Currently serving as the executive editor of the Yellow Jacket Newspaper, Rachel leads the award-winning, student-run newspaper, in addition to leading the Cross Country/Track teams as their captain.
Rachel also serves as the president of Waynesburg’s Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, the historian of the Lambda Pi Eta Honor Society, and a student writer in Waynesburg’s Office of University Relations. Rachel is a member of WCTV, WCYJ-FM and Waynesburg’s Honor Program. In her free time, Rachel enjoys running, reading and hiking.
In addition to being on the Dean’s List every semester, Rachel’s academic pursuits have been recognized by various awards, and she is a recipient of the Vira I. Heinz Scholarship and the A.B. Miller Scholarship.
Rachel is the daughter of Bruce and Gloria Pellegrino and has four sisters: Lauren, Caitlin, Amanda and Natalie.
What made you choose Waynesburg?
About four years ago, I received a letter from Chris Hardie, the head coach of Waynesburg’s men and women’s cross-country teams. At the time, I was unsure of where I wanted to go to college and what field of study I wanted to pursue. That letter was the reason I took a chance with Waynesburg University. After receiving the letter, I decided to look into small private universities in western Pennsylvania. My search, however, stopped once I visited Waynesburg’s campus. I immediately fell in love with the campus, the people and the Department of Communication. I not only found a career path I was passionate about, but I had also found a home away from home.
What is your major?
Ever since my freshman year, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in communication, but choosing just one concentration was difficult. Ultimately, I decided to pursue a communication major with an electronic media concentration and minor in journalism. The Department of Communication is special because it provides you the opportunities to become versatile in the industry. Even though electronic media is my primary concentration, the Department provided me hands-on experience in graphic design, web design, print journalism and broadcast journalism, as well as many other communication areas. As the Department of Communication puts it, I’ve truly been able to become a “Big Bucket” here at Waynesburg University.
How have you grown while at Waynesburg University?
Over the course of my four years at Waynesburg, I’ve grown significantly in every aspect of my life. The Waynesburg community has given me the chance to reaffirm my values in faith, learning and service, and has allowed me to become more confident in myself and my abilities.
What special opportunities have you had at WU and how did you grow through them?
Waynesburg University has given me a plethora of opportunities to not only grow in my field of study but to succeed in all facets of my life. Throughout my four years, I’ve been greatly involved with the student-run newspaper, the radio station and the TV station, as well as many other clubs. The most notable experience was virtually interning abroad in Florence, Italy, with Magenta Publishers, the owner of several Englishspeaking news publications. I was able to do this because of Waynesburg’s relationship with the Vira I. Heinz Program, which fosters leadership development and international experiences for women who have never traveled abroad.
What are your professional goals/plans for the future, and how is WU helping you work toward them?
After graduation, I hope to work as a reporter/anchor at a TV station. Thanks to Waynesburg University, I feel more comfortable working in this field because I already have extensive experience working as a reporter and anchor for Waynesburg’s TV station, WCTV. Even though I am not yet an expert in the field, I am confident in the knowledge and skills that I have developed at Waynesburg to achieve my professional goals.
Is there someone at WU who has been a mentor to you or who has had a positive influence on your life?
This is a hard question to answer because there are so many people at Waynesburg that have positively impacted my life. Sometimes the most impactful interactions are those 5-to10-minute conversations you have with people in between other activities. The people that have specifically impacted me are the professors and students in the Department of Communication. Throughout my time at Waynesburg, they continuously pushed me to do better and be the best student and person I can be.
What’s your favorite place on campus?
My favorite place on campus is the fourth floor of Buhl. From the physical location to what it represents, I love everything about the fourth floor. I’ll always remember the late nights working on projects, creating content with friends in the TV studio and the endless comradery of the Department of Communication. The fourth floor is truly a family that I’ve been blessed to be a part of.
Gain hands-on experience that employers will notice
Through practical experiences, you'll develop a portfolio of work that will impress employers. Beginning your first week, you will have the opportunity to practice what you're learning in your Communication classes. You'll have access to cameras, microphones, computers, lights, and much more for each of your projects.