Kennedy Gaynor

My name is Kennedy Gaynor and I am a sophomore at Indiana University from Indianapolis, Indiana. I am double majoring in Media Advertising and Fashion Design.



Projects by Kennedy Gaynor

News Story

Navigating the New NIL Era: Insights and Impact on Student-Athletes

By Kennedy Gaynor, Charlie McLain, Ava Boyd, and Sofie Yurewicz

BLOOMINGTON—Indiana University football is undefeated and having its best season in program history, and NIL is thriving for hoosier athletes.

It’s Saturday, November 2, 2024. The Indiana Hoosiers are in East Lansing to take on the Michigan State Spartans for the Old Brass Spittoon, but that’s not all the Hoosiers are looking for. IU football has started 8-0 for just the second time in program history and is seeking their first ever 9-0 start—but how did the Hoosiers get here?

Dr. Galen Clavio giving an engaging and fascinating lecture on NIL and how it affects the world of a student athlete.
Dr. Galen Clavio delivering an engaging lecture on NIL and its impact on student-athletes.

A program that’s won just nine games over their previous three seasons is about to win their ninth game of the 2024 season in as many games played. One of the greatest turnarounds in college football history is taking place right here in Bloomington, but what is the key to this sudden success? The answer is Name Image and Likeness (NIL), the recent initiative in college sports that allows college athletes to be paid for their brand. “Name, image, and likeness is another set of words for right of publicity,” says Dr. Galen Clavio; the head of IU’s Sports Media program.

With recent Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations, Indiana University athletes now have new ways to profit from their personal brands, gaining financial support and career-building opportunities while still in college. Proponents argue that NIL reduces athletes’ financial stress, allowing them to focus more on academics and sports, while critics worry that NIL could shift focus away from team dedication. Mika Millbach, a longtime IU supporter, believes these deals are vital for athletes’ growth both on and off the field, asserting they allow students to reach their full potential without the financial pressures many face.

James Murphy, sophomore quarterback at Brown, discusses the impact of NIL on student-athletes.
James Murphy, sophomore quarterback at Brown University, shares his perspective on NIL and its growing influence on student-athletes.

Brown University’s sophomore quarterback James Murphy shared his insight on the new landscape of NIL. He shared valuable information about the opportunities and challenges athletes at the collegiate level face because of NIL—something he knows very well, having been affected. In an interview with Murphy, he says “NIL has completely changed the landscape of college sports as a whole. Athletes are not only finally getting financially rewarded for their hard work and sacrifice- but it also has played a big role in recruiting more student athletes as well. Schools that can offer more money to the athletes through collectives and brand deals will be more appealing during the recruiting process.”

Mika Millbach, best friend of an IU professor and massive Indiana sports fan, believes that NIL deals are vital for the Indiana football team to reach its full potential. He asserts that these agreements not only offer athletes financial support but also contribute to their overall education by lessening financial stress, allowing them to focus more on academics. “I think the program has had an incredible impact and without this program I think that the students would suffer…” he said. For IU, Millbach argues, NIL could mean attracting more talented athletes and boosting the team’s performance, which would ultimately bring more recognition and funding to the university. Millbach also believes that NIL leads to more educated athletes by the persuasion of the deal. 

Two junior students, Kate and Olivia, admitted they didn’t know much about NIL or its impact on student-athletes but were eager to share their thoughts. “I do not keep up with football much,” Allie noted, “but I have noticed that our team is continuing to succeed and are leading the season 6-0.” This led Olivia to ask Kate if the team’s winning streak might have more to do with coaching than NIL. After a brief discussion, they both concluded that Coach Cignetti’s leadership, rather than NIL deals, is likely the driving force behind the team’s recent success. Their perspective suggests that factors beyond NIL, like strong coaching, could play a larger role in team performance, providing a counterpoint to the idea that NIL alone is shaping athletic outcomes.

Tayven Jackson, sophomore Quarterback at IU shares his personak experiences with NIL and provides insightful advice for other athletes.
Tayven Jackson, sophomore quarterback at IU, shares his personal NIL experiences and offers valuable advice for fellow athletes.

Football’s second-string quarterback, Tayven Jackson, shared his insights on how NIL has positively impacted student-athletes, especially those from challenging backgrounds. “A lot of my teammates come from a rough background, and so now that they can make money, they can help their families and their cousins and people that are sick in their families,” Jackson explained. For Jackson, NIL deals go beyond personal gain—they offer student-athletes a chance to support loved ones and make a difference off the field. He also noted the importance of being wise with NIL opportunities, advising fellow athletes to work with agents to secure the right deals and invest earnings responsibly rather than spending recklessly. In the long term, Jackson hopes to see NIL deals that help athletes promote their brands and use these platforms meaningfully, rather than just providing a paycheck. His perspective showcases NIL as a unique opportunity for financial growth, family support, and career preparation, but one that also requires thoughtful management.

