Sam Sawyer, S.J., editor in chief of America, and Traug Keller, America Media’s president, announced today the selection of three graduating seniors from two U.S. Jesuit colleges to serve as the 2023-24 Joseph A. O’Hare, S.J., Postgraduate Media Fellows. This year’s fellows are:
Delaney Coyne: graduating senior, Boston College
Christine Lenahan: graduating senior, Boston College
Michael O’Brien: graduating senior, College of the Holy Cross
O’Hare fellows spend one year at America Media working on print, digital, audio and film projects while benefiting from mentoring and professional development opportunities. Fellows reside at Fordham University Lincoln Center, where they engage in a dynamic community in the heart of New York City, the media capital of the world.
“Every year, the O’Hare Fellows make a significant contribution to the mission and culture of America Media,” Father Sawyer said. “We are excited to welcome Delaney, Christine and Michael as the eighth cohort for the unique opportunity to develop as journalists and learn more about Catholic media.”
The Joseph A. O’Hare, S.J., Postgraduate Media Fellowship is a program of America Media, co-sponsored by Fordham University. The fellowship is named in honor and memory of Joseph A. O’Hare, S.J., who served as editor in chief of America (1975-84) and president of Fordham University (1984-2003).
The O’Hare fellowship is made possible through the generosity of William J. Loschert, KSG, of Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business, Class of 1961, and a former member of America Media’s board of directors.
About the 2023-24 O’Hare fellows
Delaney Coyne is a graduating senior at Boston College, where she studied theology and international studies. She is involved in B.C.’s largest weekly service organization, 4Boston, serving as a student leader for a group of volunteers at St. Francis House, a day shelter for Boston’s adult homeless population. She has also led retreats in the Kairos and Halftime programs and worked as a research assistant in the theology department. In her free time, Delaney is an avid reader and writer, and loves music, traveling and watching movies with her friends. As an O’Hare Fellow, she is excited to explore her interest in social and economic justice, immigration issues and women in the church.
Christine Lenahan is a graduating senior at Boston College studying English and philosophy. Originally from Scranton, Pa., Christine graduated from Scranton Preparatory School in 2019. At Boston College, Christine is an undergraduate research fellow in the English department working as a manuscript editor and research assistant. She was distinguished as a member of the Alpha Sigma Nu Honors Society and Order of The Cross and Crown of Boston College. Christine is a co-director for the Kairos Retreat Program at B.C., aiding in the formation of several lead teams and the retreat experience of hundreds of students over the course of her senior year. Christine is an avid poetry reader, Spotify playlist curator and yoga enthusiast. As an O’Hare Fellow, Christine is eager to explore her interest in liberation theology, criminal justice reform and sexual ethics.
Michael O’Brien is a graduating senior at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass., where he will earn a B.A. in English language and literature. During his time at Holy Cross, Michael served as the editor in chief of The Spire, the student-run newspaper of the college since 1925, in addition to being a member of the Sigma Tau Delta honors society. Outside of school, Michael has professional journalistic experience working for The Staten Island Advance and NBC New York. As an avid music listener, sports fan and movie watcher, Michael is excited about the opportunity to explore the intersection of faith and culture at America.
About the O’Hare Fellowship
The Joseph A. O’Hare, S.J., Postgraduate Media Fellowship supports the next generation of writers for the Catholic media and other forms of professional journalism. The fellowship offers three recent graduates of Jesuit and non-Jesuit colleges or universities in the United States or Canada the opportunity to develop their literary skills and professional relationships while living and working in the capital of global communications, New York City.
O’Hare fellows spend 11 months working at the offices of America Media, where they will generate content for America’s multiple platforms: print, web, digital, social media and events. O’Hare fellows enjoy a rich personal and professional experience through ongoing mentoring and other opportunities. Fellows meet regularly with America’s editorial staff, including James Martin, S.J., editor at large of America and a New York Times best-selling author, in order to cultivate their skills and professional networks.
At the conclusion of the program, O’Hare fellows are uniquely suited to pursue successful careers in the Catholic media or other forms of professional journalism. O’Hare fellows receive housing at Fordham University’s Lincoln Center Campus, health care coverage and a monthly stipend for living expenses during the 11 months of the program.
Learn more at www.oharefellows.org.
About America Media
America Media is the leading provider of editorial content for thinking Catholics and those who want to know what Catholics are thinking. America Media leads the conversation about faith and culture by producing excellent, unique, relevant and accessible content across multiple platforms. Our contributors are the principal figures in the American church; the decision-makers and opinion leaders who lead the ecclesial and civic debate about religion, society, politics and the arts. Those with something to say to the American church say it in America: popes and presidents; Nobel laureates; Pulitzer Prize winners; world-renowned scholars; and distinguished men and women of letters. Our flagship magazine, America, has been published continuously since 1909, making it one of the oldest periodicals in the United States today.
