Amy Kauffman ’14
Majors: Broadcasting, Photojournalism
Hometown: Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Clubs/Organizations: Sigma Kappa, WCMO-15, National Broadcasting Society, SAAC, Orientation Leader, Resident Assistant, Up 'til Dawn
Current Occupation: Weekend Anchor, KNOP-TV in North Platte, Nebraska
Athletics: Cross Country/Track and Field
Favorite Professor: All of the professors I have had at Marietta College have helped to shape my future career. I have learned so much from each and every one of them and through their dedication and enthusiasm they taught me to listen closer, work harder and to always do my best. But the one professor who stands out for me is Dr. Joan Price. She always believed in me and pushed me to do my best on all assignments no matter how big or small.
Education Abroad: (Off Campus Study) Marist in Manhattan Program, New York City, (Spring/Summer 2013) eight months
When did you know Marietta College was the right school for you?
I really wanted to find a college that made me feel comfortable. Marietta College creates a very welcoming impression as soon as you step on campus. I really enjoyed the people that I met and the beautiful buildings that encircled me as I walked up the Mall. I also knew I wanted to go to a small college where there would be a variety of opportunities for me to become involved. After reading Marietta College’s mission statement and 7 Core Values I knew that the liberal arts education paired with leadership opportunities would create a solid foundation for me to build my future career upon.
Favorite Marietta moment?
My favorite moments at Marietta College are memories and images that have created a visual scrapbook that include late-night cramming sessions, dancing on the Valley Gem, snowball fights, crossing finish lines during races, pieing the Chi O’s, painting my Kappa sisters and volunteering numerous hours for children’s cancer research funding for St. Jude’s and, of course, helping beautify downtown Marietta on Make a Difference Day. But the moment that will always be my favorite is when the basketball team played for the finals at Dickinson College in my hometown of Carlisle Pa. And even though they didn’t win it made me realize that my college journey is full of ups and downs, wins and losses but in the end all of these experiences have made me who I am today.
Describe what life was like during your time at Marietta College.
My time at Marietta College has enriched my life in many ways. It provided endless hours that enabled me to gain valuable knowledge, make lifelong friendships and develop an appreciation for the diverse world we live in. It also has taught me the importance of thinking critically and asking questions in various situations. I feel that Marietta College gave me the opportunity to have the greatest college experience that I could have possibly had because not only was it beneficial in preparing me for my career, it pushed me to grow into the person that I have become. Marietta gives you opportunities to travel and learn about the world around you, to be a leader and positive example for those around you and to serve others in a growing community.
What impact did Marietta College have on your career?
Marietta College had a big impact because it showed me that the possibilities were endless, no matter what size school you attended. Through Marietta, I was able to study off campus in New York City giving me the opportunity to intern with Live! with Kelly and Michael, The Dr. Oz Show and The TODAY Show. There I was able to be a part of all major aspects of production and experience television in the No. 1 market in country. This helped me obtain a lot of hands on experience and gave me the opportunity to network with professionals in the field. From these experiences, I was able to build my resume to help me land my first television job as a producer/reporter at WTAP in Parkersburg, West Virginia.
What does it mean to be a Pioneer?
To me, being a pioneer means that you have the passion to make the world a better place and the drive to pursue it. Marietta College gives you the opportunity to mold your experience to the path that you want to follow. With the small class sizes and vast opportunities, Marietta College puts you in complete control of pioneering your future.