ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ

Nick Caputo

Role: Web Design and Development

Nick Caputo is a Literature major with a concentration in creative writing and is looking forward to receiving his bachelor’s degree in the spring of 2021. Always having a love for books and writing, he decided to follow his passion and change majors from Criminal Justice in order to pursue his dream of becoming a published author. With plans of getting into the editing or publishing field, he hopes to eventually get his MFA to help further his education and expertise. In his free time, he likes to write short stories and work on a book series that he hopes will make it as a New York Times Best Seller.

Salena LeDonne

Role: Freelance Writing

Salena LeDonne is a senior at ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Communications Studies and a minor in Writing. She has held positions in professional editorial environments, such as the Press of Atlantic City and ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ’s independent newspaper, The Argo. She has demonstrated her knowledge of the academic writing process through her experience as a Writing Center Tutor at ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ, as well as penning her own blog SincerelySalena.com. When she’s not hunched over a keyboard, you'll find her on the soccer field where she is a captain of the ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ Women’s soccer team. After graduating from ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ in 2021, she hopes to combine her love for creativity and connecting with people through a career that allows her to do both.

Dillon Clark

Role: Freelance Writing

Dillon Clark is a senior Literature major at ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ, concentrating in Creative Writing. He was born and raised in South Jersey and likes to write both fiction and poetry that centers around his relationship to its nature and culture. While at ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ, he has served as the Co-Editor-in-Chief of Stockpot Literary Magazine as well as the Secretary of Literature Club. Previously, he has interned for Murphy Writing of ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ, and he works as a tutor in ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ’s Writing Center. He is currently drafting a chapbook of poetry, and he hopes to use this chapbook to construct a larger collection of his work in the future. After he graduates, he intends to pursue an MFA as well as a PhD to become an English professor. He enjoys all things related to gardening, and his growing collection of succulents has recently reached eighteen. 

Michael Lorge

Role: Freelance Writing

In the midst of a mid-life career change, Michael is enrolled in ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ’s Teacher Education Program and plans to become a high school history teacher in December 2021. After earning an undergraduate degree in Political Science from Rutgers University, he owned and operated a small landscaping business until the degeneration of his hips precipitated this new chapter in his life. He has an insatiable interest in history, philosophy, and language and hopes to impart the same passion in his future students.

Sarahjane Hehre

Role: Freelance Writing

Sarahjane Hehre is a current senior at ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ studying Literature with a minor in Women, Gender, and Sexuality. As a Ventnor City native, Sarahjane is thrilled to be an intern for the 50th Anniversary Project and to learn more about South Jersey’s rich history and its communities. Sarahjane loves the beach, yoga, and reading. She has previous experience with writing and editing internships and plans to further her education in Environmental Studies, eventually working as a researcher and scientific-technical writer. 

Jonathan Porro

Role: Web Design and Development

Jonathan Porro is a senior at ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ majoring in Literature with a concentration in Literary Studies and a minor in Disability Studies. Before getting a position in University Relations & Marketing for the 50th Anniversary Project, he worked in ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ’s Financial Aid office as a project manager for veterans’ affairs. Aside from being a full-time student and writing poetry as a hobby, he works summers farming in Port Republic, NJ. Starting this internship in a massive shift to remote learning, Jonathan is excited to navigate this new landscape.

Kelly Burns

Role: Freelance Writing

Kelly is a senior Literature major with a concentration in Creative Writing and a minor in Holocaust and Genocide Studies. From Brigantine, New Jersey, Kelly enjoys immersing herself in ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ’s rich and growing history and enjoys having the opportunity to be involved and to contribute to the narrative of South Jersey. Kelly is a writing tutor and active member of various organizations across campus, including the Honors Program and Greek life. She plans to graduate in December 2020 and eventually earn her MFA in creative writing to teach college writing classes.

Salena LeDonne

Role: Freelance Writing

Salena LeDonne is a senior at ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Communications Studies and a minor in Writing. She has held positions in professional editorial environments, such as the Press of Atlantic City and ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ’s independent newspaper, The Argo. She has demonstrated her knowledge of the academic writing process through her experience as a Writing Center Tutor at ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ, as well as penning her own blog SincerelySalena.com. When she’s not hunched over a keyboard, you'll find her on the soccer field where she is a captain of the ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ Women’s soccer team. After graduating from ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ in 2021, she hopes to combine her love for creativity and connecting with people through a career that allows her to do both.

