Alumni Profiles | Department of Journalism

Mike Chiappetta, a 1995 UConn journalism graduate, established a successful sports writing career covering Mixed Martial Arts.(Photo courtesy of Michael Chiappetta)

Journalist Mike Chiappetta has carved out a successful career niche covering the full contact combat sport of mixed martial arts, specifically the UFC. He currently works as a senior writer for FOXSports.com.

Chiappetta earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Connecticut in 1995. “Fun fact: my diploma is signed by former Connecticut governor and convicted felon John Rowland,” Chiappetta wrote in an email interview.

Here are more of Chiappetta’s thoughts about his experience at UConn and the trajectory of his journalism career.

Continue reading →

By MELISA FINK ’14

Kala Kachmar, a 2009 UConn graduate, credits the journalism program for her success in the field. — Kala Kachmar, a 2009 UConn journalism graduate, works as a government reporter at the Montgomery Advertiser in Montgomery, AL. (Photo courtesy of Kala Kachmar)

Kala Kachmar, a 2009 graduate of the University of Connecticut graduate, earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and political science, along with a minor in history. She currently works as the city/county government reporter at the Montgomery Advertiser in Alabama.

Some of her previous jobs include working as a staff writer at The Chronicle in Willimantic, as a reporter at The Journal Inquirer in Manchester, and as a copy-editor, page designer, reporter at the Norwich Bulletin.

Kachmar credits her curiosity about people and events going on around her for as her inspiration for majoring in journalism.

Continue reading →