Writer/Editorial responsibilities with a newspaper, magazine, publisher, television, or radio news station.
Calvin College - Grand Rapids, MI
Degree: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), May 2003
Major: Communications Minor: Journalism
Highlighted Achievements: Editor in Chief of the Chimes newspaper, Student Senate representative.
Grand Rapids Christian High School - Grand Rapids, MI
3.87 GPA Graduated: May 1999
Freelance Reporter - Advance Newspapers - October 2005 to present
Freelance writer for a chain of local newspaper, with assignments including town meetings, local happenings, human interest stories, and other pieces relevant to community news.
Account Manager - Bruyn & Associates - April to December 2005
Writer for busy marketing communications/public relations firm. In charge of writing all news releases, magazine copy, and public statements for large private university with 27 campuses. Coordinated all design, photography, and writing aspects for large promotional magazine. Wrote news releases, brochure copy, book endorsements, and itineraries for many other prominent clients. Helped with planning and coordination for large public events. Also worked with media to schedule and secure interviews and article placement.
Editor in Chief - Calvin College Chimes - September 2002 to May 2003
In charge of all facets of the 20-page weekly newspaper of Calvin College. Duties included organizing and instructing a staff of over 25 students, leading bi-weekly staff meetings, writing editorials, taking photographs, and meeting with administrators on a regular basis. Located, edited, and approved all content that went into the paper. Also gained business experience in running a newspaper by working with advertisers and the printing company.
Intern - The Banner Magazine - June to September 2002
Summer intern for the magazine of the Christian Reformed Church. Researched and wrote magazine copy, answered letters to the editor, copyedited, and reported news stories. Attended staff planning and production meetings. Actively involved in determining content and style issues. Coordinator and sole reporter for coverage of large convention in Colorado.
News Editor - Calvin College Chimes - September 2000 to May 2002
Editor of largest section in Chimes for two years. Actively sought out stories to gain enough content in order to fill space. Recruited staff writers, assigned stories, and assigned photos for stories where necessary. Interviewed administrators and members of the Calvin community on a weekly basis. Wrote at least two articles a week, on various topics. Performed in-depth investigations. Responsible for entire layout and editing of four-page section each week, complete with photos, captions, and headlines.
Michigan Press Association Foundation Scholarship Recipient - Awarded February 2003
One of ten statewide recipients of the scholarship given by the Michigan Press Association Foundation. Award based on outstanding journalistic talent, ongoing work in the field, and a commitment to community journalism.
Office Administrator/Marketing - A.M.D.G. Architects, Inc. - October 2003 to January 2005
Coordinated administrative duties for a busy architectural firm: preparing documents, filing, coordinating meetings, and event planning. In charge of public relations and marketing for the firm, which included updating and maintaining the firm’s profile - a prospectus of the company that is sent to potential clients. Wrote and developed content for the firm’s website, and designed print ads.
Customer Service Representative - Showcase Cinemas - June 1997 to January 2002
Liaison between customers and managers, ensuring that the moviegoers’ experiences were positive. Also in charge of entire concession stand functions and staff, including training, scheduling, stocking, and serving customers. Essentially ensured that everything ran smoothly.
Adobe PageMaker • Adobe InDesign • Adobe Illustrator • Adobe Photoshop • Microsoft Word • Microsoft Excel • Corporate billing systems • Microsoft Windows • Mac OS X • Internet • Able to type 55-60 wpm.
Ms. Jena VanderPloeg - Features Editor, The Banner Magazine
PHONE (616) 224-0815 E-MAIL vanderpj@thebanner.org
Ms. Joyce Kane - Managing Editor, The Banner Magazine
PHONE (616) 224-0815 E-MAIL kanej@crcna.org
Ms. Helen Sterk - Professor of Communications, Calvin College
PHONE (616) 526-6322 E-MAIL hsterk@calvin.edu
Mr. Mark Fackler - Professor of Communications, Calvin College
PHONE (616) 526-6274 E-MAIL mfackler@calvin.edu
Ms. Shirley Hoogstra - Vice President for Student Life, Calvin College
PHONE (616) 526-6453 E-MAIL shoogstr@calvin.edu
A writing and design portfolio is available on request.