Meet the Staff

Hello friends! My name is Hannah Bonanducci, and I’m a junior Communication Studies major. I’ve been involved with multiple newspapers since my freshman year of high school in a variety of roles. I love working for The Waltonian because of the many ways we can support and uplift Eastern’s community!

To whom it may concern, I am Hannah Gerber and I’m a sophomore Communication Studies major. I am the Copy Editor for The Waltonian (which means I edit our lovely writers’ work and make sure it’s perfect for you)! I joined The Waltonian to help Eastern students’ voices be heard.

Hi! I’m Annika Pickard, a junior Communication Studies major with a minor in Marketing. Some of my hobbies include telling extravagant stories in the library at a (mostly) quiet whisper and convincing STEM majors that Communication Studies is the better major–just to watch the drama unfold. As Media Editor, I am excited to make our news more interactive and accessible in this digital age.

My name is Lenora Kirkland and I am the News and Features editor for the Waltonian. I’m a junior Philosophy major, and I’ve been involved with the paper since my freshman year. I’ve stayed because I love the chance to write, and the unique opportunity to hear Eastern students share their stories and interests with the wider community.

Hi! My name is Kylie Smith, and I’m a sophomore! I am double majoring in English and Communications Studies, and I love writing, reading, and music. As the Arts and Entertainment Editor for The Waltonian, I’m excited to be able to help share news of happenings in the entertainment world both on and off campus.

Hello everyone! My name is Shane Witzer and this year I am the Centerspread Editor for the Waltonian. I am a senior engineering student here at Eastern and play on the Men’s Tennis team. One of my favorite hobbies is avoiding schoolwork. I am excited to work for the newspaper and provide exciting and helpful content in the newspaper this year.

Hello, my name is Daniel Finegan, and I am the Opinions Editor for The Waltonian. I am a junior Math major, and a student in the Templeton Honors College. I enjoy writing for the paper and reading my fellow writers’ articles.

What’s up y’all! I’m William Cunningham, a senior Communication Studies major who also serves as the Public Address Announcer for Eastern University Athletics. As someone who’s been working in various sports media since high school, I love that the Waltonian gives me the platform to cover sports of all types relevant to the students here at Eastern, especially the areas that span far beyond the games themselves.

Hello readers! I’m Ella Curcuruto, a senior English Literature major and Staff Writer for The Waltonian. Since my first year at Eastern, I have enjoyed sharing hot takes to start pointless arguments and writing impactful features that inspire interesting dialogue. When I’m not writing for the paper, I’m either making coffee (barista) or drinking it (obsession).

Hi friends! I am one of a billion Katherine Thomases in the world. I’m a staff writer for the Waltonian and a History major in the Templeton Honors College of EU. You might hear me singing with our Turning Point or Gospel choirs, discussing theology or literature with someone in the DC, or preparing a Sunday School lesson. I enjoy commemorating lovely moments from my life in poetry, and am starting my first barista job at the Gryphon this semester. I look forward to hearing your feedback on my articles! Thank you for reading!

I’m Josh Steen, a junior Social Work and Sociology double major here at Eastern. I’m a staff writer for The Waltonian to help foster a strong campus culture, tell stories and provoke conversations between community members.

Hi everyone! I’m Grace Nealy, a second year Staff Writer for the Waltonian. I also have the pleasure of being on the Volleyball team, along with being an ARDP in Hainer and Gallup. I love writing for the Waltonian because it allows me to become even more connected on campus and hear stories from so many of you!

Hey everyone! My name is Savana Dodd and I’m a sophomore Nursing major. I became a staff writer for The Waltonian because I want to add a new perspective to the paper. I’m excited for what the year has to offer! A fun fact about me is that I have four track and field records at Eastern.

I want to clarify that my name is spelled with only one L. Despite people always thinking it’s “Collin” when I say my name, I have never ever actually met a “Collin”. Now that that’s settled, hi everyone! I am a senior English and Communication Studies double major and a new staff writer for The Waltonian. I am also one of those Cabrini kids, but I have found Eastern to be a great and welcoming place. I’m excited to learn, and write about, all the cool stuff Eastern has to offer.

Hi everyone, my name is Frankie! I’m a junior Psychology major and also the Puzzles Editor for the Waltonian. Along with writing and solving puzzles, I love reading, doodling, and watching reality tv. I’m so excited to share lots of fun games with you all!

I’m Ruby Baker, one of the Waltonian Advisors here at Eastern! Part of my role here at Eastern is as the Writing Center Coordinator and adjunct instructor in the English, Communication Studies, and First Year Studies departments. In my not-spare time, my work lies in creating fantastical stories of all kinds, playing D&D, and drinking far too much coffee.

I’m Nicole Markert, and I’m a staff member, adjunct professor, and advisor at Eastern University. I graduated from EU in 2020 with my bachelor’s in English Writing and Literature. I then went on to receive my MFA in Creative Writing and my MA in Publishing from Rosemont College. I have several years of accumulated experience with non-profit publishers including Saturnalia Books, Philadelphia Stories, and Split Lip Magazine. My poetry is also published in various literary magazines. When I am not advising the Waltonian or helping to manage the budget, I am most likely yapping or petting my cats!