Bellisario College Fellows

Bellisario College Fellows celebrate during commencement exercises in May 2024.
The Bellisario College Fellows program provides a transformational learning experience for students, helping them meet and network with alumni and industry leaders while engaging them to serve as ambassadors for the Bellisario College and Penn State. The goals of the Bellisario Fellows Program are to recognize and reward outstanding, high-achieving students and provide opportunities for service, scholarship, and professional development.

Students selected as Bellisario College Fellows will have the opportunity to participate in activities such as interacting with alumni and industry leaders, mentoring first-year students, attending professional or academic conferences, participating in Penn State’s Undergraduate Exhibition, attending roundtables with distinguished visitors, dinner with Deans of the Bellisario College, outreach for recruiting high school students, and teambuilding exercises. Students selected as Fellows also receive an annual scholarship and the opportunity to apply for enrichments funds.
Candidates are evaluated on their academic performance, demonstrated interest in career development, involvement in the Bellisario College and campus media opportunities, and potential to become notable stewards to the Bellisario College.
Current Bellisario College Fellows

Campus clubs/organizations: American Advertising Federation National Student Advertising Competition, Penn State Entrepreneurship & Innovation Minor, ENGR 310: Entrepreneurial Leadership, Mentor, Bellisario College Peer Mentors; Trilogy Benefitting THON
What I hope to accomplish as a Fellow: I hope to spread the word about how much I love this college to as many people as I possibly can, whether that be alumni, prospective students, or the world, even! Bellisario has provided me with so many career-building, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that I feel so honored that I am able to pay it forward. Never did I ever think that going into my junior year, I'd land an internship at an agency in The Empire State Building or get to speak with alumni who have my dream career, and that's all because of Bellisario. I am so excited to be a Fellow, and I can't wait to share with everyone how much I love this college!

Campus clubs/organizations: Onward State, Penn State Quarterback Club, Association for Women in Sports Media, Delta Zeta
What I hope to accomplish as a Fellow: I want to support students who were once in my shoes, looking for a place to grow and belong. I’m excited to connect with others in the college, gain real-world experience, and keep growing as a storyteller and communicator.

Campus clubs/organizations: CommAgency, American Advertising Federation National Student Advertising Competition, Ad/PR Club, VALLEY Magazine.
What I hope to accomplish as a Fellow: My hope is to be a great representative of the college for prospective students, current students and for alumni. I truly couldn’t imagine where I would be without all the opportunities provided by the Bellisario College, and I am grateful forthem, which is why I want to share my love and passion for this incredible school with anyone I possibly can.

Campus clubs/organizations: Association for Women in Sports Media, Kappa Kappa Gamma
What I hope to accomplish as a Fellow: I hope to be an outlet for potential new students who are deciding whether to join the Bellisario College. I want to be the older sister/sibling I didn't have during my commitment process. I want to leave an impact and be an example of the great things the Bellisario College does.

Campus clubs/organizations: Western Equestrian Team, Public Relations Student Society of America, Ad/PR Club
What I hope to accomplish as a Fellow: I look forward to learningfrom alumni and sharing my love for the college with younger students. It is an honor to have the opportunity to represent Bellisario in the broader community and I hope to continue to grow its reputation as one of the top communications programs.

Campus clubs/organizations: PSN-TV Culture Central, Penn State Football, Bellisario College Peer Mentor
What I hope to accomplish as a Fellow: I am dedicated to supporting and promoting the representation of minority communities in our college. My goal is to offer mentorship to my peers and cultivate a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for new students and their families.

Campus clubs/organizations: CommAgency (Video Department), Delta Kappa Alpha (Cinematic Society), PSN-TV Nittany Talk, 46 LIVE
What I hope to accomplish as a Fellow: My goal is to raise awareness about the importance and impact of careers in communications, while addressing any stigmas surrounding the viability of these jobs after graduation. With the right mindset, a strong work ethic, and the incredible support system and resources provided by the Bellisario College, I believe any student can achieve remarkable things.

