Freep social editor Brian Manzullo shares his experience as a CM Life alumnus
In a series of interviews, we asked our Alumni about their experiences at CM Life. Read on to see how Brian Manzullo shares his "Life Story."
In celebration of CM Life's upcoming 100 Year Anniversary, we asked alumnus Brian Manzullo to reflect on his time at CM Life and how it helped him get prepared for the job he has today.
Q: What year did you begin working for CM Life?
A: 2005.
Q: How long were you here?
A: I started at CM Life in Fall 2005, my first semester, and stayed my entire college career. Graduated in Spring 2010.
Q: What position did you work in?
A: I started as staff reporter in news, sports and lifeline. Moved on to become lifeline editor, assistant sports editor, summer editor-in-chief, football reporter, news editor, football reporter again, online editor, then editor-in-chief 2009 to 2010.
Q: What were some highlights or favorite memories while working for CM Life?
A: One of my favorite memories was Election Night 2008, when I was tasked with running the website cm-life.com with real-time stories and election results. I had originally come to CMU's journalism school to become a writer, but that night was a massive turning point in leading me toward digital journalism and becoming passionate about the future of our profession. Without that experience, and spending countless hours redesigning the website the summer of 2009 before I became editor-in-chief, I would not be at the Detroit Free Press today.
I also loved leading our coverage as editor-in-chief, especially during the "Failgate" saga in fall 2009 when CMU controversially revamped its tailgating rules that essentially killed the atmosphere of CMU football tailgate. I have a cover of that issue of CM Life signed by South Park co-creator, Trey Parker, hanging in my room since he visited campus the day we ran it.
Q: How did your experience at CM Life influence your career today?
A: Simply put, I wouldn't be at the Freep if not for CM Life. I learned just about everything I knew about journalism there, other than media law with Dr. Boudreau, of course! I learned how to write, edit, research, interview and market myself as a journalist. I developed incredible friendships and networks at CM Life that have served to inspire me and challenge me to become better every single day. I entered CM Life knowing how to be a writer, but I left CM Life knowing how to be a journalist.
Q: Do you still keep up with CM Life regularly?
A: Somewhat regularly, when I can. It's amazing to see the work the students there have done recently, it's truly making an impact.
Q: Where do you work now?
A: Detroit Free Press as Social, Search & Audience Editor.
The 100 Year Anniversary celebration will be at Soaring Eagle Casino and Conference Center on Nov. 16 at 5 p.m. Click here to purchase tickets. They must be purchased by Nov. 13 at 4 p.m. in order to attend.
