume! He was a stagehand for IATSE Local 19 union, a marketing representative at Maryland Live!, and a department manager at a Magic the Gathering card store. Dan is someone you can’t box in and has definitely broken into the industry in an unconventional way. Let’s dive deeper into how all his experiences made him who he is today.
Q: You've worn many hats throughout the years, do you have a favorite out of the many positions you've had?
First off, thank you for choosing me for the profile. I am honored to be a part of the UMBC MCS family. Secondly, I am throwing professional decorum out the window. You're interviewing a comedian. But every job I have had has its moments. I thought it was cool giving away a Batmobile at the casino. Crashing weddings as a DJ Assistant made for great people watching. It was fun being able to stay at Warped Tour after I spent three hours helping to build it. But the one that sticks with me the most was when I was 19, I worked at a Magic: the Gathering card store. The owner was only six months older than me so we both had a crash course in how to run a business. I had to run events for 30+ people every day while running the store front and managing inventory. My hair was on fire but I loved it. I thrived in the chaos and it is largely responsible for my ability to operate under pressure.
Q: Do you have a favorite memory of working as a department manager at a Magic the Gathering card store?
One memory that sticks out to me is helping my friend Brittany build her first deck. I helped her personalize it, find cards she liked, and made sure the deck actually did what it wanted to do. The reason this one sticks out is because Brittany became a community mainstay, working at several of the area shops over the years. It leaves me a little warm, fuzzy feeling.
Q: Congrats on graduating! Rejoining the college scene as an older adult, did you face any challenges? You also mentioned you finished school during COVID, can you give us an insight into what a daily life would be as a college student during this time?
Woah now, let’s relax on the “older adult” thing. Take my word for it; we aren’t going to be “old” for a long time. You’ll understand what I mean later. But I digress. When I went back to school in 2021, I actually felt like I was the perfect age for me to finish school. I felt like I had the insight (and courage) to lead a class and provoke meaningful discussions. I wasn’t scared to ask questions anymore and I am not so much older that I had nothing in common with my classmates. I mean, I also have YouTube Premium… A day in the life of a COVID student was waking up five minutes before class, turning on your computer, joining the class, and then listening in while doing laundry. The challenge was finding a way to keep myself on track when every day felt the exact same. COVID, amirite?
Q: What drew you to pursue Media and Communication Studies instead of another art-related major? Did you pursue any minors while at UMBC?
As much of a creative person as I am, I wouldn’t call myself an “artist” per say. I think of myself much more as a designer. I don’t have the steady hand to paint or sculpt (I know, it’s ironic given I do graffiti but I’ll get there) but I have an eye for aesthetics. I chose MCS though because my curiosity was sated by the broad curriculum and my creativity was embraced by using media to create. I may not have a steady hand but I know when to time a sound drop or do a quick cut to build tension in a film. It’s also fun feeling like the smartest person at parties.
Q: What was your favorite MCS class to take? What made this class memorable?
My favorite MCS class was 333. While I had the most personally fulfilling experience writing my senior capstone, 333 with Loviglio was a blast. He would give us free reign to discuss topics and somehow, he found a way to bring it back full circle. 333 helped me zoom out on issues and see how a web of interconnected variables affects everything in our daily lives.
Q: You also took the MCS 480 course, do you have a favorite memory or piece of work?
Back in my day (shakes fist angrily at the sky) it was called 370! But I really enjoyed the class. I am really proud of the editing I did for our video campaign (I think it's running this semester, actually). I really embraced the full access to media to create with. I have made videos before but never with material that I was there to actually help shoot. It was also helpful to see when we needed more B-Roll for the video and we just had to go shoot more. Our team heard me and got the clips to me that same day. It also taught me that there is only so much creative control I have or should exert on a project. I get a great sense of satisfaction when I can mix added audio to perfectly synchronize with what is on screen. One video, Sophia said "stop, stop, stop" right as the music took a half-beat rest. The guitars kick back in the same moment that she begins to speak again. Seeing it play back felt like putting a shirt on straight out of the dryer. I also interviewed Dr. Loviglio on a lot of media theory stuff. I aimed for a GQ style interview, with a mix of narrative and transcript. I challenged him to explain Marshall McLuhan's "the medium is the message" in under 60 seconds. He did it in 48. I also learned that if you are planning a GQ style interview, with a mix of narrative and transcript, make sure to hit the record button…
Q: How did you get into graffiti? What is one piece that you enjoyed making through this art channel?
