Where will St. Mike’s 2026 seniors go next? Spotlight on Cassie Lathrope ’26

Cassie Lathrope ’26 (Photo by Sophie Burt ’26)

After graduating in May 2026, Cassie Lathrope ’26 will pursue a career in journalism and multimedia reporting – a passion she discovered during her time at Saint Michael’s College. 

The Trumbull, Connecticut, native will work as a reporter at WCAX-TV, the local Vermont CBS affiliate, after earning her degree. As a Digital Media and Communications major with a minor in English, Lathrope interned at the Burlington-based news channel during the spring semester of her senior year. That internship led the station to offer her a post-grad job. At Saint Michael’s, Lathrope balanced many different activities and on-campus involvements with her academics, embodying the benefits of a liberal arts education. 

Lathrope was asked to reflect on her time at Saint Michael’s College and share how her experiences have set her up for a successful future in the world of broadcast journalism and beyond. 

The following Q&A interview has been lightly edited for style and clarity. 

Saint Michael’s College: What are your career/education plans after graduating from Saint Michael’s College? 

Cassie Lathrope: Following my graduation from Saint Michael’s, I will be starting as a full-time Multimedia Journalist for WCAX – Channel 3 News. 

SMC: How did St. Michael’s support you in getting to this point?

CL: I would not have this opportunity if it were not for the support of my professors, peers, and professional mentors at Saint Michael’s. During my first year, after taking a storytelling course with Tess Stimson, a former adjunct professor, I was encouraged to enroll in Storytelling for Design & Publication, the course working on the college newspaper – The Defender. At the time, I had not yet seriously considered pursuing journalism, but her confidence changed that trajectory. 

Over the next two years, working closely with Tess Stimson and Cynde Strand, two incredibly experienced journalists, I was able to gain hands-on experience in print journalism. Through these courses, I learned how to report, ask critical interview questions, edit, and hone my journalistic writing. 

Elizabeth Murray, Michelle Jordan, and April Barton have been incredible professional mentors in the Marketing and Communications Department, which furthered my growth and exposed me to a different style of writing and storytelling. Through one-on-one editing and consistent feedback, their mentorship helped to further strengthen my voice and confidence in my writing. They continuously supported me, even when it meant stepping away from my role in the department to pursue an internship.  

My peers at Saint Michael’s have been equally as impactful. Here, I have found my closest friends who have never stopped cheering me on. Their constant encouragement gave me the confidence to take risks, pursue new and exciting opportunities, and believe in my own potential. Together, these relationships have shaped my experience over the last four years and who I am today. 

SMC: What will you take with you into post-grad life from your education at Saint Michael’s? 

CL: Academically and professionally, I’m leaving Saint Michael’s with a strong foundation in storytelling and a knowledge of how to work with purpose. Beyond these technical skills, I am also leaving with a sense of confidence and the ability to adapt to new opportunities. My four years here pushed me to take risks, whether that was joining the Women’s rugby team with no prior experience, speaking in front of the Student Government (Association) at weekly meetings, or completing an internship in a country abroad for two months. Most importantly to me, I will carry the relationships I have built in my time at Saint Michael’s into everything I do. The friendships I formed with my peers, classmates, and roommates gave me a support system that pushed me to be better and reminded me that I never have to navigate challenges alone.

SMC: What are you most looking forward to after graduation?

CL: I am most looking forward to stepping into a professional role and putting everything I have learned at Saint Michael’s into practice. I will also be living in Burlington post-grad, and I am looking forward to exploring the city more and all Vermont has to offer year-round. 

SMC: Do you have a career/education goal for the next five years?

CL: In the next 5-10 years, I want to continue to grow my strengths as a journalist. I want to be someone readers and viewers can trust for honest storytelling and reporting. I am looking forward to seeing where this field will take me, and I will take advantage of all the opportunities I am given along the way.