Here’s a quick glimpse at one of many impressive outcomes HPU graduates achieve.
Name: Madelyn Mudd, Class of 2024
Hometown: Newburg, Maryland
Major: Strategic Communication and Theater Performance; minor in Social Media Marketing
Post-graduation plans: Madelyn is starting her career as a Marketing Coordinator at Steven Tanger Center for Performing Arts in Greensboro, North Carolina. Her responsibility as a marketing coordinator include community outreach in the Piedmont Triad and creating partnerships with local businesses and organizations to increase awareness about the Tanger Center, its events and the cultural impact that this venue has on the surrounding area. In addition, Madelyn will also be the lead graphic designer for all marketing materials, serve as an in-person press contact for opening nights and research digital marketing analytics.
How HPU helped you get there: “HPU offered me the opportunity to pursue the best of both worlds – theater and communication. I was able to mold my college career to fit my passions, in addition to getting involved in all sorts of areas on campus, from clubs to honor societies to the Admissions Department. Making the most of every opportunity wasn’t a challenge because HPU pushed me to take advantage of everything in front of me.”
How you used Career & Professional Development: “Dr. Doug Hall with the Office of Career & Professional Development is an incredible resource on campus. After meeting with him about the fears of the unknown after graduation, I found the courage to put myself out there and ask the tough questions about turning an internship into a job offer. His support and validation set me on the path to success as I started my senior year, and I’m forever thankful for that.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “I’ve been impacted by so many professors, including Dr. Doug Brown, Chair and Associate Professor of Theater and Performance; Dr. Jay Putnam, Associate Professor of Theater; Robin Lindner, Professor in the Practice of Communication and Department of Strategic Communication; Matt Jenkins, Assistant Professor of the Practice of Strategic Communication and more. However, my most impactful mentor has to be Holly Raulston, the Communications and Marketing Manager for the David R. Hayworth School of Arts and Design. Her commitment to improving the view of the department and all the work she does behind-the-scenes is absolutely inspiring, and I’m always so grateful that she offered me an internship opportunity during my sophomore year. She gave me lots of projects and responsibilities that taught me how important arts administration is to the success of an organization, and now I’m pursuing that after graduation!”
Most impactful moment at HPU: “My most impactful moment at HPU was my performance in “Silent Sky” during spring semester of my junior year. This experience helped me fall in love with theater again and proved to me that I was on the right path as a dual degree student. The cast of fellow students walked into my life right when I needed them to, and it truly sparked the growth in my own confidence, which is something that is necessary to succeed in any personal or professional environment.”
How has HPU’s inspiring environment contributed to your success? “I truly believe in Dr. Qubein’s words: ‘Higher learning, yes, but higher living, too.’ I have immersed myself in my studies and professional opportunities in so many more ways than I could’ve imagined four years ago. I find myself getting my best work done when I’m sitting on a bench outside Slane Student Center or working in a study room in Cottrell Hall that reminds me of professional office space. It’s an amazing feeling to see friends walk by and smile at you.”
What are the values and virtues HPU’s campus helped you develop that you’ll take with you after graduation? “Community is one of the biggest values that has impacted me on HPU’s campus. Sitting by Slane Starbucks or outside on the swings by Greek Village, you never know who you are going to see or meet. Creating a sense of community wherever you go is important for you and others around you to find comfort in the uncomfortable. I’m looking forward to exposing myself to new surroundings and creating my own community that will hopefully impact my future, as well as others around me.”
Advice for underclassmen: “Learn how to take a break! Some of my biggest doors opened when I slowed down and took it all in. Being busy is important, but knowing how to take care of yourself and support yourself through big challenges and decisions makes you stand out in a crowd.”
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