Creative Nonfiction Team

 

Ashley Grese of Jefferson Hills has a double major in Creative Writing and Journalism at Cal U, where she is a junior. She is the secretary for the Society of Professional Journalists. Her career choice upon graduation is to work for a magazine and to publish a book in the future. The coolest place she has ever traveled is Italy with her family. Grese’s interests are music, reading, writing, and traveling. Her favorite sport is hockey.

Alyssa Kruse, editor of the Creative Nonfiction Team, is from Vandergrift. She is a senior at Cal U, with a major in Journalism and a minor in Public Relations. Kruse has been named a Presidential Scholar and has been on the dean’s list since her freshman year. She is also president of SPJ, vice president of Sigma Tau Delta, and a peer mentor. Her career choice upon graduation would be to write for a magazine and, in the future, to become successful in her writing. Kruse enjoys writing, reading, music and attending concerts.

Allen Pines of Fair Lawn, N.J., is majoring in Theater and is a junior at Cal U. He has received the Theater Faculty Book Award and a William T. Morris Scholarship for the past two years. He is president of the University Players and a member of Alpha Psi Omega Honorary Theater Fraternity. Pines would like to be an actor/writer/director upon graduation, and is especially interested in being a successful actor. He is a devoted fan of the Detroit Tigers, likes to watch movies, write, and play sports and poker.

Eric K. Rippel of Belle Vernon is a Cal U senior with a major in Journalism and a minor in Public Relations. He has freelanced for The Valley Independent and Herald Standard newspapers and serves as vice president of the Society of Professional Journalists. Upon graduation, he wants a job that will allow him to put his four-year degree to use. His main hobby and interest is reading.

Rodney K. Taylor, editor emeritus, is from Finleyville and is a senior at Cal U. His major is English Language and Literacy. He has been on the dean’s list. His career choice is to be a lifelong learner and, in the future, earn both a master’s and a doctoral degree in English. Taylor states he does not live a life of danger and excitement and has traveled to the Outer Banks and to Ocean City, Md. He coaches basketball for Ringgold School District and said he considers coaching a habit, not a hobby. He enjoys golf when the weather permits. He played basketball in high school and still enjoys playing when he can.   

Austin Vaught, assistant editor of the Creative Nonfiction Team, is from Finleyville. He is a senior and English/Journalism major at Cal U. He’s a member of SPJ and would like to work as a magazine or newspaper writer upon graduating. His goal is to publish a novel. He has traveled to Ireland. He enjoys and plays music. He played baseball until the age of 15.