Emma Denes, Editor-In-Chief

Emma Denes is a senior Communication student at Marist College, with a concentration in Journalism and a minor in Environmental Studies. Emma began writing for the Marist Circle in her freshman year, eventually serving as the paper’s Administrative Assistant, Features Editor, and Assistant Managing Editor — and now Editor-in-Chief. An aspiring environmental journalist, Emma has completed internships with Hudson Valley Magazine, Content Studio New York, and Marine Conservation Institute. Previously, she was the President of Marist Students Encouraging Environmental Dedication (SEED), and she currently serves as a student member on the college’s Sustainability Action Planning Committee. When not communicating about the natural world, Emma can be found following the latest oceanographic news, performing musical theatre, or listening to just a little too much Coldplay.

Erin Holton, Co-Managing/Co-Features Editor

Erin Holton is a senior communications major with a concentration in journalism and minors in interactive media and music. Erin started writing for the Circle in her junior year, and she quickly developed a love for the features section, and is so excited to be a Co-Editor for the section this year . Erin loves to write people-centric stories, and is looking forward to expanding her writing horizons throughout the year. When not writing, Erin is very active in Marist Singers, and is a director for the all-voice a cappella group on campus, The Enharmonics. She also loves to crochet, journal, and build Lego sets!

Andrew Breen, Co-Managing Editor

Andrew Breen is a senior majoring in both History and Environmental Science from Yonkers, New York. He became a staff writer during his sophomore year, focusing on topics relating to film, music, and current events. In his junior year he was the Arts and Culture Editor, this year he is excited to step into the position of Co-Managing Editor. Other than being an editor at the Circle, he works at Student Activities at Marist. Outside of his interests in history and the environment, he is passionate about film, music, international and domestic politics, and animals. After college, he wants to have a career in environmental policy.

Ben Leeds, Co-Campus News Editor

Ben Leeds is a junior from Trumbull, Connecticut majoring in Communication with a dual concentration in Sports Communication and Public Relations. He started writing for the Circle during the first semester of his sophomore year, and now takes on the role of co-editor of the campus news section. Ben is also the Associate Editor for Center Field, Marist’s student-run online sports publication, where he worked as the women’s volleyball beat writer. A lifelong sports fan, Ben hopes to one day work in sports media once his time at Marist comes to a close.

Jamie Holzmann, Co-Features Editor

Jamie Holzmann is a senior from Long Island, New York, majoring in Communications with a double concentration in Journalism and Public Relations. She started as a Staff Writer for the Circle in the fall of her junior year shortly after transferring to Marist. Having most recently served as the Marketing Director, Jamie is thrilled to experience her second semester as a part of the editorial board. Post-graduation, she hopes to pursue a career that combines her passion for media and journalism.

Cora Flynn, Co-Arts and Culture Editor & Multimedia Assistant

Cora Flynn is a junior from Kensington, MD. She is a Communications major with a concentration in Journalism and a Studio Art minor. Cora joined the Circle in her freshman year and is excited to join the editorial board this year. She hopes to pursue her love of written and video journalism in her career. When she’s not writing for the Circle, Cora is crafting, playing Ultimate Frisbee, or hanging out with her friends.

Lizzie Baumgardner, Photo and Copy Editor

Lizzie is a senior from the Bronx, New York majoring in Media Studies and Production with a concentration in Film and TV with a minor in Journalism. She properly joined the Circle last year as a junior after procrastinating it for her first two years at Marist. Working as both a staff writer and photographer, Lizzie is excited to enter into her new role at the Circle and continue to work with a great team of people. Outside of the Circle, one could find her listening to music, taking photos, hanging out with friends, or just enjoying the moment. After graduation, Lizzie hopes to pursue a career utilizing her skills in both filmmaking and journalism. 

Angelina Ruiz, Graphic Design Assistant 

Angelina Ruiz is a Sophomore from West Caldwell, New Jersey. She is majoring in Digital Media and minoring in Creative Writing. She had originally joined the Circle at Marist College during her freshman year and last year was the Chief of Graphic Design on the team. During the day, one can see her working at the library and might even see her art on the new book displays. Her favorite activities are drawing, reading, and listening to music. By the end of her Marist experience, she wishes to enter the field of animation or graphic design.

Marisa Brown, Graphic Design Assistant

Marisa Brown is a sophomore majoring in communications with concentrations in advertising and PR and a minor in Graphic Design and Fashion Merch. Marisa is a member of the graphic design team and has been a part of the Circle since her first semester at Marist. When she is not working for the Circle, Marisa works as a graphic designer and office assistant for the School of Communication and the Arts. She is also a member of North Road Communications, Marist Ad Association, Gardening Club, and a cover editor for the Mosaic. Apart from these clubs, Marisa’s interests include playing and listening to music, art, fashion, and hanging out with friends.

Luke Sassa, Co-Campus News Editor

Luke Sassa is a senior majoring in communications with concentrations in journalism and sports communication. He joined the Circle during his freshman year, and most recently reported on the student government beat. During his senior year, he became a campus news co-editor. Aside from the Circle, Luke is an Editor-in-Chief for Center Field, Marist’s online sports publication, covering the men’s soccer and women’s basketball beats. Luke also serves as the president of Marist’s sports analytics club, and completed an internship with SportsNet New York (SNY).

