Meet our School of Communication Alumni
In the profiles featured below, meet alumni from the School of Communication undergraduate programs. These alumni discuss why they chose Point Park University and talk about how earning or pursuing an undergraduate degree at Point Park is helping them to reach their career goals.
Alumni
Amanda King
B.A. in broadcasting reporting, 2012
Multimedia Journalist, Beaver County Times
"The adjunct professors who were still working in the field is what got me hooked. I saw students coming out of Point Park with hands-on internships and the connections to lead them to get jobs. I wanted the same."
Erin Price
B.A. in multimedia, 2012
Web Designer and Developer, United Steelworkers
"Becoming well-rounded is essential for today’s jobs and can be accomplished within the School of Communication. Classes extend from writing articles, developing photos in a darkroom, creating websites, designing brochures and producing videos."
Angela Nelson
B.A. in public relations and advertising, 2010
Director of Marketing and Communications, Highmark Stadium
"When I visited Point Park for the first time, I instantly fell in love with the urban environment and all of the opportunities the University has to offer to students. The combination of hands-on education as well as the ability to connect with current business professionals who work in Downtown Pittsburgh was really intriguing to my educational goals."
Stacey Simon
B.A. in public relations and advertising, 2007
Social Media/Digital Marketing Manager, UPMC
"I chose Point Park because of the small class sizes and many opportunities to gain real-world experience. I also found the professors to be top-notch — most of them worked in the field themselves and were able to offer a wealth of useful information to their students."
Jace Lumley
B.A. in photojournalism, 2012
Photo Editor, GQ Magazine
"Anything done creatively requires a great amount of time and passion. The classes at Point Park taught me how to spend time doing what was keeping me inspired."
Natalie (Urban) Orio
B.A. in photojournalism, 2006
Media Client Services Manager, cj advertising and freelance photographer
"I chose Point Park because of its hands-on approach to learning and the small class sizes. I loved that the School of Communication faculty still work in their respective fields. The real-world application that they bring to the classroom is unparalleled. I also loved the Downtown Pittsburgh location and the city life was something I wanted to experience. The city really is your campus."
Mallory Laporte
B.A. in public relations and advertising, 2006
Marketing Coordinator, Children's Museum of Pittsburgh
"Seek out internships even if they are unpaid or not for academic credit. I took an internship with the Children’s Museum after graduation because I knew it would be a worthwhile experience and it led to the job I have now."
Anthony Pignetti
B.A. in broadcasting reporting, 2008
Assistant Director of Sales, Reading Fightin Phils
"I always wanted to go to college in Pittsburgh, but also wanted to experience everything a Downtown environment has to offer; Point Park accomplished both goals."
Rachel Carlson
B.A. in journalism, 2004
Pittsburgh Community Manager, Yelp
"At Point Park, I loved that I was encouraged to get out into the field and obtain an internship. I felt like the whole program was about how you can learn through hands-on experience rather than sitting down and test taking all day or listening to a lecture."
Kristina Martin
B.A. in journalism, 2010
Associate Editor, Pittsburgh Magazine
"If you're looking for a top-notch program, this is it. In the classroom, I learned all the grammar and AP Style rules from the best. I was taught the essentials about reporting, ethics and the proper way to craft a lead. Versatility was emphasized. While I was drilled on story structure, kindness and professionalism were also covered."
Josh Frketic
B.A. in broadcasting, 2011
Anchor/Reporter, WVVA-TV
"My degree from Point Park has helped a lot but it's more than just a degree. It is really what the University provides more than anything and that is an opportunity to do great things. You have to take advantage of every opportunity and run with it. Get out and gain experience so you can build your resume the right way."
Jamie Inferrera
B.A. in journalism and mass communication, 2010
Director of Communications for State Rep. Daryl Metcalfe
"Point Park provided me with the opportunity to hone my journalism skills by gaining real-world experience. During my senior year, I took the Point Park News Service class where I was able to write stories that were published in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. The School of Communication also encouraged students to pursue internships within their desired fields. I completed two political internships, one with a congressman and the other with a United States senator. Those opportunities gave me the experience I needed to land my current job."
