Join Program Director Sean Horan, PhD, and recent graduates to gain insight into the many opportunities available in this dynamic and ever-evolving field.
Fairfield University's MA in Communication program's Virtual Alumni Panel will take place on Tuesday, March 21 at 6:30 p.m. The panel will feature four alumni from the program, each with unique industry experiences to share. Registration in advance is requested via Zoom.
"I'm excited for the alumni panel because it offers an opportunity for our current students and others to learn about the varied career paths that our graduates have pursued,” said Sean Horan, PhD, professor of communication and chair of the department at Fairfield University. “Attendees can expect to gain valuable insights into the many different industries and areas of expertise where a degree in communication can lead, as well as to hear from accomplished professionals who have made significant contributions in their respective fields.”
The participating alumni panelists on March 21 are as follows:
Ryan Cassella MA’14, a producer at World Wrestling Entertainment, specializes in international content. He will provide insights into the intersection of communication and entertainment, and share his experiences working with a global audience. Cassella is also an adjunct professor in Fairfield University's Communication Department, providing students with valuable industry knowledge and experience.
Stephen Grayson MA’14 recently began a new role at NYU Langone Health as a project manager in operations for their central billing office, and will discuss his experience working in the healthcare industry. As a project manager in billing operations, Grayson oversees the planning, development, and implementation of operational initiatives. He will also provide insight into the intersection of communication and healthcare.
Father Dious Joseph MA’22 completed his master’s degree in communication at Fairfield, and is currently a doctoral student in Communication Studies at Ohio University. He plans to marry communication research with the Roman Catholic Church in order to better understand and enhance communication within this large global organization. Fr. Dious' master's thesis was an examination of the anointing of the sick, a sacrament often given at the end of life, for which he surveyed hundreds of priests in the U.S. and globally about their experiences.
Hanna Birenbaum MA’23 is currently enrolled in the master’s degree in communication at Fairfield and will be graduating this spring; she is completing her thesis, an exploration of patient-provider communication surrounding STIs in the queer community. As a member of the queer community herself, Birenbaum is passionate about dismantling disparities for queer individuals within the healthcare sector. She plans to continue her studies in the fall, pursuing a PhD focused on both health and interpersonal communication.
The alumni panel promises to be an engaging and informative event, offering valuable insights into the diverse ways in which communication intersects with various industries and communities. The virtual format ensures that attendees can participate from anywhere in the world.
Dawn Q. DeBiase, LCSW, assistant dean of graduate programs in the College added that, “this panel is a great opportunity for current students, prospective students, and anyone interested in the field of communication to gain insight into the many opportunities available in this dynamic and ever-evolving field.”
The 36-credit MA in Communication program in the College of Arts and Sciences at Fairfield, which has flexible on-campus, hybrid, and online options, is soon to announce their new program director Kristina Ruiz-Mesa, PhD, who will officially begin in the role this September. Dr. Ruiz-Mesa studies communication in organizations with a focus on DEI, specifically communication from chief diversity officers.
Learn more about the MA in Communication program.
