Enjoy that clip on Union’s TikTok asking students what their major was when they arrived on campus? Or the Instagram post asking faculty “who are you wearing” at Commencement?
Those clips and most content on Union’s entertaining and informative social media channels are the creation of Rachel McNeil ’18, the College’s social media manager.
McNeil has been all in on Union since arriving as a student from Cortland, N.Y. in 2014. She studied digital media, taking courses in computer science, digital art and film studies. She also completed a psychology minor.
Rachel McNeil ’18, Union's social media manager, with her standard poodle, Josie.
“I was initially a very undecided student, so I tried classes in as many departments as I could,” McNeil said, “following threads of interest until I found the intersection I wanted to pursue.”
With the help of her adviser, Michelle Chilcoat (emeritus associate professor of French), McNeil created an organizing theme major and chose a diverse range of courses that shaped her academic and professional careers.
After graduating from Union, she didn’t stray from campus, working as an admissions dean, recruiting students, reading applications, and managing the tour guide team.
After four years in Admissions, she has spent the last three years in Communications and Marketing, where she creates, schedules and posts content for the College’s social media platforms. She also manages the department’s student interns.
“When I was a student here, I learned how to tell stories through film, data and art,” she said. “When I worked in admissions, I gained experience making connections and telling stories about Union to prospective and admitted students. Today, I use all of this to tell creative, engaging stories about Union through digital media.”
Outside of Union, McNeil is an artist and designer. She spends her free time painting, crocheting or doodling. She enjoys a good craft or creative hobby.
McNeil’s partner is Alex Ellenthal ’19. They met when he was a first-year and she was a sophomore during the Community Experience pre-orientation program. They have been a couple since McNeil’s senior year at Union.
Union, she says, has had a profound impact on her life.
“Whether I’m writing a script, designing a graphic or trimming a clip in a video, I use the lessons and skills I learned in classes, especially what I learned from Jim de Seve (film studies) and Fernando Orellana (digital art), daily in my work today,” she said. “I learned the technical skills to make me a better artist and creator, and all those classes I took as an undecided student helped me become a better storyteller and more compassionate person.”
FIRST APP YOU LOOK AT IN THE MORNING:
Recently, the New York Times Games app. I’ve been enjoying playing the “word games,” as I call them, while I eat breakfast and have my tea in the morning. Spelling Bee and Strands are my favorites.
WHAT ARE YOU READING?
I recently finished listening to the audiobook for “Project Hail Mary,” and it was a delight. I just started “Nightingale” by Kristen Hannah. I read a little bit of everything, but usually tend to lean toward non-fiction, memoirs and investigative journalism.
WHAT ARE YOU WATCHING:
Alex and I just finished catching up on “Survivor”…we watched all 49+ seasons in the last few years! We are having so much fun watching “Survivor 50” live and seeing all the returning players interact. I’m also a fan of syndicated sitcoms. “The Office” and “Parks and Rec” are my comfort shows.
BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU RECEIVED:
Life is short. Spend time with the people you love and tell them you love them.
ONE SKILL YOU WISH YOU HAD:
Honestly, maybe interior decorating? I’m so indecisive about home decor that I end up with boring furniture paired with a bunch of artwork. Someone please teach me how to make my living space cool!
THREE DINNER PARTY GUESTS (living or deceased):
I’m breaking the rules and would have dinner with all four of my grandparents. Three of them passed away over the last eight years, and it would be special to have everyone together for a meal again.
LITTLE KNOWN FACT ABOUT YOU:
During the pandemic, I got really into houseplants… and had 40 of them in my old studio apartment. My favorite is a rubber tree plant that I’ve had since 2018 when it was only a few inches tall. Now that I have a little outdoor space, I tend a small herb and flower garden in the warmer months.
FAVORITE UNION MEMORY/EXPERIENCE:
I have had so many memorable experiences in my nearly 12 years on campus, including four formative student years. One memory that stands out is my senior art show, Perspectives. It was a culmination of four years of research, creativity and hard work from all involved. The 12 of us produced every part of the show, from the artwork to the promotional materials and labels on the walls. I’ll never forget the overwhelming sense of community and support I felt during the opening reception.
ONE THING YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT:
Dogs. 100 percent. I have always loved animals and have a particular fondness for dogs. My family’s dogs are Big Ben and Josie, two standard poodles, and they bring me so much joy. I also foster dogs when my schedule allows, which is incredibly rewarding. Watching a dog’s personality blossom as they begin to feel safe and loved is so fulfilling, and helping place them with their adopters is one of the best gifts. If you’ve ever considered fostering a rescue pup, I highly recommend it. There will be joy, tears and so much laughter.
WHICH LIVING PERSON DO YOU MOST ADMIRE:
Outside of my immediate circle of awesome family and friends, I’d say Dr. Jen Golbeck. A professor at the University of Maryland, she is an expert in artificial intelligence, social media, psychology, privacy and malicious online behavior. She’s also an author, journalist, photographer, activist and all around super cool person. Importantly, she shares the adventures with her many golden retrievers on social media as The Golden Ratio, which I’ve been following for years. Jen has fostered such a joyful and compassionate corner of the internet, and I’m inspired by her ability to follow and find meaning in her diverse passions.