How did I get into graffiti… How do I say this without snitching on myself… When I was younger, I was a degenerate. I’d sneak into abandoned places and throw up my tag. Part of it was leaving a mark. Part of it was being a rebel. But also, using spray paint is fun! I think it is because of my attachment to urban/punk culture mixed with the freedom I was given. I knew I wasn’t going to paint a beautiful mural but I liked changing the way letters look to make shapes and designs. Graffiti showed me that you don’t need much to create something awesome. I actually drew the lettering on our podcast logo by hand and then put the border on Photoshop later.
Q: At the end, you note that you felt more prepared after graduation, what course(s) do you think prepped you the most for graduate life?
I wouldn’t say any particular course made me feel more prepared than any other class but when each of them was layered on top of one another, the interconnectedness of the world just made more sense. I think about it like this; Every mundane action or object is really [redacted] complicated but we have learned to explain simply. And if all else fails, just shrug and blame capitalism. Oh and I use words real good now too. Weird, right? Related note, I hope my wit and obvious sarcasm at times is coming through in these answers.
Q: What advice do you have for students graduating this year looking for jobs?
My advice is to be creative, stand out, and find jobs on Indeed you can apply to without using Indeed. Yes. I mean going for a drive. And yes, it sucks when you prove all of the out-of-touch people right by "knockin' on doors." But the job market is dismal and job hunting is a soul-sucking endeavor. You are training your ChatGPT to tailor your resume to fight against their AI job filtering. Oh, and then there's the "fake jobs" that are listed just to appear that a company is hiring only to take the listing down three days later. I had over 100 cover letters in a folder. I was so done with it all. The professional training we receive during our four years is invaluable. Professionalism is essential; but that doesn't mean that it has to be boring. So I decided to break the rules. I created a themed gift box, placed my resume inside, addressed it to the hiring manager, and dropped it off at their office. I received a call two hours later asking for an interview and an offer after that single interview. You only have to get lucky once. And I'll take lucky over good every time.
Q: Can you tell us more about the company you work for and the position you hold?
So I work at The Commercial Group, which is the parent company to Commercial Construction, Utilities, and Interiors. Basically, if you wanted to build something from a pile of dirt to a shiny new building, we could do it all for you. You’ve seen our work. We build Maryland Live! Casino. I am their marketing and communications coordinator so I do a lot of what you are doing in 480! I write monthly newsletters, post social media content, design proposal layouts and marketing materials. My boss encourages me to take creative liberties designing things because she appreciates my eye so much. I am even going to job sites with a DSLR camera to get promotional material. It’s cool to see my work get incorporated into something that is trying to achieve something so great. I designed the presentation we made to a big company for a multi-million dollar contract last month. Was I the one breaking down pre construction budgets and how OSHA rules will apply to the site? Nope. But goddamn does that presentation look slick. We were awarded the contract. It must have been the background.
Q: What has been your favorite written material from your comedy jokes series? Where do you perform?
I perform several nights a week out throughout Baltimore. You can always catch me at The Manor on North Charles Street every Thursday at 8:00 for sure. A favorite joke that would work in written form? Hmm… This is a little harder to do because they are performative by nature but I'll type out some of my lines.
