Resume

Lauren C. DiLisio
dilisiolc@vcu.edu

http://www.dilisiolc.blogspot.com/

Objective
To obtain a job allowing me to learn from professionals while contributing my skills and background in mass communications with a concentration in journalism and minor in writing.

Experience

Server/Hostess/Trainer, Chili’s Bar & Grill; Richmond, Virginia
October 2005 - Present
- Recognized on multiple occasions for providing top service and top sales
- Strengthened communication and customer relation skills by developing relationships with customers
- Trained new employees


Education
Virginia Commonwealth University; Richmond, Virginia
B.S. Mass Communication - Journalism
Minor: Writing
Expected Graduation Date: May 2010

Activities
Intramural soccer at VCU: 2007- Present

North Stafford H. S.; Stafford, Virginia
Editor in Chief of the school yearbook: 2005-2006
Section editor and copy editor of the school yearbook: 2003-2005 Copy editor and photography editor of the school newspaper: 2005-2006
Member of the Literary Magazine: 2005-2006

Computer Skills
-Experience using Adobe Premeir Pro and Vegas Video 9
-Experience using Adobe Photoshop
-Experience using Microsoft PowerPoint, Office, and Word
-Experience creating spreads and layouts in Adobe InDesign
-Experience creating slideshows using Photo Story and Slideshow Plus

Special Skills
Conversational in Italian
Published news stories in VCU's Commonwealth Times
Proficient with video cameras, digital cameras, uploading and editing images

VCU’s Quest to Go Green Questioned After Budget Cuts

Lauren DiLisio

With the recent state of the economy, many colleges have experienced budget cuts, Virginia Commonwealth University being one of them. The campus has continuously made an effort to Go Green and become more environmentally friendly. However, with the budget cuts the school has recently made the question arises as to whether or not it is cost effective to keep their green efforts going.

“Regardless of the budget cuts, VCU sees going green as a long-term initiative to reduce our impact on the environment,” said Steven Heinitz, the Recycling Coordinator for VCU’s Department of Environmental Conservation. “With the budget cuts we may have to delay some things but plan to keep focused on our goals to make VCU more sustainable in how we operate as a University.”

According to Heinitz, the school is doing more than just putting up recycling bins around campus. VCU installed motion sensitive lights that turn lights on or off depending on if someone is in the room. Also, as seen around campus, two electric cars for the Grounds Department were purchased to reduce the amount of gas they used. The new trucks will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 99 percent when compared to the previously used diesel Bobcats used by the facilities management.

Within the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment that VCU resident Eugene Trani signed, the school must follow several standards. The plan includes conserving water and maintaining its quality, expanding research to achieve climate neutrality, and offsetting emissions due to air travel by faculty, staff and students. On top of these standards, VCU promised to encourage students and staff to be more environmentally friendly and aware.

“Many students have expressed an interest in more recycling and green initiatives at VCU,” Heinitz said. “As we move forward we have received a lot of positive feedback from students, so I thinkour efforts to ‘GO Green’ have improved how students feel about attending VCU.”
Students are not only getting involved individually, but also forming groups and organizations based around the issue.

“Students are becoming much more aware of green issues, and there are now a handful of student green organizations on campus,” said Brian Ohlinger, the Associate Vice President for Facilities Management at VCU. “This is good, because most of the energy savings/conservation will come from student activities, especially the 5,000 living on campus.”

However, with all of the budget cuts, students worry that the school shouldn’t be spending the extra money to go green when money could be used elsewhere.

“Though going green is important, I feel as though there are other aspects of the university that deserve immediate attention,” said Alli Atayee, a broadcast journalism major at VCU. “Class numbers are down and sizes are up, I think the university should think about the students whose tuition makes going green possible, before their public relations projects.”

Heinitz assures that VCU would not continue with its green efforts if the project wasn’t cost efficient.

“We have found in many cases that environmentally friendly products do not cost that much more and the benefits outweigh the costs,” Heinitz said.

Even though the recent economic downturn affected VCU’s budget, the school is doing its best to stay loyal to the climate commitment.

“With reduced budgets during the recession, VCU still is committed to going green in a financially responsible way to meet our objectives,” Heinitz said. “The recession will make it more difficult for VCU to fund the programs that help us to go green but nonetheless we still plan to move forward the best we can during these difficult economic times.”

While VCU is concerned with its budget cuts, the university plans to continue practicing going green as long as it remains cost efficient.

Some VCU Students are “Greener” than Others

VCU students influenced by the wave of going green

Lauren DiLisio

Preserving the environment seems to be on the mind of many VCU students recently.
According to information from the Environmental Protection Agency, recycling, using energy-saving light bulbs and even limiting utility use are only a few ways students are trying to become more environmentally friendly. Simple things like remembering to turn lights off and unplug electronics may seem insignificant, but they can actually make a difference and are a step in the right direction towards going green.

“It’s easy to forget things like leaving electronics plugged in when they are not in use,” said VCU graphics design major Christina Gleixner. “I think students usually have an abundance of electronics and it is inconvenient to unplug everything.”

