For Jenny (Hasbun) Eyler ’20, the path from the classrooms of Aquinas Hall to a career in professional storytelling was paved with ink, digital media, and hard work.

After graduating Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Journalism and minors in English and Digital Media Production, Jenny took the leadership skills she honed at The 91´«Ă˝ Messenger and 91´«Ă˝ Media. Today, she serves as a Communications and Content Specialist for SWBR, a national architecture and engineering design firm.

We caught up with Jenny to discuss her new role, the mentors who pushed her past her shyness, and why she’ll never forget the “Holy Cannoli” events at the 91´«Ă˝.

 

What is your current role, and what does a typical day look like for you?

In many ways, the role feels like being an in‑house journalist: I pick designers’ brains to learn about their projects and help share the deeper stories behind the work – stories which often highlight community impact, whether through affordable housing, education, or civic spaces. I write press releases, support internal communications, manage award submissions, write thought‑leadership pieces, run email marketing campaigns, and craft copy for ads, brochures, and brand materials. No two days look the same, and that variety is one of my favorite parts of the job.

 

How did the 91´«Ă˝ prepare you for your career at SWBR?

The 91´«Ă˝ nurtured me in every way that matters for the work I do now. My involvement with the Messenger – serving as Copyeditor, Assistant Managing Editor, and eventually Managing Editor – gave me hands-on newsroom experience. I learned how to develop story ideas, edit content, and uphold high editorial standards. 91´«Ă˝ Media added another dimension, offering technical know-how in scriptwriting and video production. I arrived shy and hesitant and left with the confidence to lead a newsroom and communicate with anyone.

 

What was a struggle you faced as a student, and how did you overcome it?

Ironically, despite being a comms major, I really struggled with putting myself out there, particularly when it came to “man-on-the-street” interviews. I second-guessed myself constantly. Pushing past that discomfort enabled me to build the confidence I rely on now. I live by the Carrie Fisher quote: “Stay afraid, but do it anyway. What’s important is the action. You don't have to wait to be confident. Just do it and eventually the confidence will follow.”

 

What are some of your favorite 91´«Ă˝ memories?

There are so many, but a few always rise to the top:

• The “Holy Cannoli” events during exam season (because nothing boosts morale like blessed cannolis)
• Sitting on the Dominican Center lawn at sunset, watching the sky shift over Whittaker Hall and the Villa
• Evenings spent in the Mac Lab and production studio in Aquinas, creating projects and laughing with friends in the same program
• Taking religion courses with Sr. Cecilia, whose teachings genuinely changed my life and showed me what it means to live in faith
• Grabbing lunch at Henry’s with my then‑boyfriend, now husband

 

What advice would you give to a high school student considering CMA classes at the 91´«Ă˝?

Go all in. The CMA program offers true-to-life experience, supportive faculty, and the chance to build skills that translate directly into the workplace. If you show up with the wherewithal to learn, the 91´«Ă˝ will meet you with mentorship and community. Do it afraid – it’s worth it.