Campus clubs/organizations: University Faculty Senate, Bellisario College Student Council, Bellisario College Peer Mentor, CommAgency, The Daily Collegian, Delta Kappa Alpha Phi Eta Sigma Freshman Honor Society, Penn State Club Swimming
What I hope to accomplish as a Fellow: I hope to bring the college and its fantastic student organizations together through more networking and showcase events. Everyone in the college is bringing their best, most creative ideas to a diverse array of media projects and I want to celebrate this diversity of perspectives. As a Bellisario Fellow, my goal is to uncover commonalities between different groups while still highlighting our differences. I hope to facilitate this collaboration through moreprofessional and career development workshops.

Campus clubs/organizations: Centre Film Festival Club, Student Film Organization, Penn State Blue Band, Bellisario College Student Council, Center for the Performing Arts Student Advisory Council, Entrepreneurship Ambassador
What I hope to accomplish as a Fellow: I hope to continue to foster the growth of other students in both the academic and professional setting. I want to continue to build an environment where all feel welcome and free to follow their dreams!

Campus clubs/organizations: PSN-TV Culture Central, Bellisario College Peer Mentor, CommAgency, 46 LIVE, Centre Film Festival Club
What I hope to accomplish as a Fellow: I hope to gain further connections and do what I can to represent minorities in Belisario. I hope to make those around me feel heard and to do what I can to assist my community.

Campus clubs/organizations: Association for Women in Sports Media, Penn State Athletics, Penn State Sports Night, Teammates for Life, CommRadio, Schreyer Honors College
What I hope to accomplish as a Fellow: I want to show others how great this program is that Penn State provides. I've had the chance to do unimaginable things in just my first twi years, and I want others to recognize the opportunities they can earn if they come here. I also want younger students to know I'm here as a resource if they ever need help or guidance. I want to assist my peers in any way I possibly can.

Campus clubs/organizations: Review of Politics and Media, The Daily Collegian, Penn State Network News, CommAgency, CommRadio, The News Lab, Kappa Alpha Theta
What I hope to accomplish as a Fellow: I hope to build relationships with alumni and journalism professionals. I want to grow beyond the classroom and learn from those who have built successful careers in the field. I also look forward to connecting with other Fellows and students across the Bellisario College. Through this program, I aim to represent the college with pride and contribute to a positive culture where students uplift one another as the next generation of media professionals!

Campus clubs/organizations: Culture Central, Association of Women in Sports Media, Penn State Network News
What I hope to accomplish as a Fellow: I hope to grow not only as a journalist and storyteller but also as a leader and role model for students entering this field. I’ve been fortunate to gain incredible hands-on experience through Penn State Network TV, State Media, and internships, and I want to pay that forward by mentoring younger students who are just starting their journey. Whether it’s offering guidance on their first script, helping them get comfortable on camera, or just being someone they can go to for advice, I want to help others feel confident and excited about their path in media. This fellowship is an opportunity to continue building my skills while also helping others rise alongside me.

Campus clubs/organizations: CommRadio, John Curley Center for Sports Journalism, After the Whistle, Penn State Sports Night
What I hope to accomplish as a Fellow: I hope to help acclimate students to balancing college life with maximizing the opportunities that the Bellisario College offers. I want to be a resource and support system for those who want to get the most of their college experience and feel like they belong here as much my peers have done for me!

Campus clubs/organizations: CommAgency, Media Center Tour Guide, 46 LIVE, Centre County Report, Delta Kappa Alpha, Penn State Athletics Production, PSN-TV
What I hope to accomplish as a Fellow: I hope to give back to Bellisario College after all that it has given me. I want to motivate new students to get involved with the numerous extracurriculars offered, encouraging them to become a part of the community. Along with presenting these opportunities for growth, I want to be a resource to my peers by being a go to person that is there to assist with any career advice or needs in the college.

