This is part of #EberlyAmazingStudents, a series from the IUP Eberly College of Business and Information Technology that focuses on students who are involved in a variety of extra-curricular activities.
Hannah Colen is a senior marketing major and is minoring in studio arts (focus on graphic design).She was born in Manhattan, but grew up in Indiana, ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø, for most of her childhood.
Hannah is currently president and organization photographer of the Student Art Association. She is also a part of the Promising Scholars program and is on the IUP Brand Advisory Student Council. She works as a freelance photographer in Indiana. Hannah worked on the digital marketing team of the Eberly College of Business and Information Technology.
Hannah was happy to be selected to participate in the Washington Center program. "I would've never discovered TWC without the help of IUP!" she said. "I first found out about TWC through attending one of their informational sessions, and was inspired by the varied possibilities of internship sites. I was also incredibly excited by all of the many creative and networking opportunities I would receive in DC. I was very thankful to have been awarded some funding through the Cook Honors College Achievement Fund, which greatly helped with my housing costs during the summer."
Hannah shared information that "the summer of 2019 was one of the best experiences of my life. Through the Washington Center's academic program, I worked for the Smithsonian's Freer|Sackler Museum for three months as their digital media intern. During my internship, I created and ran a social media campaign, highlighting individuals working within the museum who are rarely showcased. Having so much hands-on experience with no creative boundaries was incredibleI loved being able to utilize my graphic design and photography skills for such a major project."
While in DC, Hannah was hired as the official photographer for the Smithsonian's 2019 Asian American Literature Festival.Hannah indicated that this experience was truly life-changing.She appreciated being in rooms packed to the brim with incredibly talented and educated Asian Americans loving, learning, and growing together.
"I realized that there was a lack of representation/misrepresentation in literature as a kid surrounding Asian Americans and our culture.I saw artists, authors, and poets who were shaping the future of American literature." Along with the festival, Hannah had the opportunity to photograph Ruby Ibarra, rapper and songwriter, during her performance at Folklife Festival.
Currently, Hannah is in the process of applying for another summer internship in DC. She is also in the process of working on an exhibition for her newest photography series that's in the making.
"I am so thankful for the many opportunities that IUP has afforded me, and encourage other students to take advantage of programming and activities!"
About #EberlyAmazingStudents
The #EberlyAmazingStudents series features students who are involved in a variety of extra-curricular activities. Associate Dean Cyndy Strittmatter is overseeing the project. "We are proud of our students who balance their academics with extracurricular activities and recognize the commitment that it takes to excel at all levels. We look forward to sharing their accomplishments with the IUP community and beyond!