Laura Trendle Polus has been the news director at Illinois State’s student TV station for over 20 years.
TV-10 news director Laura Trendle Polus provides path for students to succeed in the newsroom
Publication: CASNews
Public relations major Dani Hartmann wins The MVP Game
Jeopardy. Family Feud. Wheel of Fortune. These are some of the most popular game shows on television. While millions of viewers have seen these shows, a more niche audience tunes in to watch The MVP Game on the Marquee Sports Network.
Tom Lamonica: An Illinois State University teaching legacy
Sweat drips down the faces of players, the intoxicating aroma of the rubber beneath their feet, squeaking and squealing against the polished wood floor of the Horton Field House basketball court. Excitement fills the air as the Redbirds pull out another win and the bleachers slowly empty into the parking lots—and there’s Tom Lamonica on the sidelines cheering until the very last minute.
Public relations major Emily McAuliff exceeds $90,000 goal for Make-A-Wish Illinois
March Madness is more than just a sorority event for Emily McAuliff. As a passionate advocate for impacting children’s lives, she has dedicated her last two years at Illinois State University to chairing the Make-A-Wish Illinois event. McAuliff is driven by a desire to impact others—most notably, children.
Mocktails: Making networking less intimidating for students
A networking is often the catalyst needed to jumpstart a career, but just the thought of going to one is enough to get any college student’s heart pounding. Networking can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be.
Outstanding seniors recognized by the School of Communication
The School of Communication is proud to recognize five exemplary students with the 2023 “Outstanding Senior” award—an honor given to the top student(s) in each COM major.
Congratulations to David Allen (Communication Studies), Miriam Wolff (Communication Studies), Elizabeth Urban (Journalism), Maddy Artman (Mass Media), and Kyah Joseph (Public Relations).
School of Communication alum Jessa Hendricker ’19 finds her own glass slipper directing Cinderella
There is indeed a graceful way to gallop like a horse. At least, that’s what Jessa Hendricker discovered in her role directing Cinderella with the Community Players Theatre in March 2023.
Vidette staff keep the community informed while gaining hands-on experience
For over 100 years, Illinois State University’s campus newspaper, The Vidette, has served as a developmental resource for student journalists to advance their skills by working as reporters, editors and more, keeping the community informed and up to date on important issues.
Mass media major Ben Meenan knows a world with no sun
Quiet on the set took on a whole new meaning for Ben Meenan during the summer of 2021. Filming from sundown to sunup, the eerie silence of the repetitive 4 AM shoots still ring in his ears. Not to mention, the smell of a skunk skulking around the garage is hard to forget.
COM Week 2023: Level up your network April 10-14
COM Week—a four-decade long tradition in the School of Communication—is just days away. And this year, all participants are guaranteed to level up their professional networks and skillsets.
