Alexis Aulepp

In high school, I was given the advice to follow my passion – not my paycheck – when choosing a degree and, subsequently, a career. Taking this advice, I began my time at the University of Michigan planning to double major in English and Communication Studies, and I ultimately graduated with a major in Communication and Media and a minor in Writing. Looking back, I know I made the right decision. From my time as a COMM student, I will carry forward memories of great friends, dynamic classes, and inspiring professors and GSIs. At all levels, both my instructors and my peers have taught me not only practical knowledge about a subject we love, but also ways of thinking that will be important to the future study, creation, and innovation of communication and media on all scales. Thank you all for coming on this journey with me, best of luck, and Go Blue!

Hannah Brauer

The COMM department has helped me bridge the gap between my creative writing background and today’s digital landscape. As I pursue a career in journalism, I look back at the core classes that have helped establish a foundation for the work I’m looking to do, including Whiteness in the Media with Jamie Moshin, Environmental Communication with Sol Hart, and Digital Media Foundations with Christian Sandvig. All of my professors have facilitated my growth over the last four years and prepared me in my search for meaningful stories within the world, and have equipped me with both the theoretical and technical knowledge to tell them well. Congratulations to my fellow Communication & Media graduates!

Ivàn X. Gutièrrez

Briana Johnson

I want to give a big thank you to the Communication and Media department for giving me so many great opportunities and introducing me to so many hilarious, warmhearted people. As my Comm class sizes began dwindling down, I had the ability to get closer to people who shared some of my favorite interests in television and movies. Katherine Sender’s Television and Media class not only gauged my interest in television production, but brought me three wonderful individuals: MaryRose Clark, Alex Bowman, and Ryan Makuch. Being able to develop our own pilot episodes together really showed how creative and unique these individuals are, and displayed the importance of storytelling. I was able to learn from some of the most passionate, caring professors, like Jimmy Draper and Kristen Harrison, to name a few. I’m equally thankful to the department for giving me the opportunity to meet Heather Kadin through the shadowing program. I got to travel to L.A. and meet with Hollywood executives and producers, and experience what it’s like to work in production. It was an experience I’ll never forget; the trip solidified my goal to pursue media content development. Congratulations to the Class of 2020, and good luck to everyone on their future endeavors. Forever, Go Blue!

Mary Jo Kelly

Thank you so much to everyone in the Communication & Media department for your help and support over the years. A special thanks to Jan Van den Bulck, who really helped me discover my love for research in UROP and has continued to support me throughout my thesis work. I came to Michigan wanting to be a Comm major, but I didn’t know that I would enjoy my classes so much or meet such wonderful people. I’ve treasured each experience that I’ve had in the Comm department. Also, thank you so much to my family! Forever, go blue!

Caeli Lacroix

I will always cherish my amazing experience and all the people I’ve met on my journey through the Communication and Media Program. Forever Go Blue!

Ally Loisel

I came to the University of Michigan knowing that I would study Communication and Media. I did not know, however, that my professors, GSIs, and peers would make me look forward to going to class everyday. Though switching to remote learning has been a challenge, my instructors have been nothing but helpful, kind, and compassionate. I look forward to working in Communication and Media, and to maintaining connections that I made at the University. Specifically, I would like to thank my GSI Jillian Gray and professors Kristen Harrison and Jamie Moshin for making my time at the University the best it could be. Go Blue!

Sarah O'Donnell

I’ve absolutely loved my time on campus as a Michigan Wolverine! One of my favorite experiences was being a Communication and Media student and becoming involved with MCMP and the Fellows program. Thank you to the professors, mentors, and friends who made my Michigan experience so great. And a BIG thank you to my family -- I couldn’t have done it without you!

Danielle Pasekoff

I honestly don’t know what to say to show how grateful I am for the Communication & Media department and the impact it has had on my college career! I’m one of those few students that came into college with the same major they graduated with, so I had the opportunity to work within the department for all of my college career. I got to learn so much from the best faculty and professors, met amazing friends and peers through MCMP, and gave back to my major as a Comm Fellow this year. Getting to work with representatives from top PR and marketing firms, traveling to Chicago for a trip lasting less than 24 hours, and sitting in the North Quad conference room conducting e-board interviews over Panera are just some of the great memories I have from these past 3 years. I’ll miss everyone incredibly much, and although I am sad to be graduating, I know the department will continue to thrive long after I’ve left. Thank you for everything, and forever go blue!

Katherine Reid

To all the amazing faculty and staff in the Communications and Media department, thank you for fascinating lectures, thought-provoking assignments, and your endless support. I was unsure about what I wanted to study at the beginning of college, but the more time I spent in COMM classes, the more confident and excited I felt about choosing this as my major. Between writing essays about my favorite shows and studying the social media I use everyday, I can honestly say I never enjoyed schoolwork more.

To my fellow seniors and Communications majors, congratulations on all you have accomplished! Wishing you all the best of luck in post-grad endeavours. I cannot wait to see where we all end up as alum of this amazing university. Forever and always, Go Blue!

Anushka Tiwari

Deciding on my Communications major well into Sophomore Year is perhaps the best decision I made in my undergraduate journey. The department made the curriculum so engaging, thought-provoking and conversational that I would look forward to my daily classes and maybe go overboard with my prep!

From Professor Collings’ insightful discussions on his career experiences to Professor Jimmy’s innovative and simplified lectures that really gave perspective, to Professor Ariel’s meticulously structured and profoundly stimulating classes- I have taken great inspiration from the Communications and Media Faculty!

Stacie Vaughn

After jumping into the new world of college and changing my path a few times along the way, I found a transformative place to call home for the past four years. I have been given incredible opportunities during my time here at Michigan which have challenged and excited me, such as the coursework for my major and minor, on-campus employment with the University Career Center, a summer internship in Barcelona, Spain, involvement with University Housing as an RA and my position within Recreational Sports on-campus. As an involved student, I have gained much through my experiences and am excited to see where all of my hard work over the past few years lands me next!

Molly Wyett

Thank you to the Communication and Media department for providing so many great opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom. Thank you to my family who helped me to achieve my dreams and goals. And a big thank you to my friends and professors who made my experience at Michigan so amazing and memorable. I am excited to see what the future holds! Congratulations everyone!

Fangwei Zhao

The time to say goodbye finally comes, unsurprising but also unexpected. I remember that class in my junior year like it was yesterday when the instructor asked us to imagine the graduation feeling. Looking back, I cherish every memory I spent here. I would like to give a huge thanks to Professor Katherine Sender, who I consider a good friend and takes me on the journey of doing research, and Professor Scott Campbell, my thesis advisor who has always been energetic and inspiring. I also appreciate the support and help from my friends, GSIs and other faculties. Congratulations to all my fellow graduates! I wish you all the best of luck, and Go Blue!