Public Relations alum: Molly Harrington

By: Noelle Beans

Molly Harrington

Molly Harrington graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) in 2015 with a degree in Public Relations. She grew up in the Wesleyan Church, so Wesleyan universities were always on her radar. Her sister attended IWU, so she had the chance to visit and get to know the campus while her sister pursued her degree. When it came time for her to visit colleges, Harrington followed her older sister’s footsteps. She personally felt at home at IWU, because it felt like a good fit.

As a student, Harrington became involved in Student Government Association, a few different jobs and eventually became a Diversity Coordinator for Martin Hall. Through these activities, opportunities and positions, she was led to a great group of friends as well as a well-rounded community.

Within the IWU community, Harrington grew spiritually. The fact that she was now on her own, no longer under her parents, had a significant effect on her. Harrington said, “I needed to learn what and why I believe in things for myself.” It was a slow process, but through friends, classes and a new church, she did just that: wrestled with her faith and made it her own.

Additionally, Harrington grew academically as IWU’s communication classes gave her real life experience. She believes the Division of Communication & Theatre does a great job of connecting students with organizations and people in the community for projects. It gave her the opportunity to learn how to be a professional in a “safe environment.”

Harrington’s career is now as the Director of Scheduling (employed by the United House of Representatives) for Congressman Paul Mitchell of Michigan. She creates and maintains his daily schedule, travel plans and other office manager duties. Harrington said, “I am his gatekeeper.” She admits the intersection between faith and career can be tricky, but in her work she chooses to form her beliefs and views on things from her faith and defends them from that position.

Where Harrington is at now was never where she expected. Growing up, she always wanted to be an interior designer, and now she has found herself in politics. “It is okay if your first job out of college isn’t in your degree,” Harrington said. She is not working in the PR field, but she loves what she does and knows that she is getting experience. Lastly, Harrington encouragingly expressed for current students that, “You will eventually make it to the field you studied in, but you aren’t a failure if you don’t start there.”

 

 

Written by Noelle Beans, a writer for the Alumni Center. Noelle is a freshman Nursing and Honors Humanities double major at Indiana Wesleyan University in the John Wesley Honors College.

Katherine Loughead

By: Emily Lehner

Katherine Loughead was an Indiana Wesleyan student from 2009 to 2013. She studied English and Business Administration, and also was a part of the John Wesley Honors College. She stated, “The most formative part of my college experience at Indiana Wesleyan was the friendships I developed. One of the other things I look back on most fondly of my time there was being in the honors college.”

Loughead’s years at IWU were formative for her spiritual life. IWU excels at creating a culture that encourages growth. “I would say having a strong Christian support community and having professors that care personally about you was the most important. The environment allows growth and exploration and development as a person,” Loughead said.

When asked how she specifically grew spiritually during her time as a student, Loughead mentioned her RA, Megan Hindes, and the influence Hindes had on her as a freshman. “I think I was nervous to come to college at first, but she really took us all in under in her wing. She was always encouraging and making sure we were doing well spiritually,” said Loughead.

Spiritual growth was not the only growth that Loughead gained from her time at IWU. The honors college professors allow the freedom for students to explore their interests. Although Loughead did not major in Political Science, her interest for it led her to spend time researching the area.

“It was through the honors college that I found out about an internship program in D.C., and after that is when I knew that working and living here is what I want to do. One of the professors in the honors college allowed me to dive deeper into that. He gave me opportunities to do a thesis about political science,” said Loughead.

Day to day, Loughead works as an assistant to member of Congress, Ryan Costello. She works with a set of policies that deal with tax, budget, education, transportation, etc. The job is diverse, which is why Loughead said she enjoys it. “I love that everyday is different. I am always learning everyday. I could come from any background and just jump right in, learning as I go. IWU provided me with a well-rounded education that enabled me to feel comfortable jumping right into a field that wasn’t in my chosen field of study,” she stated.

With Washington D.C. being a secular environment, Loughead believes that her firm foundation from IWU was necessary to help her excel. “We are known for being a divided city, so having that firm spiritual foundation is so important. It has to be overflowing to influence those around you.”

Loughead resides in Washington D.C. and has continued to obtain academic success from Georgetown University, receiving her Paralegal license.

 

Written by Emily Lehner, writer for the Alumni Center and a sophomore Writing major at IWU. She is active on the cross country and track teams. She is passionate about using her writing skills to share the good news of Christ with others and writes often on her personal blog at www.emilylehner.wordpress.com.