CoJMC Peer Mentors

grey plus sign banner

The first semester of college is a challenging time of transition. Our hope with having peer mentors is that our first-year students will feel supported by the CoJMC from day one. Our peer mentors serve as our student's first go-to when they need someone to talk to. The peer mentor program was developed so that we can welcome our new students right into our CoJMC family!

Maddie Ames
Maddie Ames

She/Her/Hers 

Majors: Journalism, Advertising and Public Relations

Minors:French, English, Fashion Merchandising 

Hometown/State: Lincoln, NE 

Advice for first year students
Allow yourself to explore classes that interest you and any passions that you have! College is a time for exploration and finding who you are!!

Fun Fact
I am an Alabama football fan!

Contact Maddie

Drew Baldridge
Emily Arnold

She/Her/Hers 

Major: Advertising and Public Relations

Minors: Mathematics, Sociology

Hometown/State: Omaha, NE 

Advice for first year students
Get involved and find your community within campus! Having your own support system is so vital for the transition into college, and so many others are going through the same thing. Being involved gives you a sense of community as well as a break from the stress of school.

Fun Fact
I lived in England for two years as a kid!

Contact Emily

Drew Baldridge
Drew Baldridge

He/Him/His 

Major: Advertising and Public Relations

Minors: Political Science, Women's and Gender Studies

Hometown/State: York, NE  

Advice for first year students
Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

Fun Fact
I can count money very quickly.

Contact Drew

Megan Buffington
Megan Buffington

She/Her/Hers  

Majors: Journalism

Minors: Political Science

Hometown/State: Pequot Lakes, MN 

Advice for first year students
Go to events!

Fun Fact
I'm a 5th-generation oldest child.

Contact Megan

Milana Doné
Milana Doné

She/Her/Hers 

Major: Journalism

Minor: Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs

Hometown/State: Lincoln, NE

Advice for first year students
If you're looking for a specific resource, having to do with ANYTHING, nine times out of ten it's somewhere on campus. Never be afraid to ask around for help on something, academic or otherwise.

Fun Fact
I've been abroad to 5 countries and I'll be traveling to 7 more within the next year.

Contact Milana

Holly Fischer
Holly Fischer

She/Her/Hers

Majors: Advertising and Public Relations, Political Science

Minor: Global Leadership

Hometown/State: Beatrice, NE

Advice for first year students
Get involved in clubs outside of your major!!

Fun Fact
I have been to the Taj Mahal!

Contact Holly

Haley Geringer
Haley Geringer

She/Her/Hers

Majors: Sports Media and Communications, Advertising and Public Relations

Minor: Coaching 

Hometown/State: Bellevue, NE 

Advice for first year students
Don't be afraid to ask for help.

Fun Fact
I have 6 tattoos and 11 piercings.

Contact Haley

Reed Greger
Reed Greger

He/They

Majors: Broadcasting, Advertising and Public Relations

Minor: Theater 

Hometown/State: Plattsmouth, NE 

Advice for first year students
While I could write a whole page of advice I'll stick to three key things: use the resources UNL gives you, connect with people around you (specifically join a club/activity), and find a good balance between being academic and maintaining fun within life.

Fun Fact
I can flip my eye lids inside out.

Contact Reed

Hallie Gutzwiller
Hallie Gutzwiller

She/Her/Hers

Major: Broadcasting

Minor: Agricultural and Environmental Science Communications

Hometown/State: Elm Creek, NE 

Advice for first year students
Get involved around campus and join clubs. Now is your time!

Fun Fact
I have crooked pinky and a crooked back. #scoliosisforever

Contact Hallie

Lily Henkle
Lily Henkle

She/Her/Hers

Major: Advertising and Public Relations

Minor: Business Administration

Hometown/State: Kansas City, MO 

Advice for first year students
Take advantage of all the opportunities and resources that are available for students, they could lead you to great places!

Fun Fact
I studied abroad in Barcelona last semester!

Contact Lily

Emma Izzo
Emma Izzo

She/Her/Hers

Major: Advertising and Public Relations

Minors: Leadership, Communication Studies

Hometown/State: Lincoln, NE 

Advice for first year students
There is a support system built in for each of you, but you have to be the one to utilize, and take advantage of every opportunity you have for support, and trust me, it will help you in the long run. If you are struggling, please do not hesitate to contact someone, they are here for you.

