Here’s a quick glimpse at one of many impressive outcomes HPU graduates achieve.
Name: Riley Ann Smith, Class of 2025
Hometown: Havre de Grace, Maryland
Major: Event Management, minor in Social Media Marketing
Post-graduation plans: Riley has launched her career as an Event and Social Media Coordinator for Baltimore Brewer’s Haven in Baltimore, Maryland. In her role, Riley coordinates and executes all events held between the two brewery brands, as well as the joint brand. Her responsibilities also include managing all social media content to promote the brand, events and products, as well as maintaining open communication with all stakeholders.
How HPU helped you get there: “The Event Management program significantly prepared me for my career by teaching me practical skills in addition to theoretical knowledge that I use daily. During my time in HYPE, HPU’s student-run advertising agency, I learned how to manage social media marketing for a unique brand.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “My most influential mentor at HPU was Dr. Jessica Wiitala, my event management advisor and assistant professor of event management. She encouraged me to dive deeply into the event management industry and discover my passion. Dr. Wiitala also assisted me after graduation by maintaining my persistence and focus in my job search.”
Most impactful moment at HPU: “My most memorable experiences at HPU were my two event management Study Abroad trips in 2023 and 2025. These trips provided me with a deeper understanding of the possibilities in my career. When discussing my college education, these experiences are almost always the ones I share.”
What are the life skills HPU helped you develop that prepared you for long-term success? “HPU instilled in me resilience and the art of connecting with others. My most valuable skill, honed during my time there, is my ability to communicate and network effectively. This skill has proven instrumental in enabling me to accomplish a diverse array of tasks in my career.”
What are the values and virtues HPU’s campus helped you develop that you’ll take with you after graduation? “My HPU experience allowed me to take diverse classes that weren’t solely focused on my major. This broadened my perspective and helped me become a well-rounded individual with a strong education.”
Advice for underclassmen: “My advice would be to make the most of the network while you’re at HPU. This will give you access to a wider range of employers to choose from after graduation.”
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