Campus clubs/organizations: Student Programming Association, 46 LIVE ,Schreyer Honors College Orientation (SHO TIME), Center for Economic and Community Development, Underrepresented Perspectives Lab, Schreyer For Women, South Asian Student Association
What I hope to accomplish as a Fellow: One of the most appealing parts about this program to me was the ability to advocate for and be an ambassador for the college, especially to first-year students and high school students. Mentoring is a really rewarding experience, something I stand to gain from just as much as the person I am mentoring. As a Bellisario College Fellow, I'll enjoy the mentorship aspect the most, and I hope to be doing a lot of it.

Campus clubs/organizations: CommRadio, CommAgency, 46 LIVE, Assistive Technology Club, Presidential Leadership Academy
What I hope to accomplish as a Fellow: I hope to encourage prospective students to see all the opportunities the Bellisario College provides.



Bellisario College Fellows
-- SPRING 2025--
Advertising/Public Relations: Cassidi Greendonor, Chloe Guzman, Alyson Eaton
Film Production: Brady Best
Journalism: Annelise Hanson, Jezenia Marrero, Jack Rachinsky
Telecommunications: Tanvi Joshi, Jake McGlinchey, Sarah Taylor
-- SPRING 2024--
Advertising/Public Relations: Lucy Bickel, Danielle Sanois, Ella Rosloniec
Film Production: Charles Irvin, Sydney Stewart, Gabby Wong
Journalism: Abby Chachoute, Cailey Thalman
Telecommunications: Danyel Primus, Nick Volpe
-- SPRING 2023 --
Advertising/Public Relations: Cerrena Lewis, Davis Yoshitani
Film Production: Liana Simmons
Journalism: McKenna Wall, Carlos Garcia
Media Studies: Jenna Meleedy
Telecommunications and Media Industries: Mitchell Scordo
-- SPRING 2022 --
Advertising/Public Relations: Emily Eng, Lauren Groff, Kathryn Tague
Film Production: Ryan Manuud, Abby Tarpey
Journalism: Destiny Sanchez
-- FALL 2021 --
Advertising/Public Relations: Catherine Cao (South Setauket, New York), Sara Harkins (Kennett Square, Pennsylvania)
Journalism: Maryah Burney (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania), Preston Shoemaker (Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania), Megan Swift (Murrysville, Pennsylvania)
Telecommunications and Media Industries: Jodi Norton (Ellington, Connecticut),
-- FALL 2020 --
Advertising/Public Relations: Isabella Granada (Stanhope, New Jersey), Kaitlin-Jean Noel (East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania)
Film Production: Chris Alderfer (Schwenksville, Pennsylvania)
Journalism: Jade Campos (Caroline County, Virginia), Kira Mohr (Boston), Luke Vargas (Covington, Louisiana)
-- FALL 2019 --
Advertising/Public Relations: Jillian Beitter (Long Island, New York), Christina Chambers (West Chester, Pennsylvania) and Nina Trach (South Brunswick, New Jersey)
Film-Video: Katie Gergel (West Chester, Pennsylvania), Jake Jurich (Ashburn, Virginia) and Jacob Saar (Etters, Pennsylvania)
Journalism: Maddie Biertempfel (Pittsburgh), Dejanae Gibson (Clarksville, Tennessee) and Josh Starr (Broomall, Pennsylvania)
Media Studies: Dominika Brice (Stamford, Connecticut)
Telecommunications: Skylier Smith (Cleveland)
-- FALL 2018 --
Advertising/Public Relations: Christina Chambers (West Chester, Pennsylvania) and Taylor Harrington (Westport, Connecticut)
Film-Video: Katie Gergel (West Chester, Pennsylvania) Peter Rivera (Land O’Lakes, Florida)
Journalism: Maddie Biertempfel (Pittsburgh) and Alison Kuznitz (Trumbull, Connecticut)
Media Studies: Bennett Nesley (Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania) and Ellis Stump (Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania)
Telecommunications: Andrea Melgar (Pahrump, Nevada) and Meghan Shiels (Julian, Pennsylvania)