A love of the written word, a constant search for the truth, and enthusiasm for storytelling led 2018 alumnus Michael Ivey on a career path in the world of communications.
“I have always had a passion for writing. I wrote for both my high school newspaper and for the Notre Dame student newspaper, The Observer, while I was a student at Holy Cross. I was born with a neurological disorder called verbal apraxia that impacted my ability to speak effectively, so writing has always been easier for me than talking,” notes Ivey.
Journey since graduation
“I graduated from Holy Cross College with a degree in Communications. A couple of months after graduation, I started working for WNDU-TV in South Bend as a News Producer. Some of my responsibilities at WNDU included writing scripts, organizing newscasts, making graphics, and handling social media,” said Ivey. “In July 2022, after almost four years at WNDU, I became the Communications Director for Church Community Services in Elkhart, Indiana. In my new role, I assist with the marketing and communications side of the organization, including writing letters to donors, writing and sending out newsletters, and overseeing the company website and social media platforms.”
Why Holy Cross College
“Attending Holy Cross College was the best decision I have ever made. Going to the college had a huge impact on my life, both personally and professionally. I believe I would not have gotten the jobs at WNDU and Church Community Services if not for the communications classes I took at Holy Cross. The curriculum, along with having to complete one professional internship before graduating, molded me into a better communicator and got me ready for life after college,” notes Ivey who stays in touch with lifelong college friends Grant Kercher, Ian Schramm, Clayton Brown, Greg Fean, Michael Adamo, and Mark Roy.
Impactful experience
“One memorable moment was my capstone class during my senior year. I’ll admit I was not looking forward to giving a 20–25-minute speech about myself to a group of people. I’m not a good public speaker, I’m much better at writing than talking,” recalls Ivey. But the whole experience of the class made me a better communicator. It also gave me the opportunity to look back on my Holy Cross career and all the great memories I have.”
“Another class I vividly remember is a class about refugees I took my sophomore year. We learned about the migrant and refugee crisis happening in the world, and we had the opportunity to hear from someone who migrated to this country from overseas,” said Ivey. “Holy Cross is a special place because it gets you out of the bubble, you’re in and shows you what’s happening in the world through classes like the one mentioned above, or through the study abroad program.”
Next journey
“I plan to stay in the Communications field and hopefully grow in my role as the Communications Director for Church Community Services. I’m not really sure what the future holds, but at least I know I have the competence to see and the courage to act thanks to my time at Holy Cross,” said Ivey.
Photos provided by Michael Ivey.