Meet the 2006
Communications Fellows

Each fall, the School of Communications welcomes a new class of Fellows. Here you can meet the 2006 Fellows:

Michael Allen is from Coral Springs, Fla., the third of four children. He has been involved in student government, debate, school news programs and Ultimate Frisbee in high school. At Elon, he is involved in West Area Council, Cinelon and FreshTV. Michael plans to develop his skills in video editing and film directing, and hopes one day to produce and direct his own films.

Kaitlin Carlin is from Williamsburg, Va. As the editor of her high school yearbook and editorial director of her high school paper, Kaitlin is passionate about journalism and writing. While at Elon, she plans to follow this enthusiasm in either corporate communications or print journalism. “I joke that I could convince anyone to come to Elon—I’m so happy here. A lot of that is thanks to the Fellows Program and a really dynamic School of Communications. There are so many opportunities—even for freshmen,” Kaitlin added. She is currently involved in FreshTV and plans to write for Traxx and The Pendulum. She also enjoys being a part of the local community as an America Reads tutor. In the future, be it at a newspaper or magazine, Kaitlin hopes to pursue in-depth journalism. “I want to tell a story and make a difference to someone. If I can make my readers feel something, I’ve done my job.”

Margeaux Corby is from Pasadena, Md. She is already a reporter for the Pendulum, has her own radio show on WSOE 89.3 and is part of the Phoenix14 News staff. "I plan to try everything and take advantage of every opportunity Elon's School of Communications has to offer," she said. Margeaux plans to double major in journalism and biology. She dreams of one day writing articles for National Geographic magazine.

Jenny Cupero is from Cary, N.C., and plans to major in either broadcast or corporate communications and minor in theater. In high school she was a reporter for her school newspaper; was a member of Explorer Post 5, a team of students interested in news sponsored by WRAL-TV; and was in all of her school musicals. At Elon, Jenny is involved in FreshTV and is a reporter for both Phoenix14News and Etc. She also is an active member of PRSSA, RTNDA, RSA, and is the publicity executive for West Area Council. When asked about Elon's School of Communications, Jenny said, "I love how the students and the faculty are so eager to get freshmen involved. They guide you every step of the way and have allowed me to grow and contribute in ways I could have never imagined as a freshman." Her dream job would be an entertainment news anchor or an executive at a brand entertainment PR firm.

Andie Diemer is from Upper Arlington, Ohio. While she is a print journalism major and has always had a knack for writing, she didn't discover her passion for journalism until her junior year. She was the news editor of her school's Pacemaker-winning publication, Arlingtonian, and was named Staffer of the Year. At Elon, Andie is writing for the Pendulum and aspires to become an editor. She also is interested in traditional photography and community service. "Journalism allows me to combine my interests while constantly learning and sharing with others," she said. "I'm not sure where it will take me, but I'm so excited to get into the real world and make a difference."

Ashley Dischinger is from Oak Ridge, N.C. She discovered her love for print journalism after working as an editor of her high school newspaper. During her senior year, she interned at a local newspaper. She intends to write for The Pendulum and secure an internship in her upcoming years at Elon. “Elon provides students with unbelievable opportunities to explore their passions, and I would love to take advantage of those opportunities,” she said. Ashley hopes to major in journalism and write for a local paper following graduation.

Hailing from Randolph, N.J., Brandon Echter has been immersed in communications since his childhood. He is a big fan of movies, and has been for all his life -- even to the point of making his own films by the age of 10 ("They were terrible," he admitted). At Randolph High School, Brandon had experience making dramatic and comedic short films, advertisements and even some live productions. Brandon was also columnist for the award-winning Ram-Page, Randolph High School's student newspaper. Brandon is currently an undecided communications major but is leaning toward both cinema and broadcast. On campus, he is involved in both Phoenix14 and Cinelon.

Meredith Gulley is from Morgantown, W.Va. She is majoring in broadcast communications and considering a double major in religious studies. On campus she participates in Fresh TV, Cinelon and “Phoenix14News.” She is not completely sure what she wants to do yet, but hopes to travel to far off places writing and/or filming. At Elon, she intends on both attaining an internship position and studying abroad. “Elon puts out what you put in,” she said. “I plan on taking full advantage of this experience.”

Randy Gyllenhaal, originally from Glenview, Ill., attended high school in Bryn Athyn, Pa. He was the editor of his school's newspaper and worked with a journalist at the New York Times. He plans to major in broadcast journalism. “That’s one of the main reasons I chose Elon,” he said. “Not only is their program outstanding, they also allow freshmen to get heavily involved right off the bat.” During his first semester at Elon, Randy reported for Phoenix14News, and he hopes to become a senior correspondent or station anchor. After graduation he expects to pursue a journalism career. He said, “If I take the opportunities that this school offers now, I can get that dream job of being a reporter in the future.”

  Who is David Koontz? Where’s he from? His answer to this question is always “From? Define ‘from.’” Since his father worked for an oil company, David moved around every four years, each time to a different corner of the world. He has lived in the U.S., Canada, Indonesia, Venezuela and most recently Kuwait. David is ready for a great college career at Elon. As a Journalism and Communications Fellow, he hopes to become a journalist. For now David plans on meeting new people at Elon and exploring his intended career path.

Tess Kukovich is from Arlington, Va. She plans to major in communications with an emphasis on broadcast and new media. In high school, she was the editor of her school newspaper and yearbook, and volunteered for a community television station. She has already begun to work on Phoenix 14 News and plans to do some writing for The Pendulum. “I couldn’t be at a better school to get immediate hands-on experience,” she said.