One of the easiest things done to help save the environment is recycle, according to most college students who do attempt to separate their recyclables.

“I definitely think VCU’s efforts to recycle and conserve energy are being noticed,” said communication arts major Breanne Brady. “It seems like a lot of people are catching onto how easy it is to recycle.”

VCU has conveniently placed recycling bins all around campus. The bins provide students with the choice to recycle rather than just the usual trash cans around campus.

“I think the bins are helping people to be more aware of how products we use on a daily basis can be reused. The convenience of having the recycle bins there is that you have no excuse but to recycle,” said painting and printmaking major Colleen Judge.

“Giving people a way to recycle is half the battle,” said philosophy major and member of Green Unity at VCU Joseph Knoebel. The Green Unity team puts together events to promote going green in order to help inform students how to be more environmentally friendly.

“We organize events that promote ‘Going Green’ like Earth Day and cleaning up hell block,” said Knoebel. “In Belgium, it's illegal if you don't recycle. I think it should be the same here.”

Other students find things other than recycling to go green. Some found that alternative products are better for the environment even though there is not much of a price difference.

“It’s surprising the range of household materials you can buy that are naturally made. Like soaps, cleaners, kitty litter, and for the most part they are the same price as your standard ‘toxic’ chemicals,” said graphics design major Zane Bevan.

However, going green is not on every students list of things to do. Some think that going green is neither cost effective nor worthwhile.

“The majority of the movement is ridiculous and a waste of money that can be used towards our national debt, federal and state economies, education to better future generations,” said electrical engineering major Justin Stockli.

Some students think going green is nothing more than a trend that will fade away as time goes on.

“‘Green’ is a fad. As wonderful as it is, it’s a marketing scheme that plays on down economic times, coupled with looming temperature changes and unconfirmed ‘global warming,’’ said Bevan. “Don't get me wrong, I buy into it. I just see it petering out as soon as our economy stabilizes and people can afford gas again.”

Like other VCU students, Bevan agrees that people may just think doing small things like turning off a light will not make a difference.

“People assume that they are too small to make a difference,” Bevan said.

However, there are also those students who think it will just take time and effort.

“I feel that if students get into the habit of doing the ‘little things’ to help go green, they will eventually build what they do in order to make it a bigger movement,” said pre-dental hygienist major Devon Ward.

Whether it’s sitting back and doing nothing while others are recycling and preserving utilities, going green has taking the VCU campus by storm.

Harlem Globetrotters Come to Richmond Coliseum

Legendary exhibition basketball team, the Harlem Globetrotters, will once again bounce their way into Richmond this month. On Thursday, March 12, at 7 p.m. the team will be at the Richmond Coliseum to display their comedic athleticism.

The Globetrotters comedic display of basketball skills has kept their 124 million fans entertained since 1926. The team’s website said that they have played more than 25,000 games in more than 115 countries and are anything but worn out. Fans young and old pack the stadiums and wait for the team.

“I think it makes for great entertainment. Not everyone loves basketball, but when the Globetrotters incorporate comedy into their routine, it’s a great way to expand their fan base,” said VCU childhood education major Brittany Magill, who hopes to go see the Globetrotters when they come to town.

“I remember the local sports news caster interviewing one of them at half court. In the middle of the interview one of the Globetrotters ended up tricking him,” said Berkley Driskill, a Richmond citizen who had seen the Harlem Globetrotters in New York. “At the end of the interview, somehow the sportscaster ended up with his own shirt pulled over his face. I love the combination of comedy and athleticism on the basketball court. The skills that these men perform will easily awe both adults and kids alike.”

Fans say that the combination of a comedy show and a basketball game gives the Globetrotters an interesting twist above other entertainment and athletic performances.

“I remember it was less of a competition to score points against the other team and more of a competition to pull off tricks,” said VCU communication arts major Matthew Blissard, who had seen the Globetrotters perform when he was eight in Texas. “I was really impressed by the skills of the athletes, though. They did some incredible things. I think that it’s a great show, especially for younger kids.”

Since the Harlem Globetrotters come to Richmond about once every year, Robert Fleskes, director of marketing and booking at the Richmond Coliseum, said it is “pretty turnkey; the event does itself.” But there is still a lot of planning that goes into the team coming to town.

“The planning process starts probably about six to eight months out,” Fleskes said. “Then you pick a date that works for the talent, and then we’ll go to the box office to put tickets on sale.”

The Richmond Coliseum can hold about 13,500 people and the Harlem Globetrotters usually have a full house. Fleskes hopes this time won’t be any different.

“It’s a little too early to tell,” Fleskes said. “Richmond is traditionally a last minute town, so they like to buy tickets a few days beforehand, so we’ll have to wait and see.”

While Richmond awaits the arrival of the team, tickets are on sale with prices starting at $22.

Coping with the cash crunch on campus

VCU students struggle with the current economic troubles. In an article in the Commonwealth Times, students explain their fight to make ends meet.

New Foreign Policies Gain Mass Support

VCU students have hope for Obama’s future plans for foreign policy.