“ So I got my first career job out of college and it even has benefits! One of which is a salary! It's bizarre for me to be in a situation where I am not worried about bills; just complaining about them. But I know what it is like to be broke. Has your credit ever gotten so bad that you stop getting pre-approved credit cards in the mail? I was so broke that I was DoorDashing... Got shot at... And continued to DoorDash... Not in general... The very same delivery. So when I go to knock on the door and the guy comes down, he asks why I am shaking and I told him that I just got shot at. So he takes the food and says to wait right there. So I do. Because I'm stupid. And he comes back down with his own gun and says that I'm gonna get out of there alright. I learned that you can earn a lot of loyalty from someone by bringing them tacos at two in the morning. That man was ready to commit a felony for me."
Q: Lastly, is there any other fun fact that you would like us to know about you?
Anything else… Hmm… Oh! Check out the podcast my friend and I do called “The Flood with Doc & Ziggy.” We take the news happening around us and how it shapes the culture that defines us with our pop perspective to put culture in context and make the mainstream make sense.
By: Kendall Blunt
Photo Credit: Abel Communications
Madeline Arbutus, a graduate of 2022, holds her dual B.A. in Media and Communication Studies as well as Visual Arts with a focus on Graphic Design. She also completed a minor in Art History and Museum Studies while at UMBC. During her time here, she combined her passion for theory and design working in roles that pushed her forward in her journey. Being a Production Manager at The Retriever (UMBC’s newspaper) taught her key skills like meeting deadlines and working collaboratively, while also growing her love for typography and print layouts. Additionally, working as Curatorial Assistant at UMBC’s Center for Art, Design and Visual Culture was equally as formative of an experience. Madeline was exposed to concepts like accessible design, a process that considers people with disabilities when creating something, a passion she would keep even after graduation. These experiences, along with the mentorship of Dr. Loviglio, Sandra Abbott, Peggy Re, and Guenet Abraham in both MCS and Visual Arts helped develop her critical thinking, collaborative skills, and creative instinct that has shaped her career.
Currently, Madeline works as a Graphic Designer at Abel Communications, a small, Baltimore-based PR firm. As a part of the creative team, Madeline tackles a range of projects ranging from logo creation and campaign development to video editing and accessibility audits. Within her role, she enjoys studying new and trending design styles and incorporating them into her work, as well as working on mastering tools like Adobe Suite, which can be challenging, but worth it to elevate her designs. Reflecting on her work, Madeline finds the most fulfillment in using visual problem-solving to communicate ideas effectively, allowing messages to resonate with a diverse audience.
When transitioning from UMBC to her career, Madeline recalls having to actively see herself more professionally. She recounts, “It’s easy to discount your skills and experience right out of college (even though you’re qualified and capable), especially when you’re surrounded by people with years in the field. I recognized, however, that clients and coworkers were already coming to me for design help and expertise. That realization was a turning point—if they were taking me seriously, I should take myself seriously.” She also credits her blended education of both theory and practice for contributing to her success post-graduation. Madeline urges current students to take advantage of all the opportunities offered at UMBC, such as researching niche interests, discovering passions, and pursuing projects that align with their values.
While Madeline misses the vibrant community and endless resources UMBC offered, her journey exemplifies what it can mean to successfully move from a degree to a career.
By: Anna Mishonova
Photo Credit: Amanda Winters
What do you miss the most about MCS and UMBC?
The major itself! This was the turning point of the media going from print and television to digital, and we experienced the shift in real time. Dr. Snyder and Dr. Loviglio were truly the most supportive advisors to have in school and they provided all the encouragement I needed throughout my time at UMBC. Also, having a great group of friends going through the same MCS classes together from the beginning through graduation. You always had someone to lean on.
What was your path like at MCS? Was it straightforward or complicated? Did you transfer or have all semesters at UMBC?
