Young Alumni Award
Sophia M. Minnaert, Comm '09
Milwaukee, Wis.
Sophia Minnaert chose Marquette for two reasons: She loved the sense of community on campus and wanted to study journalism in a media market with top internship and work opportunities. Her drive led her to work as a reporter for Fox Sports Wisconsin and to her current role as broadcast and digital features content director for the Milwaukee Brewers.
“I love storytelling and the atmosphere of a live sports environment,” she says. “I’m grateful to have great teammates who are like family, and we love working together to do quality, entertaining broadcasts. Every season and team are unique, and it’s fun to share that with Brewers fans.”
At Marquette, Sophia was selected for the Burke Scholars Program, designed for academically talented students who are community-minded and aspire to careers that benefit the public good. The program granted her a full-tuition scholarship — which she calls “an incredible gift” — and opportunities to get to know the city of Milwaukee and highly motivated peers.
Studying abroad with the Marquette in Madrid program in 2008 was another highlight, Sophia says. It allowed her to complete her Spanish major and maintain her bilingual skills, which she uses daily in her work with the Brewers. “Being bilingual helps me build connections and relationships with our team that I can share with the fans and viewers,” she says.
Receiving this award is “humbling and meaningful,” she adds. “I’m so grateful for my time on campus and to still be so connected to an institution that means so much to me.”
What advice or insights from your own experiences would you share with fellow Marquette alumni or current students?
My advice would be to be kind, work hard and say yes to as many opportunities as possible.
Name a Marquette faculty or staff member who had an impact on you, and how.
Dr. Sarah Feldner was my first professor on campus, and she has been incredibly supportive of my growth as a student, alum and professional. She has kept me connected to campus and the Diederich College of Communication, giving me opportunities to engage with students. As the leader of the Burke Scholars Program, Dr. Stephanie Quade also impacted my Marquette experience with her kindness and enthusiasm.