Lauren DiLisio

As the first African American president of the United States, Obama is already making history. And with his new foreign policies he plans to make more.

While the United States is still in a recession, the Obama administration is doing its best to get the nation back in shape. Money is scarce, jobs are nowhere to be found and foreign policy issues heighten.

Obama’s foreign policy plan to secure nuclear materials around the world within the next four years and ban the production of nuclear weapons is one that caught the attention of many VCU students.

“I believe that if we keep weapons, then other people should be able to keep their weapons as well,” said sophomore Adele Mcclure.

The aim for all nations to stop production of nuclear materials is the main goal of the policy which means that all nations must come to an agreement.

“I think President Obama is smart enough to realize his foreign policies have a lot of impact,” said sophomore Judy Koo. “I think he realizes the amount of pressure and he has to make sure that the United States makes a good impression to do stuff for our image overseas and he’s going to put it all into when he makes the decisions. He’s going to make sure he comes up with the best compromise.”

Since nations around the world are involved in war, it makes compromise and communication between other countries difficult. However, the Obama administration plans to make amends with its enemies.

“I think it would be a good thing for you guys [The U.S.] and for other countries. I think a lot of countries look up to America, you guys are a huge country so everybody believes that it is a good thing to be friends with you and have peace with you,” said former VCU student Vera Petrashevich.

As a nation in need, Obama wants the United States to make peace with other nations in hopes of building alliances and rebuilding American diplomacy to relate to the 21st century.

“I think he’s a very positive person, he’s welcoming,” said fashion merchandise major Dionne Horne. “It should make things peaceful and they [other countries] should be willing to negotiate.”

While the United States wants to make friends with other countries, the war is still in effect. Obama’s plan to slowly remove troops from Iraq is seen as tricky to one VCU student.

“There are probably a lot of people out there who are really adamant about not pulling troops out just and giving it just a little bit more time” said freshman Brittany Hough. “I think he’ll definitely make a big step towards getting all of the troops out.”

The majority of VCU students are in support of the new foreign policies of the Obama administration. The president’s plans to bring nations together for positive outcomes spark hope and optimism in the minds of students and other nations.

“It is an international community and we’re all in it together,” Koo said. “If one country is struggling then it just sort of carries on to everybody else just like with the economy and the war in the middle-east, it is going to affect everybody. I think it’s best for everybody and their interest to come together.”

Speculation arises that as our first African American president, Obama might not hold up to all of his promises.

“He’s not superman but hopefully he will help,” said Horne.

While the Obama administration works to improve affairs at home and in other nations, hopeful VCU students stand behind him as he attempts to turn the nation around in the utmost positive way.

Students, Sex and STDs

VCU students speak out about the seriousness of STDs.

By Lauren DiLisio

RICHMOND, Va- Sex and STDs are no longer touchy subjects when faced on a personal level. In a recent poll of 100 VCU college students 21 admitted to having an STD at some point.

“I feel that many students are more worried about protecting themselves from unwanted pregnancies over STDs. It seems common to practice ‘safe sex’ with birth control, but not condoms as well,” said junior Kaitlyn Grimsland.

Students that are having unprotected sex are more at risk to the spread of STDs.

“No matter what the situation, it's embarrassing to have an STD. You'd instantly be considered dirty and 'unwanted,’” said Grimsland.

The VCU Student Health Center provides free STD testing for students. Both the health center and the wellness center have free condoms available to students as well. Students that go to the health center are ensured confidentiality but there is always the concern of a peer finding out.

“If I had an STD I would probably lie about it because it’s kind of a social disease. People think you’re dirty after you’ve had an STD,” said senior Amanda Hewlett.

Students concerned with the prices of medication to treat an STD have the advantage of cheaper prices through the health center.

“If you have an STD you probably don’t really care about the cost of medication. You just don’t want to have it anymore so you’ll spend money because you don’t want to have the STD,” said communication arts major Breanne Brady.

Back in the day sex-ed was a required course. Students were informed about the dangers of unsafe sex and getting an STD. VCU bathroom stalls are splattered with posters and flyers about drinking, safe sex and STDs. Health professionals have visited college campuses to educate students about STDs. But if a speaker came to VCU, would there be a full house?

“I remember sex-ed, kind of. I don’t think I ever paid attention. I bet if they had it in college we’d be doing the same thing back then- playing tic-tac-toe and passing notes,” said sophomore Michele Lombardi.

Agreeing with Lombardi, junior Ben Price said, “I would never be walking around on campus and see a flyer for an STD talk and think ‘oh I’m gonna be there!’”

Though students might not attend a lecture on STDs voluntarily, some believed that education and making students aware was a way to avoid the spread of STDs.

“You can’t stop people from having sex. The most you can do is encourage them to have safe sex,” junior BJ Robinette said.

“We had a speaker come in freshman year in VCU 101 and she had a slideshow with pictures. It was effective for me I guess. But it may not be for everyone,” said Hewlett.

Whether its college level sex-ed, flyers on bathroom stalls or providing free condoms to promote safe sex, students are becoming more aware of the danger of STDs.