LIVONIA, MICH. – Meghan Hanley came to Madonna intent on studying nursing because she had always wanted to help people. But she realized “very quickly” that nursing was not a good fit for her.
Feeling lost at this sudden realization and looking for some direction, Meghan sought the advice of a faculty member. She was enrolled in an English course at the time and asked the professor for the name of the head of the journalism department, which happened to be Neal Haldane.
After talking with Haldane that same day, Hanley became convinced that the journalism and public relations program was where she belonged. Within a week she had switched majors and dropped her science courses.
“If it had been anyone other than Neal Haldane behind that desk that day, I honestly don't know where I would have ended up,” she recalled. “He sold me on the program that day and I was relieved to know I could stay at Madonna University and still accomplish my goals.”
Haldane remained an important influence during Hanley’s time at Madonna and continues to be a mentor. “I loved the campus and the structure, as well as the proximity to home, but it was Neal who truly made the experience for me,” she said.
Hanley described her time in the journalism program at Madonna as life-changing. She developed her writing and communication skills, visualized her future, and made many connections that have benefited her career. She also valued the strong sense of community among the journalism students.
Looking back at her experience at Madonna, Hanley is especially proud of her two semesters on the staff of the Madonna Herald, followed by several independent study courses in which she developed and maintained the first online version of the newspaper. “This opportunity was unique and it kept me in touch with the Herald team and my fellow students,” she observed. “It also honed some very special skills using HTML, coding, and web publishing that most in my area of study at the time did not have.”
After graduating from Madonna, Hanley earned a Master of Arts degree (public relations/organizational communication track) from Wayne State University while also beginning her professional career.
Positions with Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan and Hospice of Michigan helped her gain skills in event planning, grant writing, public relations and fundraising. Nearly 12 years ago she joined Comcast, where she utilizes her diverse talents in her role as manager of community impact.
Looking back at her decision to change majors, Hanley is grateful that she trusted her instincts and pursued that pivotal conversation with Haldane, which led to her rewarding career in journalism, public relations, and fundraising.
She came to realize that you can help people in almost any profession.
