Staff Profile

Ellen Hoffman –– Editor-in-Chief

I’m Ellen Hoffman, a junior Communications major from Kingston, PA. I’m now working as Editor-in-Chief of The Highlander after serving as print editor as a sophomore. Over the summer I also interned in the newsroom for The Citizens’ Voice and have an internship with CollegeFashionista. Both taught me so much with writing, reporting and photography that I am so grateful for.

A major reason I chose Misericordia was because of the small class sizes. I love that my professors know my name and I can always approach them. As far as choosing my major that was easy. I knew since I was a sophomore in high school that I wanted to be a reporter or work with something in newspapers or magazines. Since I became interested in journalism I’ve tried to become as involved as possible. I attended the first Highlander meeting on the first day of my freshman year and haven’t missed a meeting since. I love everything about putting the paper together and can’t wait to work with other staff this year in making The Highlander the best it can be!

After I graduate I hope to work at a major magazine. My dream job would be at a magazine such as Glamour or Seventeen. Ann Shoket, Editor-in-Chief of Seventeen Magazine is my idol; I would kill for her position! I dream of the day I can work or intern for her – or even meet her! Hopefully one day I’ll be able to interview my icon, Lauren Conrad. She proved to the media world that she is more than just a reality star. She has tons of fans and followers that I can only hope to meet her sometime in the future. By working at one of these magazines I think I’ll have a good opportunity. (Fingers crossed!)

MacDowell encouraged Highlander changes

Ellen Hoffman, Editor-in-Chief
May 9, 2013

Dr. Michael MacDowell has built a foundation for the school community during his 15 years as university president, and one important component is The Highlander. MacDowell strongly supported The Highlander staff for the last seven years when communications department chairperson Dr. Melissa... Read More

AP Drops Debated Term

Ellen Hoffman, Editor-in-Chief
April 22, 2013

The Associated Press made a significant change to their journalistic style guide by dropping the term “illegal immigrant” in early April. “Our goal always is to use the most precise and accurate words so that the meaning is clear to any reader anywhere,” said AP’s Senior Vice President... Read More

Housing Changes Spark Anger

Ellen Hoffman, Editor-in-Chief
April 8, 2013

Upperclassmen are temporarily relieved after officials listened to their objections to a change in the campus housing plan. Juniors and seniors were alarmed about their housing options for the fall after they were notified before Easter break about a change in the room lottery process. School... Read More

‘No Butts,’ Say Students

Ellen Hoffman, Editor-in-Chief
March 25, 2013

Smokers on campus are not following the university’s smoking policy and students are complaining about the trash and odors they leave behind. The campus smoking policy states that smokers must remain at least 20 feet away from building entrances and windows. Sophomore Nick vonEgypt, a... Read More

Students Touched by Hodes’ Soul

Ellen Hoffman, Editor-in-Chief
March 11, 2013

Rosa, a 7-year-old second grade student loves playing hide-and-seek with her friends. Her favorite subjects in school are English and math. She is ranked 6 out of 80 students in her class and has dreams of becoming a doctor. While those facts make Rose like any other second grader, what sets... Read More

Friday Menu Looking Meaty

Ellen Hoffman, Editor-in-Chief
February 25, 2013

Students who follow the 40-day Lenten tradition are asking for more meatless options for oncampus meals. Junior Tamara Bradley fasted on Ash Wednesday, planning to eat only two small meals, breakfast and lunch, and a larger meal for dinner. She was disappointed by the options available for... Read More

Officials Alone on Closing Call

Ellen Hoffman, Editor-in-Chief
February 25, 2013

Campus officials now decide weather-related school delays and closings independently of other schools in the region. Officials changed the Inclement Weather Policy for the 2013 spring semester. Previously, officials would make decisions in conjunction with King’s College and Wilkes University. Closing... Read More

Roses are Red; Money is Green

Ellen Hoffman, Editor-in-Chief
February 12, 2013

Chocolate, flowers and jewelry are the main ingredients for a Valentine’s Day extravaganza. But those items don’t come cheap. According to an article in the Los Angeles Times, a person will spend $134.08 on Valentine’s Day. And this number is an increase from 2012 spending. Tammy Carroll,... Read More

Father, Where Art Thou?

