Courtenay Cooper Hall ’97, editor in chief of BELLA NYC, loves magazines. A lot.

When asked what her favorite publications are, she simply can’t choose one, listing a string of periodicals that’s long and varied.

“But you know what the problem is? So many are one-dimensional. That’s what inspired me to start my own,” she says. “I’m taking a different approach. I’m taking my favorite elements of other magazines and combining them in BELLA.”

BELLA NYC launched in Jaunary 2011 and released its ninth issue in May 2012. The publication is available in over 700 newsstands and in Barnes and Noble throughout New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and the Philadelphia  region. It’s also available via a smartphone app.

Flipping through BELLA’s pages, it’s clear that positivity is the theme that ties everything together, a sentiment that’s very important to Hall. “I’ve always been interested in the definition of beauty, and that’s something that can really get twisted in the media,” said Hall. BELLA is about defining beauty in your own life. Once you do that, and embrace it, you start to realize how much is there. Being kind and charitable, being a good friend and a good parent – those things are the most beautiful of all. Physicality will only get you so far. Real beauty is all about personality and perseverance.”

Though Hall has previous magazine experience (she worked for Elle Décor, Better Homes and Gardens and helped to launch Rosie magazine), she never quite expected to be running her own show. “ I had no idea this is where I ‘d be,” she laughs. “I had a dream, and I made it happen. There was a lot of prayer and faith on top of trying my best.”

“Having a dream and making it happen” is something with which Hall is quite familiar. Rewind to several years ago, and Hall’s big dream was to attend Muhlenberg – and she wasn’t comfortable with just submitting an application and waiting to hear.

“When I was starting out my college search, I thought that I wanted to go to Lehigh,” she recalls. “In fact, I was considering Muhlenberg my ‘practice’ interview. I took one step onto campus, and I knew that this was the place. Not only didn’t I even bother applying anywhere else, I made it a point to interview with every single person on the admissions staff. They must have thought I was a maniac!” Hall remembers the flood of relief that she felt upon being called by an admission officer, telling her that she was accepted. “I’ve always believed in the importance of determining your own fate,” she says. “Take control. Make sure everyone knows your name and face, and make sure they see your passion.”

Her love affair with the College only grew during her years as a student. “I love Muhlenberg,” she says. “It’s cliché to say, but they really were the best years of my life. I had a great, supportive experience and made lifelong friends – which is why I’m so excited to be the Reunion Chair for my class.” Hall says that she’s enjoying working with the office of alumni relations to plan events, and cannot wait to reconnect with her classmates. A media and communications major, Hall also served as the Presidential Assistant for the office of public relations, and she remains close with her former employer, Mike Bruckner, vice president of public relations.

“In so many ways, I owe my career to having started out in that office,” says Hall. “He taught me so much about how to be a professional, and that meant a lot. We’re still very much in touch, and throughout my career, I’ve always gone back to him for advice.” Conscious of the ways in which Muhlenberg shaped her career, Hall is happy to give back, and has hired Muhlenberg students as interns. “It’s only fair,” she says. “After all, Muhlenberg helped me a lot. It feels good to help others get the experience that they need.”

At the end of the day, Hall couldn’t be happier. Though her days are jam-packed with work, she manages to balance life with her three children and her husband (who is BELLA’s publisher and co-founder). She even had time to volunteer, and was recently elected to the board of the Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation.

Though she has the kind of life that many people can only dream of, Hall remains humble and driven. She’s certain that anyone can achieve whatever they set their minds to. “The best advice I could give anyone is to follow your heart and explore your passion,” she says. “If you love what you do, you’ll be successful.”

Rolling Stone magazine senior editor David Fricke ’72 gave Allentown Art Museum visitors a behind-the-scenes look into the lives of some of the biggest names in rock ‘n’ roll as he shared stories from his long career as a rock writer. Fricke has been writing for Rolling Stone for more than 25 years and has interviewed such rock icons as Mick Jagger, Lou Reed, Patti Smith, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan and Kurt Cobain.

In his talk, Fricke recalled an early concert by Pink Floyd where the admission was $1, how he ended up onstage next to members of Spandau Ballet during a Live Aid show, and how professionally and personally satisfying it is to be on a first-name basis with performers such as Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards and R.E.M. singer Michael Stipe.

Fricke was introduced to the Museum crowd and interviewed in a sit-down format by Paul McEwan, associate professor of media & communication and director of the film studies program. McEwan is the author of a book about a film about a fictitious punk band: Bruce McDonald’s Hard Core Logo (University of Toronto Press, 2011) and has himself written about music for The Globe and Mail (Toronto) and Time Out Chicago.

Frick’s lecture was part of the programming related to the Allentown Art Museum of the Lehigh Valley’s show Who Shot Rock & Roll: A Photographic History, 1955 to the Present, organized by photography historian Gail Buckland and the Brooklyn Museum.

In a tough job market, it can be challenging for new graduates to find employment – and even more challenging to find it in their field. Who you know can make all the difference between just finding a job and advancing your career in a chosen field.