Fun Fact
I have two cats and a dog!!

Contact Emma

Katie Lockyear
Katie Lockyear

She/Her/Hers

Majors: Advertising and Public Relations, Journalism

Minor: Ethnic Studies

Hometown/State: Lenexa, KS

Advice for first year students
Take this year as an opportunity for exploration whether that is in your major, clubs, or even in events in the Lincoln community. Your first year is a chance for you to learn what you like or learn about what you don't. Enjoy the process, there is no pressure in having to figure it all out!

Fun Fact
I am old school and my favorite way to write is on a typewriter!

Contact Katie

Erica Napuli
Erica Napuli

She/Her/Hers

Major: Advertising and Public Relations

Minor: French 

Hometown/State: Frisco, TX

Advice for first year students
Don't be afraid to try new things! You never know who you'll meet or what you'll learn.

Fun Fact
I had two extra teeth!

Contact Erica

Macy Neumeister
Macy Neumeister

She/Her/Hers

Majors: Journalism and Broadcasting

Minor: English

Hometown/State: Nebraska City, NE

Advice for first year students
Sometimes the scary things is life being the biggest reward.

Fun Fact
My birthday is the 4th of July.

Contact Macy

Maddie Reisbig
Maddie Reisbig

She/Her/Hers

Majors: Sports Media and Communication, Advertising and Public Relations

Minor: Business 

Hometown/State: Elkhorn, NE 

Advice for first year students
Get involved on campus.

Fun Fact
I've been to Ireland.

Contact Maddie

Sarah Rosenberg
Sarah Rosenberg

She/Her/Hers

Major: Advertising and Public Relations

Minors: Political Science, Global Leadership

Hometown/State: Bloomington, MN 

Advice for first year students
Get involved! There are so many career paths you could pursue as a student in the Journalism school. Give yourself a head start by exploring different things that could interest you as soon as possible.

Fun Fact
I had an Instagram food blog in high school and a picture I posted was on the Today Show.

Contact Sarah

Sammy Smith
Sammy Smith

She/Her/Hers

Major: Journalism

Minor: Communication Studies 

Hometown/State: Conifer, CO 

Advice for first year students
Join a club and put yourself out there!!

Fun Fact
I learned to say my ABC's backwards before I could say them forward.

Contact Sammy

Jodi Soptic
Jodi Soptic

She/Her/Hers

Majora: Advertising and Public Relations, Journalism

Minor: Fashion Merchandising 

Hometown/State: Kansas City, KS 

Advice for first year students
Don't be afraid to get involved. Whether it's in the college or a different program, you'll meet some great friends!

Fun Fact
I went to 11 concerts last year and have about 5 for this year.

Contact Jodi

Kara Stone
Kara Stone

He/Him/His

Majors: Advertising and Public Relations

Minor: Political Science 

Hometown/State: Elm Creek, NE 

Advice for first year students
It's okay to change your mind! You learn a lot about yourself in college, so don't be afraid to say something is or isn't for you even if you originally thought it was. Let yourself grow and find your passion!

Fun Fact
I'm really good at trivia and know a lot about TV shows, movies, and European royalty. I've also had jaw surgery.

Contact Kara

Tommy Thorpe
Tommy Thorpe

He/Him/His

Major: Sports Media and Communication

Minors: Statistics, Economics

Hometown/State: Lincoln, NE 

Advice for first year students
Find a de-stressor. School and a whole new lifestyle can be really mentally taxing. Taking some time early into the first semester to find a de-stressor can save one's mental health throughout the semester.

Fun Fact
I hate room light. I use sunlight/natural light as much as possible.

Contact Tommy

Cole Williams
Cole Williams

He/Him/His

Major: Advertising and Public Relations

Minor: History 

Hometown/State: San Antonio, TX 

Advice for first year students
Take steps out of your comfort zone, it can be scary but it is so worth it!

Fun Fact
I can quote a lot of animated movie lines.

Contact Cole

Bridgett Grant
Contact Bridgett with Questions

Bridgett Grant
Academic Advisor
402-472-3042
bgrant2@unl.edu