On Monday, January 20, 2025, six AU School of Communication (SOC) students had the opportunity of a lifetime, working with ABC News to cover the Presidential Inauguration. Jane Caroline Fusco, Kennedy Morgan, Emily Sohl, Logan Cogdell, Julianne Sheehan, and Marco Gacina were selected by author and SOC Professor Jill Olmsted as part of a long-standing partnership between SOC and ABC News, spanning several presidential inaugurations. 

These students played critical roles in helping correspondents do their jobs and handling various logistical responsibilities, from setting up shots outside the White House to working in the production truck. They even served as stand-ins for anchors David Muir and Martha Raddatz. “These students stepped up in the extreme cold, rapidly changing circumstances, and worked very long hours to do the kind of hands-on journalism we train them to do,” said Olmsted, emphasizing the professionalism and adaptability the students displayed during this historic event.  

The tasks were as varied as they were demanding. Fusco recalled helping to “set up shots for correspondents and [being] prepared for anything at the White House.” Meanwhile, Morgan was responsible for capturing “morning shots of the transitions between Biden and Trump,” a key moment of the day. Some students also worked inside the Capitol, covering events such as the military demonstration with outgoing President Trump, while others were stationed in the Rotunda of the Russell Senate Office Building. 

Sohl described the experience as transformative, saying it allowed her to “get a feel for what it’s like to work in broadcast news.” She added, “It really opened my eyes to what a job in production entails,” defining how the day offered a practical glimpse into the realities of the field. 

The students also found personal moments of inspiration that reinforced their passion for journalism. For Sheehan, the experience was particularly meaningful, as her lifelong admiration for ABC News added a special layer to the day. “My first introduction into the world of journalism was watching ABC News all day long in my house,” she said, noting how David Muir has always been one of her idols, “it was a dream come true.” She made sure to absorb every detail, analyzing the movements and adjustments made by the production team and Muir himself. “I thanked him once again and told him I look forward to working with him in the future.” In addition to the hands-on experience, the students valued the opportunity to network. “It was a great way to shake hands and expand my network,” Sheehan shared, capturing the importance of connections in the journalism industry. 

The students were eager to expand their professional networks, with Sheehan calling the experience “a great way to shake hands and expand my network.” Gacina, who is set to graduate this spring, saw the event as an important step toward his career goals. “I will be applying to any and every job with the organization that I can find in anticipation of my graduation this spring, so I am hoping to become a full-time employee after graduation,” he shared. 

The students’ professionalism left a strong impression on ABC News staff. “We love AU students. Your students showed up and showed out!” said Perita Carpenter, Manager of Production Operations for ABC News. 

The partnership between SOC and ABC News allowed these six students to put their skills to the test in a high-stakes environment, with each one taking away valuable lessons and unforgettable experiences. “This kind of opportunity doesn’t come around very often,” Fusco remarked. “This was just one more affirmation that I made the right choice when I came to American University for broadcast journalism.”