Today is a big day for the CCI minor as we welcome a new member to our team! Meet Lauren Delany ’25, a senior majoring in Public Relations and Advertising with a minor in CCI. Lauren is joining us as our new CCI Peer Advisor and Research Assistant, and we couldn’t be more excited to see the energy and expertise she’ll bring to the program. Originally from Torrance, California, Lauren has always had a passion for the arts. When it came time to choose a university, she knew she wanted to be in a place deeply connected to the film and entertainment industries—fields she’s been passionate about from a young age. Looking for a school that felt like home and wasn’t too far from her roots, Lauren ultimately decided on Chapman University. Since then, Lauren has found the perfect complement to her academic journey in the CCI minor. It’s been instrumental in shaping her passions and preparing her for a future in the creative industries.
We sat down with Lauren to ask her all about the CCI minor—what her role is, what she hopes to accomplish, and any advice she has for prospective students. Check out her interview below for more insights!
Why did you join the CCI minor?
LD: I had a hard time finding a minor that actually resonated with me. So many options felt pointless since I already knew I wanted to work in the arts. I didn’t want classes that drained my energy or felt disconnected from my goals—I wanted something that felt like me. A few of my friends were in the CCI program, so I started asking them about it, and every single one of them said, “You have to do CCI!” That sparked my curiosity, so I looked it up, and it was like a lightbulb moment. Here was a minor completely focused on the creative industries, with classes on networking, industry insights, and everything I wanted for my future. It felt like CCI was designed for people who wanted something real in the arts, not just another lineup of generic classes. I declared my CCI minor, and I haven’t looked back since. It just fits.
Could you go into more detail about what your role involves within the CCI minor?
LD: I’m a peer advisor and research assistant—two roles in one. As a peer advisor, I support CCI students, prospective students, and even those simply taking a CCI class who want a student perspective. I’m here to answer questions about professors, provide deeper insights into courses (beyond what the course description says), and help navigate registration. I can offer information on how students can tailor the CCI minor to fit their unique interests, whether that's in areas like fashion, film, or something else entirely. I can also provide guidance on selecting courses that align with each student's goals, helping them make the most out of the minor.
As a research assistant, my role is mostly behind the scenes, supporting the Center for CCI with research and assisting Dr. Patrick and Dr. Kelli Fuery as needed. My work spans various projects, and right now, we’re collaborating with faculty to catalog student publications. This project aims to elevate the Center’s research profile and, ideally, become a lasting resource for the community.
What would you say is your favorite class in the CCI program?
LD: Great question! My favorite class has to be Content Creation with Ryan Haley. I actually signed up without knowing what the course was really about—just picked it because it fit into my schedule! But on the first day, when Professor Haley announced it was a content creation course, I knew I was in the right place. One of the great things about CCI is that the courses can vary based on who’s teaching and their expertise, giving students a broad range of topics within the Creative and Cultural Industries. That’s why it’s always a good idea to check out the specific topics offered each semester.
The class was also a lightbulb moment for me—I realized I could actually see myself building a career in social media. We covered tools I was familiar with, like Adobe Suite and platform-specific strategies, but applying them consistently in assignments helped me discover how much I genuinely enjoyed the work. It made me think, This could really be my career, which was something I hadn’t fully considered until then.
What do you hope to bring to the position in your new role?
LD: This might sound a bit corny, but I genuinely want to be a resource for other students. I’ve noticed—even from my own experience—that many students struggle to grasp what the "Creative and Cultural Industries" program is all about, especially since it’s not as straightforward as something like Math or English. My goal is to help students understand how to navigate the program and make it work for them.
On a more practical note, I have a few ideas for some new initiatives, like starting a newsletter. There are so many resources available to CCI students that I don’t think everyone knows about. For example, the CCI website, blog, and even the Instagram account, which is really popular but still isn’t fully recognized by all students. Personally, I love getting emails, especially when they’re packed with information I actually care about. A newsletter could be a great way to keep everyone updated on internships, program news, and other opportunities that might otherwise get overlooked. Honestly, I didn’t even know we had a dedicated office space for CCI until recently—I thought it was just a room in Smith! I see a great opportunity to improve communication and work more collaboratively with the CCI social media coordinator. By combining our efforts, we can implement the concepts we’ve learned and create a stronger sense of connection for students.
Lastly, what advice would you give to students considering the CCI minor?
LD: What I love most about CCI is its flexibility—it’s a program you can truly shape to align with your personal goals. My biggest piece of advice is to be mindful of the courses you choose. Make the most of your assignments by tailoring them to your career ambitions or using them as opportunities to explore new interests. Many of my class projects, even ones I didn’t initially see the connection to the broader curriculum, have found a place in my professional portfolio. Whenever we had the chance to choose our own media examples, I’d select ones related to PR or film—fields I’m passionate about. This approach allowed me to gain experience that felt directly relevant to my future career.
And there you have it—a sneak peek into Lauren’s journey as the newest member of our team! As you can see, she’s here to help and support you, and we hope you enjoyed learning more about her. If you have any questions about the CCI minor, Lauren is your go-to person, so don’t hesitate to reach out to her at delany@chapman.edu . We’re thrilled to have her on board and can’t wait to see all the amazing things she’ll accomplish with us!
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