Leezel Tanglao (Summer 2003) wrote in an essay posted to the CQS website in September that despite all the upheavals in daily journalism, some joys endure. One is the network of professional and personal friends made through the CQS program, a network she seeks to nurture and build on wherever she goes.

So it’s no surprise that Leezel was the reason behind a get-together with CQS Program Co-founder John C. Quinn at his mill property in Carolina, R.I., on June 16. The gathering also included Talia Buford (Summer 2004), a reporter at The Providence Journal, and CQS Career Coach Colleen Fitzpatrick.

Nor is it surprising that Leezel’s trip included a visit to Washington, D.C., where she lunched with CQS Program Director Karen Catone and Ryan Hiraki (Summer 2001 and Spring 2002).

Travel-loving Leezel decided to hit the road “just to breathe and visit friends and new places” following a grueling stretch of full-time work as an online news producer at KCBS/KCAL and graduate school. She graduated June 13 from the University of California-Los Angeles with a master’s degree in Asian American studies.

When Leezel selected the East Coast as her destination, it was only fitting that she arranged to meet with John Quinn. After a stroll to “Chips’ Corner” in an historic building on his Rhode Island mill property, the foursome enjoyed a leisurely lunch.

Talia discussed her preparations for a leave of absence from the Journal to enroll in a master’s program in the study of law at Georgetown University.

“I’m glad that I was able to visit Mr. Quinn and the mill at least one more time before I leave the area,” said Talia, adding that she’ll miss the great access to the Carolina gatherings that working at the Journal provided. “Chipsters at the Journal have no bigger fan than Mr. Quinn and every time you see him, he reminds you how much he cares. I’ll definitely miss that.”

Leezel, meanwhile, is excited about the summer journalism conventions kicking off around the country. She is co-chairing the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) convention in Los Angeles in August.

“So much has changed with the way information and news is delivered but the drive and passion to tell important stories remains,” said Leezel. “It’s our jobs as journalists to continue to give a voice to the voiceless in whatever medium that’s appropriate.”

During her visit, Leezel added several new friends to her CQS network – and reinforced just how robust that network is.

“Speaking with Leezel over lunch, it’s amazing how many friends we had in common and it dawned on me exactly how widespread the Chipster network has come to be,” Talia said. “I’m sure I’ll be able to find Chipsters — and that same supportive spirit Mr. Quinn fosters — wherever I go.”