Laurie Melchionne

Role: Freelance Writing

From Little Egg Harbor, NJ, Laurie has always considered herself a writer. With a passion for books and storytelling, becoming a Literature major with a concentration in creative writing was the perfect fit when joining ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ in the Fall of 2018. Currently, she is the Assistant Editor for ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ’s independent newspaper, The Argo, where she puts her editing skills to work and enjoys every minute of it. After college, Laurie hopes to be an editor at a major publishing house to have a career surrounded by books, writing, and imagination. 

Gabriella Fiorica

Role: Freelance Writing

Gabriella Fiorica is a literature major at ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ with a concentration in English Secondary Education. Although being a senior, here, at ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ, there is a great deal about the university she has yet to learn. She looks forward to learning more about ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ’s history, community, and development over the years. In her free time, Gabriella loves reading and writing and hopes that as a future teacher, she will inspire students to love and appreciate it as well. 

Emily Fuhrmann

Role: Art

Emily Fuhrmann is a senior at ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ in the visual arts program. She is pursuing her BFA in Photography with a minor in Art History. Emily’s artwork ranges from photography, graphic design, and mixed media installations. She has illustrated a cover for a published book Cancelled, written and designed by her ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ roommate. Emily spends every free moment she has doing what she’s passionate about: making art. She is also starting her own freelance business, OddBugs, where she will provide a multitude of artist services such as painted pet portraits and customized jewelry. After her ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ career, she hopes to receive her MFA and teach art and art history.

Brendan Honick

Role: Web Design and Development

Brendan is a senior at ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts (an individualized major titled Analytical Writing) and a Minor in Holocaust and Genocide Studies. He is the University Relations & Marketing intern for the 50th Anniversary Project, responsible for web design, development, and content creation. After he graduates in May 2020, Brendan plans to attain a Master of Library and Information Science.

Sophia LoPresti

Role: Archival Research

Sophia LoPresti is a senior Historical Studies major and Latin minor at ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ. She spent a semester as an intern for ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ’s Special Collections & Archives and is incredibly excited to be an archival research intern for the 50th Anniversary project. After graduating in May 2020, Sophia hopes to continue her education and earn her Master’s degree while pursuing her dream of being an archivist in Philadelphia. 

Jessica Chamberlain

Role: Freelance Writing & Freelance Coordinating

Jessica Chamberlain is a Literature major at ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ. She grew up in Old Bridge, New Jersey and chose ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ to further indulge herself in the history of South Jersey. She has previously worked as an editing intern, and she is currently an intern for ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ’s Special Collections & Archives. Jessica is also infatuated with social media and public relations: she assists ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ's Literature program with its social media presence on Snapchat. Her favorite works of literature are those written by Charlotte Bronte as well as any other novels written in or about the Victorian Era. In her free time, she enjoys teaching dance as well as watching her favorite television series, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. After graduating in May of 2020, Jessica hopes to continue her work as a writer, editor, or archivist. 

Laurie Melchionne

Role: Freelance Writing

From Little Egg Harbor, NJ, Laurie has always considered herself a writer. With a passion for books and storytelling, becoming a Literature major with a concentration in creative writing was the perfect fit when joining ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ in the Fall of 2018. Currently, she is the Assistant Editor for ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ’s independent newspaper, The Argo, where she puts her editing skills to work and enjoys every minute of it. After college, Laurie hopes to be an editor at a major publishing house to have a career surrounded by books, writing, and imagination. 

Gabriella Fiorica

Role: Freelance Writing

Gabriella Fiorica is a literature major at ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ with a concentration in English Secondary Education. Although being a senior, here, at ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ, there is a great deal about the university she is yet to learn. She looks forward to learning more about ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ’s history, community, and development over the years. In her free time, Gabriella loves reading and writing and hopes that as a future teacher, she will inspire students to love and appreciate it as well. 

CJ Coyle

Role: Video Production/Editing

CJ Coyle is a senior at ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ, and he is a Communications major on the Media Production track. Upon graduation, he hopes to continue his studies in pursuit of a Master’s degree in Media Production. CJ is excited to document the unknown stories of ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ in video this semester. 