Kyle Esoian, Co-Opinion Editor

Kyle Esoian is a senior from Wethersfield, Connecticut majoring in English Writing and minoring in Journalism. Kyle joined The Circle at the beginning of his sophomore year, mainly focusing on anything entertainment related or opinion based, continuing all throughout his sophomore and junior year. This year, he is excited to step into the role of Co-Opinion Editor, and hopes to use the skills he learns in his future career. When he’s not writing for The Circle, he is watching movies, listening to music, or doing anything physically active. He hopes to have a career as a writer in some capacity after college.

Miguel Rojas, Co-Arts and Culture and Copy Editor

Miguel Rojas is the Co-Arts and Culture Editor and a senior Business Marketing student at Marist College. Pursuing a career in media operations, Miguel writes about local events, album releases, and arts/music industry finance, using his decade-long background in music to guide his writing. Currently working for the college's Office of Advancement, he is a Senior Phonathon Associate managing a team of 30 students collecting alumni donations for Marist's Area of Greatest Need. Outside of school, he releases music under the ‘Jukebug’ moniker. He likes reading, playing the guitar, producing music, and picking up chess.

Lea Papakosmas, Marketing Director & Multimedia Assistant

Lea is a Junior majoring in Communication with dual concentrations in Journalism and Public Relations. She is the Marketing Director and Multimedia Assistant and is excited about the opportunities ahead for the Circle. She is passionate about pursuing a career in journalism specifically within the entertainment and news media world. She showcases her love for writing through her Marist Circle articles. Connect with her on LinkedIn or contact her via email at Evangelia.Papakosmas1@marist.edu.

Christina Brown, Graphic Design Assistant

Christina Brown is a Sophomore from West Caldwell, New Jersey. She is majoring in Communications with a concentration in Advertising and minors in graphic design and photography. When she is not working on layout and design with the graphic design team, she is likely working with a client for the North Roads Communication firm, drawing, playing tennis, or practicing the electric bass. Christina is excited to be working with the Circle again this year and cannot wait to see what the team has in store!

Audrey Hansen, Administrative Assistant

Audrey Hansen is a sophomore from Northvale, New Jersey. She is majoring in English with a concentration in writing and minoring in Economics. She began working for The Circle during her first semester as a Staff Writer. Now, in her second year, she is the Administrative Assistant. As a staff writer she covered Marist’s performances in music and theater. In addition to writing, she loves reading, painting, making jam, cooking, and baking. By the time she graduates, she hopes to be working in the publishing industry as a book editor.

Emma Gaecklein, City/National News Editor & Multimedia Assistant

Emma Gaecklein is a junior from Searsport, Maine. She is majoring in communication with a concentration in journalism and a minor in social justice. She began writing for the Circle as a freshman, and is excited to continue her work with the paper as section editor of City/National News and as a Multimedia Assistant. Emma is also a member of the Marist College Society of Professional Journalists and works as a coach at the Marist Poll. While plans can still change, she hopes to one day move back to Maine to cover events and stories in her local community and around the state.

Lindsey Clinton, Co-Opinion Editor

Lindsey Clinton is a sophomore dual major in communications with a concentration in journalism and political science with a minor in music, on the pre-law track. Lindsey started writing for the Circle at the beginning of her freshman year with a love for opinion-style writing, and could not be more thrilled to be a Co-Editor for the opinion section this year. When she’s not writing, Lindsey can be found performing in different music groups on and off campus, with one of her favorites being Marist’s Sirens a Capella. She also loves watching sports, fitness, spending time with friends and family, and shoes!

Amanda Nessel, Chief of Graphic Design

Amanda Nessel is a senior majoring in Digital Media with a concentration in Graphic Design, a minor in Spanish, and in the Honors Program. She’s from Stonington, CT where she loves to swim, sail, and hike in her free time. She joined the Circle freshman year as a Graphic Design Assistant, then worked as assistant and director of Multimedia her sophomore year, later becoming the Chief of Graphic Design in the fall before studying abroad in Florence, Italy in the spring. Amanda is excited to continue her work with the Circle and expand her experience in design!

Hannah Tone, Multimedia Director

Hannah Tone is a junior from Waldwick, New Jersey, majoring in Communications with concentrations in Journalism and Public Relations and minoring in Business. She began writing for the Circle her freshman year and started working as a Multimedia Assistant during her second semester. She is now serving her second year as the Director of Multimedia and is hoping to bring some new, exciting content to your feeds! Outside of the Circle, Hannah serves as the Chief Communications Officer for the Marist Student Government Association and works as an Account Executive for North Road Communications. After Marist, she hopes to work in Media Relations!

Bella Loiacono, Graphic Design Assistant 

Bella Loiacono is a sophomore from Long Island, New York. She is majoring in Graphic Design and minoring in Creative Writing. Outside of writing for the Circle and contributing to the Graphic Design team, her interests include journaling, film, and fashion.