Lauren Drapeau, Editor-in-Chief
Lauren is a fourth-year journalism student from North Smithfield, RI. She joined the Cigar in the spring of 2023, contributing and photographing for the newspaper. She then went on to be the Entertainment Editor, continuing to cover topics ranging from art and music to environmental and social advocacy. In her free time, Lauren enjoys reading books, finding new music, journaling and practicing wellness. Lauren is particularly interested in reporting on local news and getting to know her community.
Nathan Robillard, Managing Editor
Nathan is a fourth-year student from Middletown, Connecticut double-majoring in sports media and journalism. This is his sixth semester with the Cigar, and second as managing editor, after spending the previous two as the sports editor. Nathan is also the WRIU sports director at WRIU 90.3 Kingston, URI’s student-run radio station. He’s worked on broadcasts for various games across URI athletics on both WRIU and ESPN+, and hopes to pursue a career in sports broadcasting. Nathan is also a huge soccer fan, works in communications for Rhode Island’s professional team, Rhode Island FC, and enjoys playing tennis and running in his spare time. Outside of his passion for athletics, Nathan also enjoys hiking and camping!
Maia Hembruff, News Editor
Maia is a second-year student from Ottawa, Canada double majoring in journalism and physics. Outside of school and the paper, Maia loves playing sports and is a member of the URI rowing team. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, cycling, spending time outdoors and listening to folk music. This is Maia’s third semester with the Cigar, having worked as the entertainment editor last semester and now moving on to news.
Ellie Sennhenn, News Editor
Ellie is a third-year student from Audubon, New Jersey double majoring in journalism and public and professional writing. Besides the Cigar, Ellie works on campus as a peer mentor and Harrington School brand ambassador. She loves going to the gym for yoga classes, hiking and playing guitar. This is Ellie’s third year with the Cigar and her first semester in an editor position.
Zack Petrick, Sports Editor
Zack is a fourth-year sports media major from Sea Cliff, New York. He is also minoring in journalism in addition to his major. Zack does broadcasts for various URI athletics on ESPN+ as well as the Cigar and WRIU. In his free time he enjoys watching sports, skiing, listening to music, the beach and boating. This is his fifth semester with the Cigar and his second in the sports editor role.
Ryan Pelillo, Entertainment Editor
Ryan is a third-year student from Griswold, Connecticut double majoring in sports media and public relations. Now entering his third semester with the Cigar, he began contributing solely in the sports section before expanding into news and entertainment. He has a passion for the arts, as he is a music minor and the president of a film club. Ryan can also be found at many URI sporting events, either broadcasting with WRIU or watching as a fan.
Marceline Kelly, Web Editor
Marceline is a fourth-year Computer Science major from Hopkinton, Rhode Island who is excited to bolster the newspaper’s online presence. An avid musician, Marceline has sung with both the University Chorus and Concert Choir and plays the piano recreationally.
Aidan Cahill, Photo Editor
Aidan is a third year English and history major for Providence, Rhode Island, and third-semester photo editor for the Cigar. His favorite photos to take are of space and nature. On campus, he is a member of the Musician’s Guild and hosts “Record Shop Radio” on Thursdays on WRIU.
Owen Tierney, Newscast Editor
Owen (They/He) is a senior from East Greenwich, RI, studying communications and film. They have over 8 years of experience working in film, and have amassed quite the repertoire of freelance work. They are also deeply involved in the local RI music circuit, shooting events and putting them on. If you ever see a poster for the URI Musicians Guild, chances are that Owen made it! They want to make a career out of making cool and impactful stuff for others and sometimes themself. They also don’t really like talking about themselves, so maybe come and find them for a chat!
Halle Stolzenberg, Business Manager
Halle serves as the Business Manager for Fall 2024, continuing from her role in the previous spring semester. She is a third-year student pursuing a double major in Finance and Spanish. In her free time, Halle enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, and watching TV.
Jenny Arnold, Social Media Coordinator
Jenny is a fourth-year student majoring in communication studies with a focus in media studies and minor in public relations. She has been the Social Media Coordinator for The Cigar for five semesters! Jenny enjoys going to the gym, listening to music, journaling and going to the beach.
Sully Cummins, Production Manager
Sully is a fourth-year student double majoring in journalism and computer science from Richmond, Rhode Island. He is the production manager for the fall semester. In his free time he likes to run, hike, ride his bike and do pretty much anything outside.