Digital media major
Hometown: Napoleon, Ohio              

In May, Rechelle Bischoff will be one of the first two UF students to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in digital media, a program launched in 2006 that merges communication and technology to meet the new media demands.            
“[Digital media] has helped me with public relations, design, video and audio production and news writing,” said Bischoff. “I’m excited to be one of the first to graduate. It’s a real accomplishment. Digital media is so heavily involved with everything … It’s not focused on one aspect.”            

Bischoff recently used her knowledge to help a nonprofit organization in her hometown of Napoleon, Ohio. As part of a capstone course in communication, Bischoff completed a Web site for Napoleon Alive, which formed to help revitalize downtown business. Bischoff also developed a video tutorial to train Napoleon Alive members how to update and maintain the Web site.  

Rechelle Bischoff created a Web site for a nonprofit organization in her hometown of Napoleon, Ohio.

         
In addition to being actively involved with campus media organizations – the Public Relations Student Society of America as a member and WLFC 88.3 as program director and DJ – Bischoff also is a four-year member of the UF softball team.            

Rechelle works in the WLFC 88.3 campus radio station.

Bischoff says that being a student-athlete taught her a lot about time management. “I’ve learned how to manage my time with school and with sports. I think it’s going to benefit me … in the long run with projects on a job. I know how to prioritize my time …”            

Some of that time was spent cheering for other student-athletes, most memorably the 2009 men’s championship basketball team, which won the NCAA Division II national championship last year. “I love sports, and to say that I went to a school that won the national championship is something not many people can say,” said Bischoff.            

Since Bischoff knew she wanted to play softball in college and she was originally interested in studying physical therapy, Findlay was the only college Bischoff visited, and it was a good decision.

“I had a great first impression … That’s what led me here,” she said. “This is a great university. The environment is friendly, and the professors actually care about their students.”            

After graduation, Bischoff hopes that sports will continue to be part of her life. She plans to begin her career in some capacity for a sports team or organization.