I started freshman year as undecided. I had no idea what to major in, if I’m honest, and I went in hoping I would figure it out. I thought about doing the INDS program with a focus on music marketing. Working for a record label always seemed exciting—being behind the scenes fascinated me. Now that I think about it, I think that is how I was introduced to the MCS program. I had met with a counselor about creating an INDS track, and they suggested I look at a couple of the introductory MCS courses. From there, my interest in journalism grew, and I added that as a minor. By sophomore year I had less of the required/generic courses to complete and was able to focus on my newly decided programs.
What were your favorite experiences on campus? What were your favorite and least favorite classes?
My least favorites were easily the required/generic courses you need to complete when starting college. The math and history filler courses especially. God, I could fall asleep just thinking about them. My grades the first year and half weren’t great because I was so bored by the required classes and could not pay attention.
My favorite classes, ironically, ended up being some of my best ones. My grades did a complete 180 once I was able to choose classes I was interested in. Television production with Professor Shrewbridge; Baltimore in film with Dr. Moffitt; News writing with Professor Corbett; all the MCS classes with Drs. Snyder and Loviglio; Rock & Roll music history; and tennis! Our tennis teacher was hilarious. I can’t remember his name, but he made an early morning winter semester class very enjoyable.
Did you have to write your own Capstone project? If yes, do you remember the topic? Did you enjoy the process?
I won’t lie to you – I don't remember. I’m sure I did, and it may have been over 20 pages long. I specifically remember one project being that long. I’d say 90% of my classes at that time revolved around writing papers and I was cranking them out by the dozens. Ten years later and I have NO recollection of what papers I did!!
What are your favorite places on campus?
Back in my day, we got (maybe) the best place on campus… the combo Chick-fil-A Starbucks! It was such an exciting day and was really the best option to kick back and grab a snack. So that has to be one of my favorite places. I also love the pond around the library. When I would get out of class early and walk down the path, heading back to my dorm, it was always so scenic and quiet around there.
What skills did you learn from MCS? Are they useful now?
Examining the media; video editing software; communication and writing skills, to name a few. I use all of these on a regular basis. MCS set the foundation for what I do now. While I’m in the Communications field, my job bounces around from public relations to event planning to researching to interviewing to…. You name it. I really appreciate Dr. Snyder and Dr. Loviglio for providing the variety of classes they did, when the major was still significantly new!
What did you wish the campus had more of when you were a student?
Events! We had Quadmania and the amusement rides; the bonfire; and the occasional performer, and these were all great. But some smaller campus-wide events would have been great. Most of the “small” events were geared towards specific majors or interests, and not something to attract the campus as a whole.
Were you employed on campus? If yes, then where? Did you like it?
I wasn’t employed on campus, but I was President of the Media and Communications Council of Majors. We held meetings for students looking to get involved and also planned a campus-wide event with some industry experts from the print media world. I had three internships during college (off campus) and also worked summers at Merriweather Post Pavilion.
Do you keep connections with any people from your class? Is it easy or hard to keep them?
I made a few good friends from my Media & Communications classes! I stayed in touch with most of them for about a decade. Social media has made it equally easy to keep/lose friends, I think. You can always see what people are up to, but is that really considered friendship?
Are there any personal/work projects you are currently working on or excited about?
My husband and I live in my grandparents’ house. When we moved in in 2015, we renovated the kitchen and bathrooms. During COVID, we finished the basement into a bar and additional living space. Now we are working on an addition that was added in the 70s. It is a complete gut job—everything has been ripped out. This should take a few months! We did 90% of the previous renovations by ourselves. This time we are bringing in some professionals to help.
What do you like to do in your free time?
You mean besides sleep? Mid 30’s are hitting hard and I need all the sleep I can get! Besides that, my love of concerts has been going strong since my teenage years. I should be seeing The Killers, The Struts, and hopefully Glass Animals this summer. My husband and I also love traveling—domestically and internationally!
Do you have any fun plans for this summer?
We’re going to Vegas in August to see The Killers! Hot Fuss reunion show! We may head to Banff, Canada, after that. I’m also planning plenty of beach time for some rest and relaxation.