Good things come in threes, and that has certainly been true for our Communication Science area this year. Not one, not two, but three Communication Science graduate students are preparing to expand their families in the coming months as they welcome new children into their lives. Communication Arts is beyond excited to congratulate these expecting parents and wish them well as they begin these new adventures.
Jinyoung Choi welcomed her first child earlier this fall on October 12. Choi and her partner named their baby girl Taerin, which means “peaceful and shining” in Korean. “We truly hope she finds happiness in her life,” Choi said. “She’s healthy and happy, enjoying her newborn days at home.”
Matthew Meier and his partner are expecting their second child at the start of December. They are eager to welcome a baby girl into their family and are most excited to see their three-year-old son bond with his new baby sister.
Finally, Rachel Hutchins and her partner will welcome their first son into their family in January. They are most excited to grow their family. “Our three-year-old daughter is over the moon; she’s been asking for a sibling for going on two years now,” Hutchins said.
Within the last few years, UW–Madison expanded its parental leave policies to graduate students who are expecting children. Jeremy Morris, the Director of Graduate Studies in Communication Arts, highlighted how important it is to help expectant parents through this process, so they know the rights they have at UW. “This often involves working with students and their area to make sure the department can provide them the time, space, and resources they need to adjust to this new stage in their life, while also helping them stay on track with their progress in the program in terms of their longer-term goals,” Morris said.
As 2025 and the fall semester come to a close, everyone in Communication Arts is eager to congratulate Choi, Meier, and Hutchins on these exciting additions to their families. We wish you all sweet times ahead!