Owen Whelan, Editor-in-Chief
Owen Whelan returns to the Circle for his final year of undergrad as Editor-in-Chief. Hailing from Nanuet, New York, he majors in Spanish & Education with a minor in applied AI. Starting his journalism work in ‘19, Owen began writing for the Circle in ‘23 and editing in ‘25 for the Features section. His writing has focused on the student experience, behind-the-scenes at Marist, and opinions about student life. In addition to the Circle, Owen works for Digital Education, leads the D&D subcommittee, and explores projects in tech and learning.
Jacquelyn Drain, Co-Managing Editor & City/National Editor
Jacquelyn is a senior from West Hartford, CT majoring in Communications with a concentration in Journalism and minors in Political Science and Global Studies. She has been with the Circle since her freshman year and was previously a Copy Editor. This year she is thrilled to be taking on two new roles as Co-Managing Editor and Co-City/National Section Editor. She also loves spending time with friends, listening to music, traveling, and even studied abroad in Florence, Italy her junior year.
Benjamin Rossi, Co-Managing Editor, Campus News Editor & Copy Editor
Benjamin is a senior from Milford, Connecticut, majoring in Communications with concentrations in Journalism and Sports Communication. He joined the Circle in the fall of his sophomore year. After previously serving as a Co-City/National Section Editor and Copy Editor, Ben will now take on two new roles as Co-Managing Editor and Co-Campus News Editor. Outside of the Circle, Ben works for Marist Athletics as a Sports Information Intern and will begin his role as a Programming Intern for NBC Sports in the fall.
Katie Verde, Copy Chief & Features Editor
Katie Verde is a junior from Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, majoring in Communications with a concentration in journalism and a minor in Creative Writing. A dedicated and enthusiastic writer, she has been writing for the Circle since her freshman year, particularly passionate about entertainment writing and feature stories. She is thrilled to serve as Copy Chief and Features Editor alongside the talented editorial board this semester. Aside from the Circle, Katie interns at the Marist University Admissions Office, serves as Communications Director of Resident Hall Honorary, and acts as Assistant Account Executive at North Road Communications. With a deep commitment to powerful storytelling, Katie is eager to make a meaningful impact on the Marist campus this year.
Emily Klena, City/National Editor
Emily Klena is a junior from New Jersey majoring in Communications with concentrations in Journalism and Public Relations and a Political Science minor. Emily started writing for the Circle during her freshman year, and later became Co-Arts and Culture editor for her sophomore year. Her writing has ranged across topics such as copyright law, politics in fashion and popular culture. During her junior year, Emily will serve as a co-editor of the City/National News section. Outside of the Circle, Emily enjoys spending time with her cat, listening to K-Pop and going to shows!
Grace DeMarco, Features Editor
Grace DeMarco is a senior from New Fairfield, Connecticut majoring in Communications with a concentration in Journalism and a minor in Studio Art. Grace started writing for the Circle during the fall of her sophomore year, contributed as a Staff Writer during her semester abroad in Florence, Italy and throughout her junior year, and loves to cover student life and arts and culture. Now, she is excited to take on the role of Features Editor! Outside of the Circle, Grace is the manager of Marist’s Ice Hockey team and is the Vice President of the Society of Professional Journalists.
Ava Verret, Opinion Editor & Copy Editor
Ava Verret is a junior majoring in secondary history-education from Long Island, New York. She became a staff writer her freshman year and was honored to take on the position of co-Opinion editor her sophomore year. Her pieces mainly focus on topics surrounding politics, popular culture, and current events alike. During this semester, she is honored to continue her position as a co-opinion editor as well as begin her position as a copy editor. Outside of the Circle, Ava enjoys spending time with her friends. She also enjoys music, going to concerts, the beach, and is a huge fan of the New York Yankees. After College, Ava intends to be a history teacher in her home state of New York.
Nicole Kreib, Arts and Culture Editor & Graphic Design Assistant
Nicole Kreib is a junior from Long Island, New York. She is a double major in Environmental Studies and Fine Arts with a concentration in Studio Art and a minor in Graphic Design. Nicole started writing for the Circle the spring semester of her sophomore year, focusing on topics related to music and popular culture. This upcoming semester, Nicole is excited to be taking on two roles as Co-Arts and Culture Editor and Graphic Design Assistant. Outside of the Circle, Nicole enjoys spending time with friends, reading, and going to the beach.
