Colby-Sawyer has named Sean Ahern ’09 as this summer’s Humanities Scholar in Residence. He will direct a renovation of the Baker Communication Center and produce a podcast series and accompanying media, “New London Calling,” devoted to telling stories about the college and community.

This residency supports new directions for Colby-Sawyer programs in Humanities, which offers majors in communication studies and creative writing as well as minors in American studies, English, film studies, philosophy, and women’s and gender studies.

“Sean’s talent and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary work in the Humanities make him an incredible resource,” said Melissa Meade, associate professor and chair of Humanities. “Colby-Sawyer’s programs in humanities not only provide students the tools and wherewithal to adapt and thrive in new media, but also provide them key ways of thinking about the vast implications of these new technologies.”

As Scholar in Residence, Ahern will expand the Baker Communication Center to include a digital humanities lab, podcasting and videocasting stations, media production facilities and student conference areas. The Center will facilitate collaborative projects across disciplines as well as individual workspace needs.

“The college is excited to welcome Sean back to campus,” said President Susan D. Stuebner. “His work will help our students and faculty maximize the resources of the Baker Center and broaden their reach with digital tools. Colby-Sawyer remains committed to the important work of our Humanities Department, and this project will boost our ability to tell student, alumni and faculty stories in compelling ways.”

“I am excited to help facilitate the growth of the humanities at Colby-Sawyer for the twenty-first century,” said Ahern. “As technology advances, it is imperative that we take the modes of communication of the past and use them as building blocks for the future.”

After graduating from Colby-Sawyer with a degree in communication studies, Ahern received his M.A. at Bowling Green State University in 2012 and is now a Ph.D. student at the University of Buffalo.