‘Find Your People’ event helps first-year students make connections

School of Communications faculty and staff members, as well as upperclassmen, gathered Oct. 21 to educate first-year students about the school’s academic programs, resources and opportunities.

Harlen Makemson, Elon professor, speaks with a student. — While speaking with a first-year student at the Oct. 21 ‘Find Your People’ event, Harlen Makemson (right), professor of communication design, shares details about this spring’s Pathways in Research and Creative Activity class, a 2-hour course intended to be a student’s launching pad for research and creative activity. All photos by Eva Fragner ’25.

Ask any first-year student, it can be daunting to figure out what academic area is the right fit.

To support students as they transition into the campus academic community, the School of Communications hosted its “Find Your People” event, a speed networking gathering on Oct. 21 to help first-year students in the Communications and Sport Management and Media Living Learning Communities connect with others. It was an opportunity for students to interact with faculty and staff members, as well as upperclassmen, to learn about the different majors, career paths and academic interests in a fast-paced – but low-stakes – environment.

Shannon Zenner, elon professor, talks with students. — Shannon Zenner, assistant professor of communication design, speaks with students in the first-floor classroom in Long Building.

“Engaging with faculty and staff in the School of Communications, students gain invaluable insights and build meaningful connections that enhance their academic journey and professional growth,” said Staci Saltz, chair and lecturer in the Department of Cinema and Television Arts, who advises the Communications LLC. “These interactions foster an environment where ideas flow and mentorships develop.”

During the hourlong event in Long Building, faculty and staff discussed classes, student organizations, career and internship resources, undergraduate research opportunities, and expertise within their respective fields. Students heard from a variety of academic disciplines, allowing them to better understand each area of study.

Additionally, other representatives were on hand to highlight the university’s other offerings. Among those in attendance was Ashley Pinney, director of the university’s national campus programs, who discussed the opportunities that exist for students to explore, live and study in Charlotte, Los Angeles, New York and Washington, D.C.

Kia Swanson, assistant professor of cinema and television arts, chats with a group of students during the networking event.

Lila Hoffman-Byer ’25, a strategic communications major, also presented at the event, providing a student perspective and answering other questions.

The senior shared first-hand insights into the resources she has utilized in the School of Communications and how the school has impacted her career path and interests. This included Hoffman-Byer displaying her handmade jewelry, a part of her jewelry brand LilaRuby.

“It felt good to see my options,” said first-year student Rylan Ammerman, who attended the “Find Your People” event. “Even if some majors might not be in my future, giving the different representatives the ability to speak and explain why they are so passionate about what they do was insightful.”