At Universal Music Group, alumni connections have made such a difference and for Tom Simon ’01, Mike Alexander ’05, Robbie Janowitz ’09 and Anne LaRocca ’14 (see sidebar). Mike got an internship by reaching out to Tom; Robbie got an internship by reaching out to Mike; and Anne will start an internship at Universal this summer, after reaching out to Robbie.

These valuable professional networking opportunities are the focus of a new position in the alumni relations office: Pat Fligge ’10 has just been named associate director of alumni/student connections. “The alumni network at Universal Music Group came about on its own, and others have as well,” says Pat. “At Muhlenberg, we’d like to be more proactive in developing networks for new graduates to connect with alumni. One of the tools we’re developing is MuhlNet, an online alumni network designed to bring alumni and students together.”

At Universal Music Group, it all began years ago when Tom Simon ’01 was still a student. A media and communication major, Tom joined WMUH and became music director. Part of his responsibilities was reviewing submissions from record companies including Republic Records, which is now part of Universal Music Group. Tom started talking to representatives Republic and attended a winter conference, which led to an internship between his sophomore and junior year. “One month before graduation, I was offered a job in their international marketing department,” says Tom. “I started my job two days after graduating from Muhlenberg.” Tom eventually came back to ’Berg for Career Day to talk to media and communication majors about his job in the field and gave his contact information to The Career Center.

The latest Muhlenberg intern at Universal Music Group is Anne LaRocca ’14, a media and communication major from Perkasie, Pa. “I found Mike Alexander on Facebook after he came to Muhlenberg last year for the media and communication department’s Alumni Week,” says Annie. “I then applied for an internship. It felt good to carry my school’s name with me and to connect with Muhlenberg alumni. “I’m so grateful to Mike and Robbie. They didn’t have to offer me the internship, but they did and they’ve been very supportive of me. I’m so glad I chose this school. Working for a record label is my dream; Muhlenberg sent me exactly where I wanted to go.” - Anne LaRocca ’14

Fast forward a few years and Mike Alexander, a media and communication major, found Tom’s information at The Career Center and contacted him to talk about an internship. “At the time, I was thinking about a career in the music industry. Tom was able to offer me an internship in international marketing and the rest was history.” “Mike was a killer intern,” says Tom. “And, of course, I’m going to pull for the home team every time.”

It’s an attitude that has prevailed as Mike’s internship eventually led to his current position as senior director for international marketing at Universal. Mike handles marketing outside of the United States for artists like Justin Bieber, Bon Jovi and Fall Out Boy. And when it comes time to hire interns, Mike, like Tom, is partial to Muhlenberg graduates. In fact, it was Mike who gave Robbie Janowitz, who earned his ’Berg degree in business administration, his start at Island as an intern in international marketing, which led to full-time employment for Robbie as well.

“My senior year, I talked with Melissa Falk ’92 in office of admission about my job search and she suggested I call Mike,” says Robbie. “I interned at Island Def Jam [now part of Universal] the summer after I graduated and, when the assistant to the head of international marketing position opened, I got it.” Robbie has since been promoted to coordinator of international marketing.

“It’s really incredible to think that two people in international marketing for one of the largest record companies in the world are Muhlenberg graduates,” Robbie continues. “I don’t know any Muhlenberg alumni who wouldn’t want to help new graduates. It can be hard to figure out the channels and avenues you need to take to find a job. You don’t always know where to turn, so you’re looking for connections. It’s a win-win – Muhlenberg gets better every year, so we know the quality of intern we’re going to get.”

Tom, who started it all and now works for Geomagic, a 3-D software company, says that just being from Muhlenberg indicates that potential interns are going to show a solid skill set, and that seeing his alma mater on a résumé makes it stand out from the rest.

“Muhlenberg is an awesome community,” he says. “There is a quality to the students that you can count on when you’re hiring. I think that students would be surprised to know how much alumni want to help.” Mike agrees, “Someone calls me from Muhlenberg, I want them here. I’m very lucky to work in this industry, and I like giving others the chance I was given.”

Both Mike and Tom say that beyond the career opportunities they’ve been offered – which are invaluable – are just one part of the alumni connection. “The internships brought us all together,” says Tom. “But our connection transcends our careers because we’re all really good friends. Without these chance opportunities, I wouldn’t know Mike and Robbie, and I’m a better person because I do.”

With the new focus on alumni student connections in the office of alumni relations and The Career Center, Muhlenberg hopes to leave these opportunities less to chance and take a more deliberate approach to helping young alumni find employment. The friendships that develop from there are just icing on the cake.

“Tom was my best man at my wedding,” adds Mike. “He and Robbie are two of my best friends, which is pretty remarkable when you consider that none of us were at Muhlenberg at the same time. All anyone needs is an opportunity, an open door. You never know where it will lead.”

For more information on MuhlNet, visit muhlenberg.edu/MuhlNet.

Since 1952, Muhlenberg has honored members of its alumni community for their exceptional achievements with the highest award given by the Alumni Association: the Alumni Achievement Awards.

