Modugno Joins Library Communications

In June, Marisa Modugno arrived on the University of Illinois campus as the new marketing associate in the Library’s communications unit.

As such, Modugno creates and designs digital and print materials that advance the Library’s mission, working with everything from emails to blog posts to brochures, social media, and web content. She also collaborates with Heather Murphy ’96 MEDIA, the Library’s chief communications officer, in developing marketing strategies.

As Modugno put it, her communication, organizational, project management, and social media skills will be put to good use toward creating “all the things that are telling the story of the Library.” The significance of conveying those stories underscores the importance the Library places on those efforts—over the last 16 months, its communications sector has tripled in size, with Modugno joining Murphy and Sara Berthier, events administrator associate, in the unit.

Fresh off a fellowship at Colgate University’s Special Collections & University Archives and the Office of Residential Life, Modugno holds a bachelor’s degree from that institution in peace and conflict studies, with a minor in creative writing. She developed an interest in libraries and archives through her work as a fellow in Colgate’s Upstate Institute Field School (somewhat akin to UI Extension), which connected students to nonprofits in the local area. In that program, Modugno helped develop projects in public libraries and history museums. In addition, her archival interests are reflected in the topic of her undergraduate thesis—the representation of conflicts in museums.

“I really have found . . . everyone is very welcoming” and supportive, Modugno said of her new position.

“Everyone’s so excited about what they’re doing.

“It’s so wonderful to have something that I’m truly excited to talk about.”