Spotlight on: Jillian Beley

It is that time of year again for graduates to start preparing their ceremonial arrangements, buy tickets for their loved ones and, of course, throw their tassels in the air before starting a whole new chapter in their lives. This is also the time of year for these graduates to have senioritis and force their way through the last bit of the semester in order to complete what they started. However, communications senior Jillian Beley has accomplished more than most students during her time at Rowan, and has received both recognition and an award for her accomplishments.

“The medallion award I earned was for ‘Excellence in Communication Studies,’” Beley said.  The award is given to one graduating communications student who has made an outstanding contribution to the university community, and demonstrates academic capability, responsibility and leadership. Faculty members within the department nominate candidates for the award. The candidates then submit their resume and a letter to the medallion selection committee detailing their accomplishments and merit for the award.

Beley has participated in many different clubs and organizations where she has worked her way up the ranks, including Lambda Pi Eta, the Student Government Association, Golden Key and Sigma Alpha Lambda.

“As Vice President of Lambda Pi Eta, I try to get the word out about how great the College of Communication really is,” Beley said. “Most of my responsibilities within LPH are to assist in the planning and execution of service projects and oversee the planning of the yearly induction ceremony.”

The induction ceremony is for those who have completed the necessary requirements for acceptance into the honor society.

“To be inducted, inductees, as well as current members, complete service projects at Rowan and in the Glassboro community,”  Beley said. “After completion of the credits they are then inducted as members during the induction ceremony, which this year takes place on May 1. It’s a great experience for students and their parents to come together and recognize some of their accomplishments over the past year through LPH.”

Beley is also Vice President of the senior class in SGA. Both positions have helped her grow and become aware of what she truly wants for her future.

“I have been fund raising and planning events for senior week which at times was trying due to a tight budget this year,” she said. “My positions on executive boards have taught me invaluable leadership skills which will serve me well as I go on to a teaching assistantship.”

Beley plans on attending graduate school at the University of Illinois next semester, where she will begin working on her Master’s Degree in Communication. She will be funding her education through a teaching assistantship program, which the school offered her when she applied. This commitment is a lot to handle, but Beley feels that she is prepared.

“It is a really big move for me, going out on my own and all, but I will bring great things,” said Beley. “Overall, I want to become a professor in Communication Studies and plan on getting a Doctorate in discipline once I am finished with the MA. I have spent all four years of my undergraduate degree at Rowan and have loved my time here. Although graduation will be bittersweet, it’s time to start a new chapter in my life.”