HWS News
4 September 2025 • Alums Preparing for Their Next Steps
Media and society grads pursue passions in nonprofits, film, sports and PR in graduate programs across the world.
With a solid academic background, unique experiences and guidance from HWS faculty, four recent media and society alumni are off to graduate school, further pursuing their passions as they prepare for careers in film production, sports marketing and at non-profit agencies.
- Hailee Catalano ’25 is attending the University at Albany for a Master of Public Administration.
- Aaron McClintock ’25 has begun the University of Glasow’s Master of Science in Filmmaking and Media Arts program.
- Shane Shell ’25 is pursuing a Master of Arts in Sports Administration at Northwestern University.
- Helena Shimeles ’25 is attending the University of Southern California for a Master of Science in Public Relations Innovation, Strategy and Management.
“The hands-on nature of the media and society courses like “Media Professions” and “Information and Influence” have sharpened my networking and critical thinking skills, helping me feel prepared as I begin more advanced coursework and research,” says Catalano, who is working as a Continuum of Care Program Specialist at Suncoast Partnership to End Homelessness in Sarasota, Fla.
At HWS, Catalano interned with AmeriCorps, St. Peter’s Community Arts Academy and Sing Me a Story in Geneva, further building on her passion to connect with people and understand the issues they are facing. On campus, Catalano was a site coordinator and tutor for Tutor Corps, an O’Laughlin Ambassador for the Office of Admissions, worked for the Sociological Initiatives Foundation and at the Center for Teaching and Learning.
McClintock initially took courses in the major on media literacy, media ethics and media production but wanted to gain experience with hands-on production. “When I found out about courses that were offered in media production at HWS, I jumped at the chance and it ended up being something I grew to love a lot,” he says.
McClintock is grateful for the guidance he received from Instructor of Practice of Media and Society Casey Puccini and Assistant Professor of Media and Society Jingtao Harry Gu ’13. “Due to the courses I took at HWS, I have a very solid grasp on media literacy, researching productions and working in a team setting effectively.”
On campus, he was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity, an Emergency Medical Technician with HWS EMS and a disc jockey at WHWS.
After passing the National Basketball Association Agent Exam this past January, Shell is an NBA Certified Player Agent and Fédération Internationale de Basketball Certified Player Agent. In his time at his former agency IPZ, he launched an ice hockey Name, Image and Likeness division, oversaw website, social media and newsletter management, and coordinated with designers to produce clean, engaging graphics. He is looking to use Northwestern’s Sports Administration program to help build his business acumen in attracting potential clients. To prepare for this, he spent time this summer recruiting at events including Nike EYBL Peach Jam and Philly Live.
As a student, Shell was a member of the three-time national championship Hobart hockey team. Shell played in 103 games for the Statesmen over four seasons. He recorded 82 points on 21 goals and 61 assists. Shell finished his career ninth on Hobart’s career assists list. He was a third-team All-NEHC selection following his senior season that saw him post career-highs in goals (8) and points (27). Shell is a three-time NEHC All-Academic selection.
Shimeles is building a career in public relations, having worked as an independent marketing consultant with HBCU 2 Law in Los Angeles, Calif., helping to develop digital marketing strategies. She also worked as a global media and public relations intern at Under the Wave in Tanzania where she created content across multiple platforms including LinkedIn, Instagram, and Google Business Profile, and executed comprehensive content strategies.
At HWS, Shimeles was a member of Sankofa, the Model African Union and the Public Leadership Education Network. She was an O’Laughlin Ambassador, a media and society teaching assistant, worked in the Office of Marketing and Communications and was a literacy tutor for the Boys and Girls Club of Geneva. Shimeles studied abroad in Tokyo, Japan and Cape Town, South Africa.
"The media and society major can lead to many different professional futures, and Hailee, Aaron, Shane and Helena offer inspiring models for students considering graduate school," says Associate Professor of Media and Society Lisa Patti.
