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.

Hi everyone! I’m Karli Helm, a first-year student majoring in Media Communications. I am joining The Waltonian as the Digital Content Managing Editor, which is just a fancier way of saying I oversee and edit our social media content so that it’s perfect for all of you readers! My interests include binge-watching Gossip Girl, leveling up in Hay Day, and rereading my favorite books! I have a passion for news that I am very excited to continue during my time here at Eastern!

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!

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.

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.

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.

Hi friends! My name is Kylie Pierce. I’m a senior Sociology major with two minors in Political Science and Biblical Studies. I’m very excited to have joined The Waltonian as a staff writer as a way to spark conversation and connect with Eastern community members. I’m also a campus student chaplain, so please chat me up! I’m happy to talk about anything and everything (except Plato and Aristotle).

Hello! My name is Emily Lichius (pronounced the same as delicious), and I’m a senior English major and new staff writer for The Waltonian. I’m what some might call “involved” on campus; I’m an RA in Hainer, a member of Turning Point, Managing Editor of Inklings literary magazine, an Eastern writing tutor, and I’m currently helping to set up Studio 1300 – Eastern’s new radio station! I’m excited to start my journalistic journey at The Waltonian providing readers with timely news and creative insights.

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.

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.

Hello! My name is Mary Sider-Rose, and I am a sophomore English major here at Eastern. I joined The Waltonian as a staff writer in order to tap into my creative and journalistic side and because I love to write. My aspirational hobbies are sewing, knitting, and hiking, but my real hobbies are reading novels and watching video essays about fashion.

Hi hi! I’m Eva E. Whited, and I am one of the newest additions to The Waltonian as I take COMM-235 this semester! I am an English major and Writing Assistant at Eastern University with a love for poetry and corny horror novels. I consider myself greatly blessed by all the hands that have led me into new opportunities in the last two years since I enrolled at Eastern, and I surrender all credit to God for any talents and achievements I possess.

1 Peter 4:10 – “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”

Hello everyone, my name is Gabrielle Russell and I am a Junior Communications Major. I am super excited to be a part of The Waltonian as a Social Media Contributor. I am super excited to be a part of The Waltonian and help contribute to the success of our social media presence. My hobbies include photography, modeling and I enjoy fashion!

Good day everyone, my name is Za’Niyah Wesley I am currently a first year student majoring in Communications with a concentration in Journalism. I am very excited to be a part of The Waltonian and contribute to the team. I enjoy watching sports (especially football), playing the piano and ultimately walking in the obedience of the Lord.

Hey hey hey!! I am Stephanie [or Steph!] Boys, and this is my first year here at Eastern! I am double majoring in Computer Science and Data Science, minoring in Math, and planning to graduate early… so I do a lot BUT I am so so so excited to [now officially!] be working with all the lovely people here as a photographer for The Waltonian <3 On top of classes, I also love photography [obviously], reading, theatre, and music! I hope to see you all around, and I hope my pictures enhance the fun and the memories The Waltonian provides!

Hey everyone! My name is Jason Karch, and I am the Sports Photographer for The Waltonian. I am a Junior Communications Major and I am also the secondary PA announcer for Eastern University Athletics. Another fun fact about me is that I run cross country and track & field!

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!