Susan LoRusso chairs Hubbard's Student Success Committee — a group dedicated to supporting students beyond the classroom.
At the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication, one of the main priorities is to prepare students for long-term success in their careers. A central part of that mission is the work of the Student Success Committee — a group dedicated to supporting students beyond the classroom.
To learn more about the committee’s efforts and how Hubbard is helping students thrive, we spoke with Associate Professor Susan LoRusso, the committee’s chair.
A career of curiosity
Before diving into the work of the Student Success Committee, we wanted to learn more about LoRusso’s path to the Hubbard School.
When asked what sparked her interest in the field, she said, “Communication, broadly speaking, is just fascinating, and as more and more issues arise, it remains constantly relevant, whether it’s journalism or strategic communication.” This curiosity led her to pursue graduate studies at Hubbard, where she earned both her master’s degree and Ph.D. Her passion for the field didn’t stop there — she went on to join the faculty, where she now plays a key role in supporting the next generation of communicators.
What the student success committee does
The Student Success Committee started four years ago with the goal of helping students access resources, events and professional development opportunities that can benefit their futures. The committee consists primarily of teaching faculty, but also includes several Hubbard student ambassadors.
“They help to give a student's voice, a student perspective to the committee, " LoRusso said.
LoRusso emphasized that students can use the committee to their advantage by connecting with ambassadors and directly contacting those on the committee. Whether through surveys, interviews or one-on-one conversations, the group is constantly seeking new ideas to enhance the student experience while fostering a strong and supportive community within the Hubbard School.
Showcasing student work
Another key initiative from the committee is Hubbard's student showcase website, a platform designed to spotlight the impressive work being done by Hubbard students.
Explore: Hubbard students' showcase of work
Developed by Senior Lecturer and Student Success Committee member Sara Quinn, the site serves as both a celebration of student creativity and a practical tool for professional growth. It’s especially valuable for students building a portfolio or preparing award submissions, as many competitions require published work. By featuring their class projects on the site, students gain both visibility and real-world experience.
How students can stand out
When it comes to standing out in the competitive world of media and communications, Hubbard students can get ahead because of the school's resources.
LoRusso highlighted the value of department-led professional development opportunities, particularly those organized by career coach Becky Borg, such as industry roundtables. These events give students a chance to network with professionals in a low-pressure setting. “They are a really good opportunity for students to network with professionals in the community, in a low-stakes way for students to get comfortable with the process," she said.
LoRusso also discussed how impressed she is with students pursuing internships. “I’m always amazed by how early students are thinking about that or other opportunities,” she said. These opportunities can help students learn more about the industry and stand out when applying for jobs.
Hubbard Hot Take
When it comes to her Hubbard hot take, LoRusso keeps it simple yet meaningful: Use your professors’ office hours. She emphasized that office hours shouldn’t be intimidating, but rather an open invitation for students to ask questions, get support, and build valuable connections. “The faculty is really happy to help,” she said, encouraging students to take advantage of the one-on-one time that’s often underutilized.
Learn more
To learn more about Susan LoRusso and her role at the Hubbard School, visit her faculty profile page.
By Kate Henning, Backpack student
