Lianne Lopez-Cepero Director of Public Relations 827 Second Ave. New York, N.Y. P: 346-678-7890 F: 346-234-4567 lopezln@auburn.edu
Zine Publishing
NEWTON CORNELL PONG! EDITOR-IN-CHIEF BIOGRAPHY
Newton Cornell has always had an interest in journalism. He recalls that ever since he was in elementary school he had two interests when it came to school: writing and social life. It is then no wonder that Cornell is the mastermind behind Zine Publishing’s newest project, Pong!. Cornell, originally from Boston, Mass. but raised in Tennessee, was always interested in seeking a degree in journalism. He chose to attend the College of Journalism and Communications at the University of Florida. Cornell finished his journalism degree in just three years and wanting to experience the typical four years of college, chose to minor in marketing his senior year. Although thoroughly pleased with his decision to attend the University of Florida, Cornell says he was always interested in what college life was like everywhere else. He decided to spend his summers taking classes at other colleges while crashing on friends’ couches. He spent his first summer studying at Colorado University and his next summer at the University of Texas. Aside from his summer sessions, Cornell said he spent most of his free time and cash visiting old friends who were attending other colleges. “I knew what a monumental time in my life college was and how it was something I -more-
Page 2 of 3 would never be able to experience again. I wanted to get the full grasp on it, not just a glimpse,” says Cornell. However, his final summer before his senior year Cornell skipped the college road trip and made a strategic career move .He worked as intern at the Zine Publishing headquarters in New York. Upon graduating in the spring of 2004, Cornell went back to work for Zine Publishing as a Promotion Director. During his college years Cornell had ideas about creating a magazine for college students, but never saw an opportunity to pursue his vision. “The idea never really left me after my vision for a college-driven magazine. I was just hoping that over time my ideas would mature and that the right opportunity to present them would present itself to me,” says Cornell. In 2007, Cornell went back to the University of Florida for a college football game. “I was only supposed to stay two days, but the second I got there I started talking to students and everything started to come together. I felt like the time to act had come,” says Cornell. He called headquarters and asked for a few days off, promising to come back with something amazing. Lisa Padman, Co-President of Zine Publishing, remembers the phone call. “He sounded so enthused, so focused. He didn’t want to give any details but he kept promising me I would love it. I had no reason not to trust that he would live up to that promise,” says Padman. Upon arriving back to work in New York, Cornell met with Padman and other creative directors. He presented the vision he had been cultivating for years and the response was what he had dreamed of: they all loved it. Collaboration to create the magazine began immediately and within a few short weeks Cornell was named editor-in-chief of Zine Publishing’s latest creation, Pong!. “It was an anonymous decision to make him editor-in-chief and Zine is confident in his abilities,” remarked Padman. Cornell is now the youngest editor-in-chief for Zine Publishing. He hasn’t let it become an obstacle though. In fact, he considers it an advantage. “It wasn’t long ago that I was there [in college]. I -more-
Page 3 of 3 can relate and I know what’s interesting and what is out there,” says Cornell. He laughs, “I haven’t become old and foggy yet. I still got that edge.” He’s even tried to keep the staff as young as possible too, although he says he doesn’t discriminate. The past several months of hard-work and dedication are about to pay off for Cornell with the February 2 release of Pong!. “I couldn’t be more excited. It has all come together like a dream and I think this first issue is going to be a huge success. I am just so pleased and so honored to be where I am. It’s a good place,” remarked Cornell.
-###-