Some of our Favorite Pulse Stories of 2023
When your job is sharing the stories of a community as wide-ranging as Chatham’s, it can be hard to choose a favorite. After all, there’s almost always something new to learn across our locations and academic programs, and our students, alumni, faculty, and staff are always showing their care and curiosity in their time here.
For members of our Marketing and Communications team who work closely with Pulse@ChathamU, it’s a privilege to showcase these stories. So to close out 2023, we’ve picked a few— and it was tough to narrow them down!— that really made us proud of the work we do.
Mick Stinelli,Writer and Digital Content Specialist:
Mick Stinelli, Writer and Digital Content Specialist
It's been fun to explore the different buildings that make Eden Hall such a forward-thinking campus. Going to the Field Lab for the first time was a real eye-opener. From the recirculating aquaculture lab to the wastewater monitoring station, the Field Lab offers an inspiring peek at what a more sustainable world might look like.
"Problem-Based Learning Puts Students in the Driver's Seat"
For this story, I was able to spend two days in a problem-based learning class with a small group of students pursuing their Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees. Not only did I see how dynamic and effective PBL is, but I got to see students learning real-world skills in real time. It's always heartwarming to hear students like Natalie Marco, DPT ’24, talk firsthand about their passion for helping patients through evidence-based practices and compassionate care.
Rhianna Davis, Social Media Specialist:
Rhianna Davis, Social Media Specialist
I chose this story not only because it was a top 10-performing post on Instagram this term, but it showcases the passion of Chatham Student Government and how they institute real change on campus. Further, the Purple Fridays resolution highlights the overall connectedness of our Chatham community. And who doesn’t love a little school spirit?
“Meet the Chatham Student Elected to His Hometown School Board”
The district in which Eli Majocha serves on the school board neighbors the district I grew up in. Pittsburgh is what I like to call a small-big city, so though not too far from Chatham, it was neat to see that hometown connection reading this profile. But most importantly, I think Eli’s story really exemplifies the values of students here at Chatham: spirited, determined, civilly engaged, etc. I’m glad Eli found his way to Chatham and I wish him continued success!
Sarah C. Hamm, Associate Director, Brand and Content Strategy:
Sarah C. Hamm, Associate Director, Brand and Content Strategy
At Chatham, we see every day that even small sustainability practices can have big impact— from carrying reusable water bottles to reducing food waste by not using trays in Anderson Dining Hall— and how we choose to shop for clothing is no exception. As a fan of thrifting and clothing swaps with a professional background in fashion retail, I love this student-led event and always want to showcase the efforts and ethos behind it. I’m always impressed when students take initiative and create the culture they want to see on campus. Plus, it was fun to share some of the tips I’ve learned as a veteran clothing swapper!
"Food Writing is About so Much More Than What's on Your Plate"
Okay, I’m actually stealing one of Mick’s picks for my own, because I love this piece as both a writer and someone deeply interested in cultural foodways. I was fortunate enough to study with Sherrie Flick while I was pursuing my MFA in Creative Writing from Chatham, and her guidance and feedback were revelatory for me. It felt great to see my once professor and now colleague and friend being praised by current students, and to see those students’ relationships with food and themselves develop and deepen.
Here’s what Mick had to say: “Writers love to talk about writing, and everyone likes to talk about food. But what was most enjoyable about talking to Carter Spires, MAFS ’23, and Nina Katz, MAFS ’23, for this story about a food writing class was hearing them talk about the class in terms of personal growth. As much as the course improved their skill with a pen, it also seemed to give these alums a deeper connection with their own selves. It's a testament to both the power of self-expression and the value of a great professor like Sherrie Flick, the senior lecturer who teaches the class.”
Lirit Gilmore, Student Employee Digital Content Creator:
“This year’s Rachel Carson Conference: Facing the Horrors, Together”
Lirit Gilmore, Student Employee Digital Content Creator
This piece really showcased a project I got to work on this semester, and uplifted the other student organizers who planned the academic conference. As a humanities student, I enjoyed offering my perspective on a conference that really highlights the academics of the department. It had a lot of meaning to me, and I hope that the other organizers felt celebrated through my writing.
“What BIPOC Family Dinner Means to Me”
I really enjoyed writing about the BIPOC family dinners because I’ve really enjoyed spotlighting events on campus that I personally attend and can express my connection to! This piece is also important to me because I recommend BIPOC Dinner to all BIPOC students on campus. Family dinner is so important to many students on campus, myself included. I love all the writing that I get to do for Pulse, and this piece especially showcases an event that's been important to me since I came to Chatham.
