Pete Chiarelli graduated from the UW with a degree in Communication and Economics, focusing much of his time in broadcasting. He interned with KING-TV and Northwest Cable News before becoming a full-time news producer after graduation. He later attended the University of Southern California to study film and become a movie producer. He interned and then worked at DreamWorks, while doing side projects in his free time. One of those projects was writing a screenplay for the movie “The Proposal” – which he did under the pseudonym Jennifer Kirby. It was well received and the film grossed more than $314 million worldwide becoming the highest grossing romantic comedy of 2009. Screenwriting became his passion and he continues to succeed in the industry. Chiarelli received the inaugural 2014 Alumni Award for Excellence in Mentoring from the UW Department of Communication in recognition for his invaluable mentorship during Career Exploration trips to L.A. for students interested in the entertainment business and moving to L.A. after graduation.