In 1979, the first Undergraduate Merit Award, (now known as the Future Alumni Leader Award) was presented. This award is given to a member of the graduating class whose commendable achievements in either athletics or other extra-curricular activities stood out among the crowd during his or her undergraduate career at Muhlenberg. Three past winners of the Undergraduate Merit Award, Captain Richard Kipp ’04, Dr. Lois (Curfman) McInnes ’88 and Michael Doyle, Jr. ’94, highlighted some of their most memorable Muhlenberg moments and related how their education has contributed to their current success.

Although their undergraduate experiences were quite different, the positive impact that Muhlenberg has had on each is strikingly similar.

Rich Kipp was presented with the undergraduate merit award in 2004. Kipp graduated with a bachelor of science degree in biochemistry. At Muhlenberg, he was a member of Alpha Epsilon Delta (Pre-Health Honors Society), Omicron Delta Kappa (Leadership Honors Society), the Dean’s List and Who’s Who Among American College Students. In addition to his scholarly excellence, he was also an outstanding three-sport varsity athlete, earning numerous varsity letters in cross country and indoor/outdoor track and field.

Currently a flight surgeon in the United States Air Force, Kipp believes that the liberal arts education he received at Muhlenberg has contributed greatly to his current success. “Being a flight surgeon is unique because it has a dual-hat aspect to it,” says Kipp. “I’m a part of the military, but I’m also a surgeon. I think that Muhlenberg really helped me develop as a well-rounded student when I moved onto medical school and then onto my career.”

If there is one thing that Kipp could tell students now, it would be to take advantage of everything that Muhlenberg has to offer, because it is very rare that you will find these opportunities again. “I was getting paid to do research as a freshman at Muhlenberg, “ he says. “I wouldn’t have had that opportunity if I had gone to a larger school. It’s things like this that you really need to take advantage of while you can; do as much research as you can, get as involved as you can, and just really appreciate everything Muhlenberg has to offer.”

Lois (Curfman) McInnes’ hard work and dedication were recognized in 1988, when she became the 10th recipient of the undergraduate merit award. She was a member of Omicron Delta Kappa, Phi Beta Kappa and the freshman year task force, and she was inducted into Who’s Who Among American College Students and elected President of Muhlenberg’s leadership honor society.

Today, McInnes is working as a computational scientist in the mathematics and computer science division of Argonne National Laboratory. In 2011, she won the Ernest Orlando Lawrence Award in the category of Computer, Information and Knowledge Sciences for scientific leadership in advancing the innovative and transformative numerical software package PETSc. The Lawrence Awards are among the most prestigious science and technology awards given by the United States Government.

McInnes feels that her undergraduate education in mathematics and physics prepared her well for her career as a computational scientist, and that Muhlenberg’s liberal arts curriculum really broadened her perspective. She also credits the passion and commitment of her professors for having provided a strong foundation and for encouraging her to challenge herself during her undergraduate career. “Professor Robert Stump of the mathematics department was an excellent teacher and mentor,” she says. “Professors Walter Loy and Robert Milligan of the physics department had a huge impact on my career by convincing me that a second major in physics would be a strong complement to my major in math. Of course, they were absolutely right, and I value my physics foundation every day.”

McInnes encourages students to enjoy the opportunity to learn about a broad range of topics. She also emphasizes the importance of writing and hopes that students will take advantage of all of the resources that Muhlenberg provides. “Writing is essential for virtually all careers, and Muhlenberg’s liberal arts curriculum offers lots of opportunities to develop writing expertise,” says McInnes. “Also, I encourage students to pursue extracurricular activities that provide new experiences and stretch their capabilities.”

Mike Doyle, a 1994 graduate, was the epitome of a student leader during his time at Muhlenberg. He served as student body president, was a student representative to the College’s Board of Trustees and was a member of multiple honor societies. He also played a key role as one of the organizers of President Taylor’s 1992 Inauguration Celebration weekend. Doyle is a partner and associate director for Ketchum Communications in New York City, a firm he has been associated with for about 16 years. During the course of his career at Ketchum, he has held 10 different positions within the company and has helped countless brands tell their stories, sell their products and maintain a positive image.

In answer to the age-old question posed by students, “Will what we learned in college benefit us in the long run?” Doyle would give a resounding, “Yes!” In fact, he is an excellent example of someone who relies on that academic training in his career each and every day. “Public relations is all about the marriage of communications and what’s motivating consumers,” says Doyle. “It’s the perfect cross section of my college majors: English and psychology.

What I learned at Muhlenberg has resulted in what I do for a living.”

Doyle is among the many alumni who have a specific professor who made a big impact on them. He vividly remembers English professor Dr. Grant Scott’s unique approach of teaching through media other than just literature, and he believes it has had a great impact on his career. “He is big on examining film, poetry, art, sculpture and all of the different representations of a theory, and I loved that,” says Doyle. “Today I make my living thinking about different channels that a company can communicate to its consumer; it’s very much in line with how Dr. Scott used to teach us.”

Doyle’s advice to students about to graduate? “Don’t be worried about making mistakes at this point, because, well, you’re going to! Take chances, build on them, learn from them; it’s the only way that you’re going to figure out what you’re good at. You have to trust in what you’ve learned the past four years, and realize that any step forward is a step in the right direction.”