Communication Center

Leah Williams manages the speaking studio and media lab. She majored in history and English at Indiana University and earned an MFA in creative nonfiction from the University of Iowa. After moving to the East Coast, Leah taught a range of rhetoric/composition, business writing, and creative writing courses at the University of New Hampshire, including digital storytelling and humor. She also trained new teaching assistants in her role as associate director of composition and shared strategies for teaching digital assignments in her faculty TechTalks. Leah's passion is helping students realize their vision, whether that's writing and performing their speeches or creating a podcast or video. She has loved public speaking since her first year of high school, when she forgot her speech at Indiana's state tournament and discovered that mistakes fueled her creativity—and sense of humor.

Hello, my name is Hadley Hawkins. I'm a junior elementary education major, with a double-minor in political science and communication. One interesting thing about me is that I love pop-punk music and formerly attended Vans Warped Tour every summer. Hope to see you in the studio!

Hi! My name is Mariangel Morales, and I'm from Venezuela, but I have been living for the past three and a half years in Indianapolis, IN. I'm a first-year nursing student, speech and debate team member, and Student Nurses’ Association executive board member. I really enjoy reading and painting when I'm not studying or spending time with my family.

Hey there, my name is Jules Frisby. I’m a freshman majoring in political science and minoring in French and math. After my studies are done for the day, I play video games, watch movies, read books, and . . . you get the idea; I’m a huge nerd. This is (obviously) my first year working at the speaking studio, so I’m excited to get to know you all!

I am a religious education and English major from Dayton, Ohio. I’m joining the speaking studio stage this year as a second-year competitor on Marian's speech and debate team. I hope to serve the Marian community by bringing my performing experience and positive attitude to aid you in your speech's journey. I specialize in writing and interpretive speaking and am excited to help you grow in your public-speaking skills.

Hi, I’m Chaniya Williams, and I am majoring in political science with a concentration in law. I participate in the speech and debate program on campus. I also am a part of Union for Black Identity here on campus. This is my first year working in the speaking studio, so I am excited to get to know you this year.

Hi! My name is Nate Rodenburg, and I'm a sophomore consultant here at the speaking studio. I am working toward becoming a secondary education history teacher, and I'm also a part of the Marian speech and debate team. I've been getting into Dungeons and Dragons recently and have been using it to practice writing narratively. Anyway, can't wait to see some of you in the studio!

My name is Natalie Rund, and I am a first-year here at Marian University. I am studying elementary education with hopes of a minor in psychology. This is my first year on the Marian speech and debate team, but I have been a part of speech for eight years prior. I love to listen to music, watch YouTube, and snuggle with my beautiful, amazing dog, Zeke. I am excited to get into the studio and work with you.

Welcome to the speaking studio! I am a junior San Damiano Scholar and Presidential Ambassador majoring in communication with graphic design and pastoral leadership minors. Public speaking has been an integral part of my life since I was very young, having written and delivered all types of speeches and presentations in both large and small group settings, including the Indianapolis Zoo, my parish, and government events. As co-leader of a 4-H resume project, I advise high school and college applicants preparing for their speeches, interviews, and professional appearances before a panel of scholarship selectors. I am excited to work with students on their speeches and presentations!

Hola! My name is Luis Oviedo, and I am a sophomore political science major, with a minor in political leadership and engagement. One cool fact about me is that I was born in Costa Rica 🇨🇷, pura vida. I also hold dual citizenship from Costa Rica and the US. I hope to see you in the studio with anything in English or Spanish!

Hello! My name is Lydia Shock. I am a sophomore political science major with a minor in criminal justice. In addition to that, I am involved in speech and debate and am the secretary for the Marian Alliance. I love animals and have a dog and two hermit crabs, and I love watching Netflix, specifically true crime. I hope to see you in the studio!

Hi! My name is Matt Bristow. I am a junior at Marian, majoring in History. I have a degree in journalism from the University of Kansas, and previously worked as a newspaper photojournalist. I love being outdoors, playing guitar, and singing. I enjoy communicating visually, and I am excited to help assist you with your multimedia projects.

Greetings! My name is Jeffery Martin. I am a junior who is currently majoring in communication with a minor in writing. This is my first year as a consultant for the communication center, and I am very excited to be working with everyone! Outside of my consulting duties, I am probably either doing homework, playing games or tennis, or possibly watching television. Be sure to drop by and visit sometime, and I'll be happy to help you out!

Hi everyone! My name is Sam Miller, and I am a senior history and communication major with a digital media concentration. Outside of being a multimedia consultant, I am a member of Phi Alpha Theta, the social media manager for the Marian Knight Dancers, and the host of The Scoop, a pop-culture, history, and entertainment podcast. Additionally, I am the host of uknighted, the Communication Center's podcast. I am excited to help you work on your multimedia projects and hope to see you soon in the Communication Center!

Hello friends! My name is Rayna Wilson. I'm a senior nursing major, with a double-minor in communication and pastoral leadership. One super-cool, fun fact about me is that I got married this June to my amazing husband Benjamin, who is my high school sweetheart. We also have a dog, whose name is Dog—it’s a long story, but I’ll tell you all about it when I see you in the Speaking Studio! See you soon!