Brendan Honick

Role: Web Design and Development

Brendan is a senior at ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts (an individualized major titled Analytical Writing) and a Minor in Holocaust and Genocide Studies. He is the University Relations & Marketing intern for the 50th Anniversary Project, responsible for web design, development, and content creation. After he graduates in May 2020, Brendan plans to attain a Master of Library and Information Science.

Jessica Chamberlain

Role: Archival Research

Jessica Chamberlain is a Literature major at ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ. She grew up in Old Bridge, New Jersey and chose ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ to further indulge herself in the history of South Jersey. She has previously worked as an editing intern, and she is currently an intern for ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ’s Special Collections & Archives. Jessica is also infatuated with social media and public relations: she assists ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ's Literature program with its social media presence on Snapchat. Her favorite works of literature are those written by Charlotte Bronte as well as any other novels written in or about the Victorian Era. In her free time, she enjoys teaching dance as well as watching her favorite television series, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. After graduating in May of 2020, Jessica hopes to continue her work as a writer, editor, or archivist.

CJ Coyle

Role: Video Production/Editing

CJ Coyle is a senior at ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ, and he is a Communications major on the Media Production track. Upon graduation, he hopes to continue his studies in pursuit of a Master’s degree in Media Production. CJ is excited to document the unknown stories of ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ in video this semester. 

Aj Kent

Role: Freelance Writing

Anjanique (Aj) Kent is a graduating senior studying Communications with a Minor in Business Studies. She works as part of the freelance writing team for the ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ's 50th Anniversary Project. In this position, she hopes to learn more about the university and inform others about its history and advancements. Upon graduation, Aj hopes to pursue a career in manufacturing and logistics. 

Gabrielle Bibus

Role: Freelance Writing

Gabrielle (colloquially known as Gabby) Bibus is reprising her role of Freelance Writing Intern for ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ’s 50th Anniversary Internship for Fall 2019. She is a junior at ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ with a double major in Literature (concentration in Literary Studies) and World Languages, and a minor in French. Gabby is an editor for Stockpot Literary Magazine, President of ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ’s all-female a Cappella group Stockata, Presidential Apprentice of Literature Club, and occasionally participates in Asian Student Alliance, Theatre Club, and Pride Alliance whenever she finds the time. She is also an inductee of the collegiate English Honor Society (Sigma Tau Delta), as well an employee of ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ's Office of Student Development and a writing tutor in training. After graduating from ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ in 2021, Gabby plans to pursue a PhD in English or Comparative Literature and become a professor. 

Ashley Collins

Role: Art

Ray Dudo

Role: Web Design and Development

Ray Dudo is a senior at ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ studying Literature with a concentration in Literary Studies. He is also minoring in Writing. Later, Ray plans on studying British Literature in graduate school, but now, he spends most of his time playing instruments in ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ’s musical clubs and events.  Fall 2018 Ray was selected as the Archival intern for the 50th Anniversary Project. During the Spring 2019 term, he will continued working on this project as the Web Content Development Intern. This role included web design, content placement, content creation, copy-editing, and much more. 

Nicholas Georgel

Role: Video Production/Editing

Nicholas Georgel is a senior at ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ majoring in Communication Studies with a concentration in Media Production. Nicholas is participating as the videographer for the ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ 50th Anniversary internship; he is tasked with gathering interviews and archive material to produce short documentaries and artistic pieces for the ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ Stories website. Nicholas has produced and directed several short films during his time at ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ, and hopes to continue to do so in the future. Nicholas also has past experience in theatre performance, music, narrative fiction, and art; all of which contributes to his filmmaking.

Claire Riley

Role: Archival Research

Claire Riley is a senior at ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ, a Literature Major with a minor in Business Studies, who is set to graduate in Spring of 2019 for her Bachelor’s Degree. She was selected for ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ’s 50th Anniversary Project, where she will work closely in the Bjork Library’s Special Collections and Archives. Her responsibilities include incorporating school documents, photographs, and materials retrieved from Special Collections into the upcoming project. In Fall of 2018, Claire was also involved in Professor Kinsella’s editing internship where she conducted valuable research and writing pertaining to South Jersey.

