Read more 25th anniversary stories in the March/April 2025 feature.
Early work opportunities are crucial to developing professionals, and many successful careers have been launched at Evansville Living. Since 2001, the magazine has hosted 131 students for internships in graphic design, writing, photography, marketing, and advertising. In fact, Evansville Living earned Indiana INTERNnet’s first Impact Award for Outstanding Employer for its college internship program in 2006. Here, a few of those former interns share their favorite memories of working at Evansville’s city magazine.
Colleen (Bowen) Payne
Editorial intern, 2001; Evansville Living’s first intern
Graduate of the University of Evansville
Program Consultant, Spina Bifida Association, Louisville, Kentucky
Kristen Tucker came to speak to my journalism class, and at the end I asked if they take interns. She said they had never had one before, and I said I would like to give it a try. I was Evansville Living’s first intern, so that is something special to me. The internship really bolstered my confidence, and I learned so much about the process of producing a magazine. I decided to focus on magazine journalism for my master’s degree.
I’d been working on the student publications staff since freshman year, but I was worried about how my skills would measure up in a professional environment. I remember being surprised at how much the Evansville Living staff let me do, and I think they were surprised that I could do those things. They let me do an entire special section on outdoor living in July/August 2001, and I still have copies of it in my files. I was so proud of it.
Chris Lenfert
First graphics intern, 2003
Graduate of the University of Southern Indiana
Web Developer, CodeGeek.net, Fort Collins, Colorado
It was validating to put my skills to work and see my designs in high-gloss, full-color “real” publications. Everyone on the team — staff and owners — were very professional, but also nice, fun, and passionate. Seeing that type of group dynamic early in my career definitely helped me find it in future jobs.
Todd Tucker ran marathons at the time that I was interning. I was a soccer player in high school, and I didn’t think I could even run that many miles. Looking back now, I’m guessing Todd was about the same age I am now, or maybe even younger, and he’s still getting after it today.
Evansville Living elevates the community. It provides insights that aren’t on the surface, connections that are essential to community building, and inspiration for anyone who’s aware of the publication and the work that goes into producing it.
Kristen (Woszcynski) Lund
Editorial intern, 2007
Graduate of the University of Evansville
Physical therapist and founder, Bloom Physio, Bloomington, Indiana
The internship was a really important step in transitioning into the “real world” after college. At the time, at least, unpaid internships were incredibly common for English majors like myself, so the simple fact that I got paid made me feel like a valued member of the staff who was expected to produce professional-quality work, and I was eager to rise to the challenge.
I think Evansville Living builds community pride by highlighting the stories of the amazing people, organizations, businesses, and events in the area. When I lived in Evansville, I never felt like there was nothing to do, and I think a lot of that is because of Evansville Living bringing light to all of the opportunities available.
Jake Martin
Graphics intern, 2006
Graduate of the University of Southern Indiana
Musician and founder/guitarist of classic rock band The Smoke Rings, Mount Carmel, Illinois
The internship was a major accomplishment for me. Ten years before, I was working in a factory, dreaming of a better future. I took out loans and decided to give graphic design my full attention. I wanted to continue my education from USI in a real-world setting. The internship was the best thing a graduate could hope for.
One day, I decided to wear a shirt that was different than the Jim-from-“The-Office” gray or blue that I wore every day. It was a light rusty red colored shirt. Graphic artist Matt Wagner, who was always the early guy in the shop, said, “Oh, nice shirt, man. Now I’m hungry for salmon.” I never wore that shirt again.
The overall quality really makes Evansville look inviting. If someone were to ask me about what Evansville is like, my first response would be to check out an Evansville Living magazine.
Shanti Knight
Editorial intern, 2009-2010
Graduate of Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
Portrait photographer, Bloomington, Indiana
Interning at TPG was effectively my launch into professional life. Because the publications are held to such a high standard, I knew coming in that this was going to be a valuable experience, but I didn’t anticipate how welcome, embraced, and valued I would feel. Louis LaPlante was a great writing coach, and something he taught me was to pull my lede from the middle of my story. It’s a technique I still use.
As a portrait photographer, I witness the power a great portrait has on a person’s self-image. When we see our best features emphasized and celebrated, it helps us see ourselves at our best and show up that way in our lives. Evansville Living does that for the city. When Evansville’s residents see themselves and their city highlighted in such an elevated way, it brings a sense of personal pride in the community.
Sarah (Ulrey) Mikhailova
Editorial intern, 2004
Graduate of Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
Media Relations Manager, Quad, New York City
It was the first time I could see my work in print in a real publication, working with real journalists, editors, and designers. It was really powerful for me to be part of the staff, as before this, I had only worked on student publications.
My immediate boss was Shellie Terry, and I did a whole bunch of stories for her. She helped me to improve my metaphors and writing structure. At the end of my internship, she said, “You did a great job — you’re a really good writer — but promise me, when you get back to school, you’ll take an editing class because your small editing errors detract from your writing.” It was really good, honest feedback that is funny in hindsight. And when I returned to college the next semester, I made sure I took a copyediting class.
Evansville Living really punches above its weight. The magazine represents the community of Evansville, its culture, and its vibrancy. It’s a beautiful representation of the community. It’s been rough out there in the publishing world. So, to me, Evansville Living is a wonderful standard bearer for local journalism.
Kaitlin (Crane) Mansfield
Graphics intern, 2013
Graduate of the University of Southern Indiana
Interior designer, SugarBakers Home Fashions
This was my first “big girl job.” This internship, which turned into some freelance work afterward, meant the world to me. I still have so much appreciation for Tucker Publishing Group, Inc., for giving me the opportunity.
I couldn’t believe I was trusted with designing sections of the magazines, even writing a small article or two that were published.
In today’s world, we’re so flooded with hard news through mainstream media, local media, and social media that we sometimes are overloaded with the “need to know” articles, and I believe Evansville Living harbors a feeling of “want to know.” People want to read about the positives happening in our city.
Jessica (Campbell) Hoffman
Editorial intern, 2001
Graduate of the University of Southern Indiana
Senior Account Executive, Tucker Publishing Group, Inc.
The magazine was still relatively new, with fewer employees than we have now. The tasks I received were great training for a soon-to-graduate college senior. I was thrilled when I was offered a full-time position with TPG in October before I graduated that December. It meant the world to me that I had secured a job and in the field I wanted to work in.
Todd let me shadow him a few times to see what his day was like. I recall that one of the stops was Roy’s Shoe Repair. I was also asked to play some pranks on Todd’s friends by making funny phone calls to them. Todd would tell me what I was supposed to say, and I would take notes, like a professional intern.
Evansville Living is the biggest cheerleader for our community. The magazine showcases Evansville as the vibrant community we are. It does such a nice job of attracting new people to move or interview here. Locals are proud of how their community is represented in their city and regional magazine. The publication puts local businesses on our readers’ radar. I have heard so many times over the years that readers discovered a new business that they enjoy patronizing because of the magazine.
