Staff Profile

Shawn Kellmer –– Web Editor

I’m Shawn Kellmer and I happen to be a 35 year-old senior Communications major in my senior year at Misericordia and I’m trying to get the most out of my college career. I started commuting to Misericordia on a daily basis after graduating from Luzerne County Community College with an Associates degree in Journalism. I returned to the Highlander as Web Editor after a successful internship with WYLN, a television station in Hazleton. The majority of my printed work can be found right here on the Highlander’s website.

When not doing school work or being a parent to my plethora of children, I can often be found reading comic books, listening to metal, or watching hockey and/or football. After college I have plans on getting a job either writing or in public relations with the hopes of specializing in hockey. I also have hopes on finding a graduate school near my future employment so I can achieve my dreams of earning a Masters.

I have admired many men and women in my life but I always seem to be inspired by Ed Bradley, Dave Barry, and Neil Fallon in writing and in life.

Super Seniors Waiting to Leave

Shawn Kellmer, Web Editor
April 22, 2013

More students are taking longer to get through college, although most do not take seven years like Chris Farley’s character in the movie “Tommy Boy.” “Super Senior” is a label for a particular student subset: one who takes longer than the traditional four years to graduate with... Read More

Social Media Gets Nasty

Shawn Kellmer, Web Editor
April 8, 2013

Students and faculty of were under attack on social media until the nasty account was suddenly closed. A Twitter account called MUConfessions surfaced just before spring break. On the Twitter feed, user(s) posted unfavorable – and often personal – comments about students and faculty... Read More

Donation Leads to Arch, Cross Repair

Shawn Kellmer, Web Editor
March 25, 2013

The arch at the entrance of the university will again be adorned with a cross. Officials plan to have a new cross in place by commencement on May 18. “Everyone can see it when they come to the campus (for commencement) which would be nice,” said Peter Calkins, the university’s project... Read More

Nurse Profs Needed

Shawn Kellmer, Web Editor
March 11, 2013

A nursing faculty shortage is impacting nursing programs at MU and across the nation. Nationally, there are of 1,181 faculty vacancies among 662 nursing schools with baccalaureate and/or graduate program,s according to a Special Survey on Vacant Faculty Positions released by the American Association... Read More

Grad Misses Honors

Shawn Kellmer, Web Editor
February 25, 2013

The “Expressway” to a college degree has its perks, but one recent graduate discovered an unknown drawback: Many students are not eligible to receive academic honors. Jean Birmer-May transferred to MU after completing two degrees from LCCC. To graduate with a Bachelor’s of Science degree... Read More

No “VOTE” For People With Disabilities?

Shawn Kellmer, Web Editor
February 12, 2013

The Misericordia community is invited to a screening of a new documentary that reveals barriers to voting for people with disabilities. The 20-minute documentary titled “VOTE” showcases the trials that faced people with disabilities as they attempted to vote in the November election.... Read More

Extreme Makeover: Hafey-McCormick Edition

Shawn Kellmer, Web Editor
December 3, 2012

A makeover is in store for the Hafey-McCormick Science Building. “In terms of a major project the science building will be next. It is a very expensive undertaking,” said President Michael MacDowell. According to MacDowell, MacDowell Hall, the campus’s new multi-purpose building,... Read More

No Sign of the Cross on Arch

Shawn Kellmer, Web Editor
November 19, 2012

Not everyone driving onto campus through the Tudor Gothic arch - trying, as many do, to miss hitting the span in the narrow passageway – can easily notice that the artful span, the very symbol of the university, is incomplete. A cross is missing from the top. Campus peer advocate... Read More

Sophomore Kara Slack views the latest SNL Weekend Update during a study break in the Alumni/McGowan study room. The skit is the Do’s and Don’ts of a Presidential debating.

No Joke: Comedy is Political Information for Many

Shawn Kellmer, Web Editor
November 6, 2012

Lampoons have been a part of the political landscape for a very long time, and some students and professors say public distrust of the media is turning some media consumers toward comedy as a source of political information. Since the days of political cartoons in the early newspapers of ... Read More

Dallas residents place signs in their front yards to show support of their favorite political candidates.

Knowledge: It’s Your Right

Shawn Kellmer, Web Editor
October 23, 2012

Editor’s Note: The 2012 presidential election is two weeks away, which means students will vote for the candidate who they feel is best to lead the nation. We at The Highlander believe voters require information to make this important choice, so we are providing details about the... Read More

Rock the Vote: No ID Required

Shawn Kellmer, Web Editor
October 9, 2012

Voters in Pennsylvania don’t need to show identification to vote on election day. A court ruled that because the state cannot guarantee that all eligible voters can easily get IDs, the controversial law will not go into effect for the election on Nov. 6. The six month old law,... Read More

John Meholic, senior, registers to vote with Caitlin Vitale as part of the registration drive that was held in the Banks Student Life center lobby by Dr. Trisha Brady, a prorata professor of the English department.

Sticking to Voter Rights

Shawn Kellmer, Web Editor
September 25, 2012

A valid photo ID is a necessity for all voters in Pennsylvania this November–if a lower court can verify that getting the necessary identification is not unreasonably difficult. The court’s latest action comes as a result of a challenge to the voter identification law, passed... Read More

Football Program Draws Students

Shawn Kellmer, Web Editor
September 11, 2012

Two years ago, when president MacDowell made reference during a press conference to a popular t-shirt that read “Misericordia Football, undefeated since 1924″, he hoped the unbeaten streak would continue–but not because MU did not play football. He hoped it could be because the... Read More

Turtles in Half Shell Return in Upcoming Film

Shawn Kellmer, Reporter
April 10, 2012

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise is getting a reboot in the form of film, scheduled for release Christmas 2013. The new live action film, currently in preproduction, is set to be produced by Michael Bay and his production company Platinum Dunes. The film will be directed by Jonathan... Read More

OT rockstar headlines events

Shawn Kellmer, Reporter
February 28, 2012

Dr. Florence Clark, President of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and Chair of the University of Southern California (USC) Occupational Therapy Department will visit campus March 30. “As a member of the honor society, this is a huge deal. The honor society strives... Read More

Curling queen ready to call shots

Shawn Kellmer, Reporter
February 14, 2012

Alison M. Piatt, pro-rata instructor in the history and government departments, she is capitolizing her love for the sport of curling and will officiate the USA National Curling Championships at the Iceworks skating rink in Aston, PA. Piatt will serve as the game timer, but she told the United... Read More

Cougar Radio jam packed

Shawn Kellmer, Reporter
January 31, 2012

Just like the rest of MU, Cougar Radio is under construction as the staff is hard at work improve its presence on campus and in the community. The radio station is holding events throughout the semester, teaming up with various non-profit groups to help raise money for each charity’s cause.... Read More