Gabrielle Bibus

Role: Freelance Writing

Gabrielle (colloquially known as Gabby) Bibus is the Spring 2019 Freelance Writing Intern for ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ’s 50th Anniversary Internship. She is a sophomore at ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ University with a double major in Literature (concentration in Literary Studies) and World Languages, and a minor in French. Gabby is an editor for Stockpot Literary Magazine, the Vice President of both Literature Club and ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ’s all-female A Cappella group Stockata, and occasionally participates in Theatre Club and Pride Alliance whenever she finds the time. She is also an inductee of the collegiate English Honor Society, Sigma Tau Delta. After graduating from ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ in 2021, Gabby plans to pursue a PhD in English or Literature and become a professor.

Maggie Martin

Role: Alumni Outreach

Maggie Martin is a graduating senior Communication Studies major with a concentration in Public Relations. She hopes to pursue a career in Higher Education, specifically working in Student Affairs. She has been selected to work on the 50th Anniversary project in the Alumni Affairs department to reach out to graduates of the school and learn more about their ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ story.

Kat Wentzell

Role: Web Design and Development

Kat is a senior at ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ graduating in December 2018. Her major is Communication Studies and her minor is Digital Literacy and Multimedia Studies. Kat's responsibilities as an intern included web design, content creation, and copy editing. She has completed three other internships as well: one as a Digital Editor for SoJourn Magazine, one as a Newsletter Designer/Content Creator for ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ's Communication Program, and another as a photojournalist for Unclear Magazine. Kat is the Assistant Editor of the ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ Argo newspaper, co-founder and PR Consultant/Social Media Manager/Event Coordinator of the ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ Horror Society, and President of the Advertising Club. Kat is also an active volunteer of the Pleasantville Eastern Service Workers Association (ESWA).

Melissa Tucker

Role: Video Production/Editing

Melissa Tucker is the Video Production Intern for the 50^th Anniversary Internship at ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ. She is a senior, and a Communication Studies major with a concentration in Public Relations. She also is pursuing a minor in Writing. Her duties as an intern included reformatting old ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ footage, creating and editing video content for the 50th site, and working closely with the other interns. Since she was a little girl, she has always loved history. Being involved in a project like the 50^th Anniversary of ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ meant a lot to her.  She has absolutely loved her time here and is so excited to see this project come together when ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ celebrates its 50^th year!  

Ray Dudo

Role: Archival Research

Ray Dudo is a senior at ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ studying Literature with a concentration in Literary Studies. He is also minoring in Writing. Later, Ray plans on studying British Literature in graduate school, but now, he spends most of his time playing instruments in ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ’s musical clubs and events.  Fall 2018 Ray was selected as the Archival intern for the 50th Anniversary Project to conduct research in the Special Collections division of the Bjork Library, and his duties included evaluating primary sources such as newspaper clippings, photographs, faculty documents, ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ publications, and much more. He also gathered content for specific projects in the 50th that benefited from photos or research. During the Spring 2019 term, he will continue working on this project as the Web Content Development Intern.

Caroline Linton

Role: Freelance Writing

Caroline Linton is the freelance writing intern for ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ’s 50th anniversary internship. She is a Literature major graduating in Fall 2018. Over the past two and a half years, Caroline has been a member of three organizations. She has been a part of ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ’s Literature club, and completed a one-year term as their treasurer. Caroline has also been a member of ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ’s Horror Society since it’s conception in the Fall of 2017. She has been a Soprano 2 voice-part for ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ’s all-female a cappella group Stockata for five semesters as well. Alongside her clubs, Caroline has also completed a semester as an editing intern for Professor Thomas Kinsella.

Travis Nagiewicz

Role: Alumni Outreach

Travis is a 21-year-old senior at ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ majoring in Communication Studies. Nagiewicz wishes to pursue a career in the public relations field. Since coming to ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ as a freshman, he has found himself very involved in the Greek Community on campus and is the Vice President of his fraternity, Sigma Pi. When he is not helping his fraternity and its endeavors, he can be found illustrating for the ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ Argo newspaper, hanging out with friends, or trying new craft beers and whiskeys. For his part of the Reaching 50 project he worked closely with the office of Alumni and Development.  He reached out to ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ alumni and recorded their stories.

