News

Alumni Spotlight: Parker Vogel ’24

By: Bruna de Padua Photo Credit: Parker Vogel When Parker Vogel first arrived at UMBC, he had a completely different major and career path in mind. He started out in Mechanical Engineering...

Posted: February 18, 2026, 11:56 AM

Guiding the Next Generation of Media Makers

Prof Anchor on creativity and critical thinking

By: Michelle Lopez Photo Credit: Rahne Alexander Meet Kristen Anchor, an Associate Teaching Professor in UMBC's Media and Communication Studies Department. Her artistic and professional...

Posted: February 18, 2026, 11:41 AM

Prof Anchor wears a grey sweater and stands in front of a brown forrest.

The Many Paths of MCS Alum Nick Elza

Winding journey of an MCS alum shaped by film and healing

By: Mika Lopena Photo Credit: Mika Lopena No two career paths unfold the same way, and for UMBC MCS alum Nick Elza '24, the path toward his degree was shaped by self-discovery and a lifelong...

Posted: February 18, 2026, 11:27 AM

Nick stands in front of a yellow wall looking at the camera, wearing a black shirt.

Meeting Grace Cavanagh

Finding Her Voice in Media and Communication Studies

By: Jacey Lizer Photo Credit: Jacey Lizer  Meeting Grace Cavanagh, she is calm and confident, she's found herself at UMBC. Now a senior, she is moving through a story of rediscovery, academics,...

Posted: February 17, 2026, 5:25 PM

A woman with long red hair wearing a black shirt stands in front of an off-white wall, smiling.

Zion Murphy: MCS Grad to Filmmaker & Educator

Creative filmmaking through passion, purpose, and community

By: Bryan Dang Photo Credit: Zion Murphy  Meet Zion Murphy, he is a man of many things. A filmmaker, cultural worker, and educator, you immediately get the feeling that every part of his life...

Posted: February 16, 2026, 1:42 PM

Zion stands behind a professional camera, adjusting the lens. He has a towel draped on his head.

Introducing Dr. Holly Avella to UMBC!

Blending psychology & media to rethink digital life

By: Jacey Lizer Photo Credit: Holly Avella Meet Dr. Holly Avella, the newest addition to UMBC's Media and Communication Studies department! She works effortlessly to bridge psychology,...

Posted: February 16, 2026, 1:36 PM

Dr. Avella grins looks directly at the camera in front of a grey textured wall.

Following the Heart: Professor Huang’s Journey

From Taiwan to UMBC, a filmmaker’s path of creative courage

By: Mika Lopena Photo Credit: Chung Wei Huang No creative journey looks the same between two people, and Professor Chung Wei Huang is no exception. Growing up in a small but lively town in...

Posted: February 16, 2026, 1:28 PM

Professor Huang stands in front of a brick wall, smiling, and wearing a blue shirt.

Inside the World of Public Relations

Brittany Wichtendahl’s Path from UMBC to Catholic Relief Ser

By: Nate Walton Photo Credit: Brittany Wichtendahl In the field of public relations, flexibility and fast thinking are crucial. These traits, along with an educational foundation, can lead to a...

Posted: October 20, 2025, 4:39 PM

Brittany smiles standing in front of a green tree.

Keegan’s Move From Baseball Diamond to Mortgage Realm

Career-development, Financial investing, tool enhancing

By: Nicholas Remy Photo Credit: Isabella Fasolo No college journey looks the same between two people, and this Alumni was no exception. Keegan Leffler graduated from UMBC in the spring of 2022...

Posted: October 20, 2025, 4:28 PM

Alumni Profile: Malik Gay

Media with Purpose

By: Isy Davy Photo Credit: Malik Gay Meet Malik Gay, a 2023 graduate of UMBC’s Media and Communication Studies program. After transferring from the University of Hartford, Malik searched for a...

Posted: May 20, 2025, 9:56 AM