Gabrielle Chiodo, a senior at the College of Arts and Sciences, is set to graduate this May with bachelor’s degrees in political science and communication. She has also completed minors in women and gender studies and political journalism. As the editor-in-chief of The University News, Chiodo has applied her academic knowledge in service to her peers at Saint Louis University.
Chiodo shared her motivations for pursuing multiple majors and minors: “I have so many different things that I’m passionate about. It was about creating an educational profile for myself that felt authentic and dynamic.” She credited faculty support as instrumental in shaping her educational journey.
She worked closely with several mentors during her time at the university. “I’ve worked a lot with Dr. Melissa Ochoa, Dr. Morgan Hazelton, and Dr. Steve Rogers,” she said, adding that Dr. Kelsey Mesmer played a significant role in supporting The University News.
Reflecting on her dual role as both student and journalist within the SLU community, Chiodo noted, “We’re taught that journalism is meant to be one of the checks and balances for big institutions… it’s about loving my institution and pointing out here’s where we’re failing.”
Chiodo expressed pride in her accomplishments with The University News: “We’ve grown our membership and readership, and people see us as a credible news source.” Additionally, she valued her work as a legal clerk aiding victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, which motivated her application to the Truman Scholarship Foundation.
This summer, Chiodo will participate in public service internships in Washington D.C., working for the Center for Law and Social Policy—a policy advocacy group evolved from its origins as a legal aid clinic.
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