Ellen Hoffman, Editor-in-Chief
January 29, 2013

Students who regularly attend mass in the university chapel have become used to welcoming a new priest to campus each week, and they are looking forward to the arrival of a new, full-time Chaplain after the departure of Father Don Williams last year. Finding one is the challenge. Father Muldowney,... Read More

Cash Chugged, Sipped Away

Ellen Hoffman, Editor-in-Chief
December 3, 2012

College grads move out into the real world with $26,600 debt on average, and that dollar amount is growing each year. Included in that steep sum is the cost of tuition, books, meal plans, residential life – and alcohol. The average college student spends $900 a year on alcohol, according... Read More

Area Earns High Dishonor

Ellen Hoffman, Editor-in-Chief
November 19, 2012

Girls disguised as a toddler from TLC’s Toddlers and Tiaras and a peacock adorned with colorful feathers prepared for a festive college night. They started the evening toasting with gin and tonics and snapping dozens of iPhone photos, “selfies,” as they’re called, snapshots of each... Read More

Students Explore Housing Options

Ellen Hoffman, Editor-in-Chief
November 6, 2012

The campus housing lottery is months away but students are already wondering where they are going to live next school year. One of the biggest debates among students is whether or not off campus housing is a good move for them. Assistant Director of Residence Life AJ Nudo believes this decision... Read More

The Lady Cougars faced off against the FDU-Florham Devils in an intense soccer match on Manglesdorf Field on September 29. Members of the team kicked their way to a three nothing win over the Devils. The womens team looks to face off in the national tournament starting in late October.

Women’s Soccer Team Looks to Continue Success

Ellen Hoffman, Editor-in-Chief
October 23, 2012

The women’s soccer team has something to brag about: Players hold the fifteenth spot in the Continental Tire NCAA Division III National Poll with only two games left in regular season play. The Cougars held the number 12 spot in the previous week’s poll, marking their highest ranking... Read More

Security Measures Bumped Up in Mez

Ellen Hoffman, Editor-in-Chief
October 23, 2012

Increased security measures are pending for Communications Department facilities and equipment after an Apple iMac computer went missing from a student lab in Walsh Hall and a second computer was damaged. Photography professor Jimmy May arrived for class on Oct. 17 to an empty space on one... Read More

Lack of Enforcement Causes Concern

Ellen Hoffman, Editor-in-Chief
October 9, 2012

Students are concerned about what they say is a lack of enforcement of the campus smoking policy. Multiple students have appealed to Student Government Association to take action to cut down on smoking too close to building entrances. SGA president Catie Becker and her peers are asking students... Read More

Study abroad: No tango in Paris?

Ellen Hoffman, Editor-in-Chief
October 9, 2012

Study abroad programs are on the rise throughout the country, according to the Institute of International Education. But during the 2012 spring semester at Misericordia University, only three students studied for a full semester abroad. Kings College and Wilkes University each send between... Read More

Students Take Break for Service

Ellen Hoffman, Editor-in-Chief
September 24, 2012

Service, one of the four charisms of mercy, is the goal of Campus Ministry as staff plans fall break service trips. Twenty students have the chance to travel to either Benson, Vermont or Cumberland, Rhode Island to volunteer with the Sisters of Mercy over fall break. Both locations provide... Read More

HighlanderNews Upgrades Site

Ellen Hoffman, Editor-in-Chief
September 11, 2012

A football program. A new residence hall. A remodeled commuter lounge. The 2012-2013 school year has already provided numerous changes on campus. The Highlander ifs followng suit with a new highlandernews.net website. Highlandernews.net, now hosted through WordPress.com, is supported by School... Read More

Students Go Barefoot For A Cause

Ellen Hoffman, Print Editor
April 24, 2012

TOMS shoes help comfort the soles of children every day, and students supported the program by participating in a nationwide event, One Day Without Shoes, April 10. “One reason kids can’t get into schools is because they don’t own a pair of shoes, and the diseases they can pick up with... Read More

MU Junior, Sean Vitale, speaks out at equiv meeting

Equivalency Madness

Ellen Hoffman, Print Editor
February 5, 2012

Student feedback led to change in the Cougar’s Den. Students took to social media outlets when rumors began to float about the elimination of equivalency meals. The confusion began after an announcement of eliminating the program surfaced in late January. Students posted comments and... Read More

Hibernation Over

Ellen Hoffman, Print Editor
January 31, 2012

As sophomore Tamara Bradley walked into the Cougar’s Den for the start of the spring semester, she was welcomed by a new atmosphere. She first took notice of the freshly painted walls and new flat screen televisions before entering the renovated food service area. After oohing and ahhing... Read More