Courtney Stewart

Role: Sourcing Material

Courtney is pursuing her Master’s degree in American Studies at ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ. She was selected as the Graduate Assistant on the 50th Anniversary Project. Courtney was responsible for gathering content and information for the 50th ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ Anniversary project. She was sourcing material from past publications to help lay the foundation for the upcoming 50th project, and was working closely with Dr. Kinsella and Dr. Tompkins to help bridge the gap between the past and the future. In the fall of 2017, Courtney was an intern in the Development & Membership Office at the Museum of the American Revolution. Currently, she works as a substitute teacher and girls’ lacrosse coach. Courtney is also serving this position of the internship in Fall 2018 as well.

Taylor Morelli

Role: Public Relations

Taylor is a senior at ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ studying Communications with a concentration in PR. She was selected for the 50th Anniversary Internship to be in charge of PR for the project. The object was to publicize and promote the history of ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ while creating interest among the community internally and externally. Taylor`s responsibilities included creating a strategic marketing plan, curating content, making and maintaining social media presence. She partnered with ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ`s University and Marketing Relations and worked with the other interns to gather information, photos, stories and testimonials. Taylor works at the Campus Center Information Desk, is involved in Books without Borders and is a member of Alpha Phi Omega Co-Ed Service Fraternity.

Marissa Manzo

Role: Alumni Outreach

Marissa is a senior at ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ and is graduating with her Bachelor’s in Communication Studies. She was selected for ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ’s 50th Anniversary Commemoration Internship to be in charge of alumnae outreach. Marissa's role was to assist in reaching out to alums and keeping them informed about the progress of the 50th Anniversary while asking them specific questions pertaining to the project’s goals. Marissa was partnered with ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ’s Development of Alumni Affairs and was working closely with the other interns also involved in this project. Marissa is involved in Greek life and is a member of Zeta Tau Alpha.

Sarah Galzerano

Role: Web Content Development

Sarah is a senior at ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ and is graduating in the spring of 2018 with a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations and an A.A. in Holocaust and Genocide Studies. Sarah is skilled in research and writing, as well as brainstorming ways to involve students in campus history. Sarah’s responsibilities as an intern included research, meeting with local historians, writing stories, and uploading this content to a new page on ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ’s website. Sarah acts as President of ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ’s Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) and Public Relations Director of ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ STAND: The Student-led Movement to End Mass Atrocities. Sarah was also a Publications and Special Projects intern for the Office of University Relations and Marketing and an editing intern for the South Jersey Culture & History Center (SJCHC). 

Asia Elzey

Role: Video Editing

Asia T. Elzey is a senior at ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ, graduating in May 2018 with a Bachelor's Degree in Communications with a concentration in Advertising and Broadcasting. Asia has excellent command of Final Cut Pro X, Adobe Premiere, iMovie, and more. Her task as an intern was to transfer ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ’s dance program footage from the late 1900s to the early 2000s from DVDs (previously VHS tapes) to Google iCloud, analyze which clips were functional and/or disposable for this specific project, and create a montage for the forthcoming 50th Anniversary website. Asia is also an Office Assistant at ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ’s Career Center and was apart of ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ’s Fashion Club and Summer Video Production Internship in 2017.

Laura Cranwell

Role: Archival Research

Laura Cranwell was chosen to be the Archives Researcher for this project. Cranwell is a Communication Studies major that is concentrated in Media Production. She is a senior that hopes to work for a live TV studio talk show someday. During her time at ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ, she became very involved in the club sport Quidditch, and is now the captain of the team. When she isn't in class or on the pitch, she spends much of her college career exploring the trails of ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ.  Cranwell has won numerous accolades for her talents, and was even chosen to be an emcee of the Spring 2018 COMM Wrap Party.  

Thomas Kinsella

Tom Kinsella arrived at ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ in 1989, when it was still named ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ State College. He teaches in the Literature program and serves as director of ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ's South Jersey Culture & History Center. He has worked alongside Ken Tompkins on many projects; he knew (or still knows) many early faculty members; and he thoroughly enjoys sifting through ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ's past. In this photo, Kinsella is seen standing in ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ's sprayfields. 

Ken Tompkins

After teaching for 50+ years, Ken Tompkins is now drifting towards his dotage. He spends his time with his family’s history, with the 50th Anniversary Project and enhancing his life with new technologies. He is most proud of his multiracial children, his very long marriage and his fifty-year association with ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ.