UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Some aspiring college students who grow up in State College love everything about Penn State and know instantly it will be their future home for four years.
Lilly Riddle was a little more measured in her appreciation of the University, but she always understood it would help her reach her goal of building a career in journalism. She chose Penn State and made the most of the opportunities available.
Riddle will serve as student marshal for the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications during commencement exercises Dec. 16 in the Bryce Jordan Center on the University Park campus.
A Paterno and Schreyer Honors scholar and consistent dean’s list student, Riddle will graduate with a bachelor’s degrees in digital and print journalism, and in political science. She also earned a master’s degree in international affairs.
“For the past four years, I feel like I’ve really tried to take advantage of everything the Bellisario College has to offer, and I’m incredibly grateful for the experienced faculty and knowledgeable advising staff I’ve been able to learn from during my time here,” Riddle said.
Riddle enjoyed many experiences at Penn State, and her favorite memory came as part of an international reporting class. During spring break of 2023, she traveled to Estonia to report on the country’s parliamentary elections and write a long-form piece about its media landscape. She talked to Russian media workers, traveled to the Russian border and met the Estonian prime minister.
“It was an unforgettable trip, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the college,” Riddle said.
Riddle took advantage of the research opportunities as well, including as a member of the Children, Media and Conflict Zones Lab under faculty member Yael Warshel. “I think the research at the Rock Ethics Institute combined my political science and journalism majors perfectly,” Riddle said.
She helped the lab by writing literature reviews on child refugees and refugees with disabilities in the Middle East and North Africa — specifically how they are conceptualized in the media and how the media can help them. She was able to summarize the findings for Warshel’s book.
“I strategically picked my extracurricular clubs and involvements because those are the ones that align with my interests and post-graduation plans,” Riddle said.
Along with the research, Riddle engaged in various extracurricular activities such as the News Lab at Penn State and The Daily Collegian. In addition, she is currently a reporting intern for Spotlight PA and was selected for the Pi Sigma Alpha National Political Science Honor Society.
Riddle has witnessed her self-growth with the support of the Bellisario College and was thrilled to be selected as student marshal. After graduation, she hopes to work for a media organization in a reporting role.