Kate Chorbajian, Campus News Editor
Kate Chorbajian is a senior from Guilderland, New York. She is dual majoring in English with a concentration in Professional Writing and Communications with a concentration in Journalism. Kate started writing for the Circle her sophomore year and is excited to be more hands-on with the editorial process this year by taking on the role of Co-Campus News Editor. When Kate isn’t reporting, she can be found peer-tutoring in the Writing Center, working with the Mosaic team as their Non-Fiction Editor, or reading a good book!
Isabella Loiacono, Multimedia Director
Bella Loiacono is a senior from Long Island, New York, with a Graphic Design major and an English minor. She has been a member of the Circle’s Graphic Design Team and a Staff Writer since her freshman year. Now, she is excited to take on the role of Multimedia Director! Outside of the Circle she enjoys going to concerts, creative writing, photography, and finding new music.
Jordan Chirivas, Marketing Director
Jordan Chirivas is a senior from Long Island, NY majoring in communications with a dual concentration in Advertising and Public Relations and a minor in Business. This is her first year on the Circle team and she is very excited to start as the Circle’s Marketing Director! She also loves spending time with friends and family, going to the beach, car karaoke, and taking photos.
Amanda Gorrin, Multimedia Assistant
Amanda Gorrin is a junior from Park Ridge, New Jersey majoring in Communications with concentrations in Journalism and Public Relations, and minoring in Instrumental Music. Amanda began writing for the Circle her freshman year, drawing interest in the opinion column where most of her stories can be found. Aside from serving as a Multimedia Assistant, Amanda is PR chair and Studio A producer for MCTV, Social Media Intern for Marist Sports Network, Secretary and Color Guard Captain of the Marist Band, Brotherhood Relations and Musicianship Chair for Kappa Kappa Psi, a Campus Tour Guide for the Office of Admissions, and also can be found performing in various instrumental music ensembles as well! She is looking forward to another great year in the Circle!
Sarah Brennan, Graphic Design Assistant
Sarah is a junior from Sierra Madre, California who is majoring in Digital Media with a concentration in Digital Art and minoring in Business. This is Sarah’s first semester at the Circle, and she is ecstatic to be a part of the Graphic Design team. Outside of the Circle, Sarah enjoys playing guitar, hiking with friends, reading books and crafting items from any of her creative hobbies.
Chloe Samet, Chief of Graphic Design
Chloe Samet is a senior from Westfield, New Jersey, majoring in Digital Media with a concentration in Graphic Design and a minor in Studio Art. This is her first semester working with The Circle, and she is very excited to contribute to the team as Chief of Graphic Design. Outside of The Circle, Chloe enjoys spending time with friends, going to the beach, trying new coffee shops, and creating art.
Nora Ritchie, Photo Editor
Nora Ritchie is a Junior from Berlin, Connecticut majoring in Sports Communication and Film/TV Production. Starting with the circle in the fall of ‘26 she focused on photography for articles and working on a man-on-the street interview column. Nora is delighted to be working as Photo Editor for this school year. Aside from the circle she is also involved with Marist Athletics Broadcasting dept, Marist Admissions, Red Fox Report, and RHA.
Ruby McMahon, Graphic Design Assistant
Ruby McMahon is (sadly) a senior from East Lyme, Connecticut. She studies Fashion Merchandising and started doing graphic design for the Circle in the spring of her junior year where she fell in love with it. Ruby’s current favorite is Amelie, which reminds her of all her wonderful travels studying in Europe.
Julide Yazici, Multimedia Assistant & Administrative Assistant
Julide is a Sophomore from Stuttgart, Germany majoring in Communications and Journalism. She joined the Circle in her second semester of Freshman year as a writer. For the coming semester, on top of being a staff writer, she will be serving in the position of a Multi-Media Assistant. She spent this summer traveling between Germany and the US, taking an internship opportunity while also exploring the country and visiting old and new friends.
Shane Mulvey, Opinion Editor
Shane Mulvey is a Junior from Pearl River, New York majoring in Digital Media with a concentration in Graphic Design. Shane started writing for the Marist Circle during the fall semester of his sophomore year as a Staff Writer and is so excited to take on the role of Co-Opinion editor. Outside of the Circle, he loves to read, go for long walks, and listen to music for hours on end.