Dannika Lewis, a native of small town Maryland, is planning to major in broadcast journalism with minors in Spanish and sports and leisure management. Prior to enrolling at Elon as a JCM Fellow, she was heavily involved in her community as the president of her high school’s student government association, a member of National Honors Society, a performer in the chorus and drama program, leader of outreach in a local youth group, and a varsity athlete. The wide range of student activities, the appeal of the campus and the prestige of the communications school led her to Elon. Dannika hopes to pursue her passion for sports by participating on-air for Phoenix14 and eventually the Phoenix Weekly television program. After college, she hopes to be on the sidelines and in the locker room for ESPN covering sports.

Morgan Little has lived up and down the entire Eastern Seaboard. His childhood interests in science have given way to interests in journalism, literature and politics. He attended the National Youth Leadership Forum on Defense, Intelligence, and Diplomacy; and the Summer Scholars program at Washington and Lee University for communications. He has written for various school papers, held a post as a sports writer at the Hunterdon County Democrat and spent innumerable hours tending to people’s clothing needs at Kohls. Morgan spends his time attempting to write the great American novel, listening to as much music as possible and, of course, enjoying every minute at Elon and in the Fellows Program.

Caroline Matthews is from Houston, Texas, and plans to double major in journalism and corporate communications. In high school, she was the editor-in-chief of her newspaper and a four-year varsity swimmer. Caroline loves Elon and participating in its many organizations, including WSOE, ESTV PR, PRSSA, The Pendulum, Trax and Club Swimming. She sees an internship in New York, winter terms abroad in London and Africa, and publishing her own magazine or newspaper in her future. “I’m fanatical about Elon,” she said. “I miss Texas like crazy, but I’ll take beautiful North Carolina days over the awful humidity back home any day!” After graduation, she would like to spend some time working as a philanthropist in Latin America before moving to the East Coast and starting her own publication. ( see Caroline's blog entry on Atlanta trip)

Katie McKee is from Mount Airy, N.C. During high school she was a reporter for her school newspaper and an intern at a local radio station. She is a communications major with a concentration in broadcast. At Elon, Katie is involved in Phoenix 14 News and is part of the Communications Learning Community. She also participates in Habitat for Humanity and club swimming. Katie aspires to be an anchor or reporter for a television network after graduating from Elon.

Samantha Miller is from Solon, Ohio. Samantha is passionate about writing and chose Elon for its impressive reputation in communications education. At Elon, Samantha participates in several organizations, including Phoenix Phanatics and Safe Rides. She also is a thrower on the varsity women’s track team. Samantha originally planned on majoring in journalism but is now considering a career in broadcast as a writer or field producer for CNN.

Lindsey Perdue is from Salisbury, Md. She plans to concentrate on broadcast journalism at Elon. She served as head news anchor for her high school's TV station, and also hosted a local children's TV show for two years. So far at Elon, she has gotten involved as a reporter for Phoenix14News; president of East Area Council; and as a member of Sweet Signatures, Elon's all-female a cappella group. While at Elon, Lindsey plans on completing at least one internship and studying abroad. "I feel that Elon is the best place for me to accomplish my goals and gain the skills I need," she said.

Brett Scuiletti is from New Milford, Conn. He was the editor-in-chief of his high school’s literary magazine, The Piper, and oversaw the digitization of the publication. He aspires to continue working in front of and behind the camera at Elon. “Walt Disney is my inspiration. When I look at the empire he created on his own shoulders, I become determined not to make a difference, but to make the difference, one that really matters,” he said. Brett reports for Phoenix14News, hosts his own radio show, writes for The Pendulum and participates in FreshTV. He hopes to work for network television or for a major film studio after graduation.

Russell Varner is a freshman from Charlotte, N.C., and plans to major in journalism. He lives in the Communications Learning Community, and works for both Phoenix 14 News and The Pendulum, and hopes to soon host his own radio show. In high school, he wrote for the school newspaper and interned for the local minor league hockey team, the Charlotte Checkers. After graduation, he hopes to work for either ESPN or the Charlotte Observer covering the Carolina Panthers. “Sports, especially Carolina Panthers football, are what I live for,” he said. “As long as I can get a job that is somehow related to sports, then I’ll be happy.”

Laura Ward is from Raleigh, N.C., and plans to major in broadcast communications with a minor in Spanish. In high school, Laura was on the crew of her school’s daily news show. For three years she gained experience reporting, directing, and anchoring the show. At Elon, Laura is already reporting for Phoenix 14 News and is also a member of Fresh TV. She lives in the Communication Learning Community, and loves living around people who share her interests and dreams. She is very excited to be at Elon and is pleased with all of the great opportunities and friends the Fellows Program has already provided. She looks forward to one day becoming a reporter for a television station and eventually becoming an anchor. “I know that Elon is the best place to start my career,” Laura said. “I cannot wait to see what the future holds for me.”

Miriam Williamson, from Germantown, Tenn., was editor of her high school yearbook. At Elon, she plans to major in journalism and possibly minor in Spanish. She is involved in FreshTV and SPJ, and hopes to join the Pendulum staff as a copy editor. “Elon offers so many opportunities to experience things that I not only enjoy, but will help me in the future with whatever I decide to do,” she said. She hopes to study abroad at least once and would love to intern at a magazine or newspaper.