As Indiana University’s football team makes history with an unprecedented winning season, the role of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) in their success has sparked discussions across the campus and beyond. While some attribute the team’s performance to skilled coaching and strong leadership, others, like quarterback Tayven Jackson and IU supporter Mika Millbach, believe NIL has provided athletes with essential financial support and opportunities to grow both on and off the field. NIL has not only helped players like Jackson support their families but has also created a new pathway for student-athletes to build their futures beyond college sports. As NIL continues to evolve, its impact on programs like IU’s football team highlights a transformative shift in college athletics, one that empowers athletes to succeed academically, athletically, and professionally. Whether through coaching or NIL, the Hoosiers’ extraordinary season is a testament to the power of investing in student-athletes, marking an exciting new era for Indiana University sports.

Tayven Jackson, sophomore quarterback at IU, opens up about his experiences with NIL and its impact on college athletes. In this interview, he offers valuable insights on navigating the new landscape of student-athlete compensation.

In a series of street interviews, people connected to IU share their thoughts on the changing landscape of NIL. Their perspectives highlight how NIL is shaping the future of student-athletes and the university community.

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Public Relations Story

Apple’s New Chapter, “The Apple Watch”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts
Kennedy Gaynor
Lindsay Iaquinta
Whitney Hausholder

CUPERTINO, California (Sept. 9, 2014) – CEO, Tim Cook, announces the new redefining product of Apple, The Apple Watch, on Tuesday September 9th. The Apple Watch allows users to have a mini iPhone on their wrist and has new fitness tracking capabilities. 

Apple Inc. is ecstatic to announce that they will be launching the very first Apple Watch. The Apple Watch is a revolutionary new device that combines fashion with technology. As usual, Apple is showing just how committed they are to bettering their users’ experience through all new technology.

Mother tries the new Apple Watch.
Carey Iaquinta, the mother of an Indiana University student, checks her texts on her Apple Watch. A few minutes earlier, her phone died, so she now relies on her watch to keep in touch with her family and friends.

Not only is the Watch setting high standards for what a smartwatch can do, but it is putting an all new meaning to wearable technology. The Apple Watch has been crafted for the sole purpose of keeping users connected like never before. It offers the ability to receive notifications, messages, and phone calls directly to your wrist, no matter where you are. It also allows users to respond to texts, answer phone calls and talk on the phone, and even allows users to access Siri without ever having to reach for their phones. With this level of connection, users never lose communication even while on the go.
A huge, standout feature of the Apple Watch is its ability to track fitness and advanced health information. It comes equipped with a heart rate monitor, accelerometer, and gyroscope which allows the capability to provide accurate and comprehensive health data. In addition, users can keep track of their daily activity, monitor their heart rate, and even receive reminders to stand up or move around, promoting a happier lifestyle. The Apple Watch also comes equipped with a workout app that tracks a variety of exercises which can also provide the user with real personalized feedback to help reach their fitness goals.

Baseball player trying out the new Apple Watch
Logan Banks, a junior on the Indiana club baseball team, high-fives a player after striking out three people. Banks is the third base coach and uses his Apple watch to keep track of time, fitness statistics, and more.

 

 

The Apple Watch has also been designed to work perfectly with all other Apple products, which only betters the overall user experience. With the feature by the name Handoff, users are able to start an activity on their Apple Watch but continue it on their phone, iPad or MacBook. The watch also supports Apple Pay, which is a way to pay with your phone, but now, users can tap to pay with their watch instead. This feature also supports Apple’s many different apps, including but not limited to, calendar, maps, and Apple Music, allowing users to still have access to some of their most used tools right from their wrists.
Apple has a good way of paying attention to the design of their products. This was definitely not something they lacked when designing the Apple Watch. The watch has a very stylish minimalist sort of design which is available in many different materials to fit anyone’s unique taste. Users have the options of different watch faces and customizations to guarantee that everyone has the option to create their own personal style for their watch. Another unique concept is the interchangeable bands that are offered for even further personalization, giving users the opportunity to explore any style they would like.
Apple has shown an ongoing commitment to innovation on all fronts; the Apple Watch is just another clear example of that. Throughout the years, Apple has provided users with all sorts of new groundbreaking technology that alters the way we live our everyday lives. From the very first MacBook to our iPhones and iPads, Apple has never stopped showing just how much we can do with technology. The Apple Watch is the newest innovation and definitely did not disappoint. The Apple Watch is a clear representation of the huge leap forward in the category of wearable technology. It offers the perfect blend of fashion, functionality, and cohesion with Apple’s other products. With the advanced health and fitness tracking, outstanding connectivity, and never ending opportunities for customization, the Apple Watch is sure to become a large part of everyday life. As Apple continues to push boundaries and provide only the best for users, the future’s looking bright.

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