Michael DeCourcy
B.A. in journalism and mass communication, 1981
College Basketball Columnist, Sporting News
"Point Park prepared me for the world that existed in 2012, where you have to be ready to do everything: write, edit, shoot video, etc. If you can't do everything, then you better be absolutely brilliant at whatever you do. Because of my Point Park education, I'm able to handle different media and the demands within those media."
Kate Santichen
B.A. in broadcasting, 2007
Producer, Bloomberg News
"Point Park offers small classes and hands-on experience, plus all the benefits of being in an urban setting like Pittsburgh. The city offers limitless ideas for stories for your class assignments. There are so many opportunities to practice writing, shooting, editing, being on camera, etc., and you can really build a solid portfolio of work. It’s so valuable to be able to participate with the newspaper or TV station from your first day as a freshman. I was also impressed that so many of the professors work in their fields. It’s a thrill to open the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and see your teacher’s name in a byline."
Eric Davidow
B.A. in broadcasting, 2009
Production Technician, Fox CT
"I use the skills I learned at Point Park in my job every day. I learned how to be a team player working as part of a small production team. I had a solid foundation for what I could achieve in the industry, and because of that I push myself to work harder every day to learn more about audio design and live studio production."
Amanda Gillooly
B.A. in journalism and mass communication, 2002
Editor, Canon-McMillan Patch
"Point Park taught us the basics: how to ask the questions, what the news is and how to write it. But professors such as Bill Moushey also ingrained a team-oriented mentality and a never-say-never attitude when it comes to pursuing a story. So many of the professors taught us that talent does much, but passion does more."
Heidi Dezayas
B.A. in broadcasting, 2007
Editor, Plum-Oakmont Patch
"Point Park has an amazing, hands-on program for students in journalism. Students also have a world of resources at their fingertips. Point Park students often get first pick of local internships because of the school's reputation, and they are definitely instrumental in gaining experience."
Miles Ritenour
B.A. in advertising and public relations, 2010
Account Coordinator, Ketchum Sports and Entertainment
"I think the most important thing Point Park did in terms of making me a good PR professional was not just teaching me about public relations while I was there. Instead, I was enveloped in a curriculum that taught me about various forms of media. So, coming out of school I had an understanding of print journalism, broadcast journalism and photojournalism, in addition to my expertise in PR. Having faculty who could help me understand the various media vehicles really allowed me to adjust and be successful when performing the day-to-day media relations I do at my current job."
Stephanie Rex
B.A. in journalism and mass communication, 2007
Editor, Forest Hills-Regent Square Patch
"Point Park truly prepared me for a career in journalism because the professors are experienced, currently working in the field and always stressing the importance of internships paired with making connections. The professors help you learn the importance of all aspects of career building, from strengthening your skills to building a resume and networking with people in the business."
John West
B.A. in photojournalism, 2007
Documentary Photojournalist, John West Photography LLC
"Point Park helped me with my photojournalism career in several ways. The University helped lay a foundation of study that I still reference and use every day when I am out doing assignments, documentary work or in just engaging the public. In photojournalism, ethics, determination and a body of work are the keys to success. Point Park helped me understand and relay those traits into a strong work ethic that helps me achieve and exceed the expectations of my clients and the people who surround me."
Jennifer Russell
B.S. in integrated marketing communications, 2010
Owner, Gemini Marketing Partners
"Point Park gave me the knowledge, but it also has given me the confidence to take such a risk. The professors really believed in my abilities. After being away from college for 15 years, that was a plus. Changing careers isn't easy — I had been in the retail business since 1998 — but the IMC program certainly helped. I was also very driven to succeed, and the professors seemed to appreciate that."
Kate Keib
B.A. in journalism, 1997
Promotion Manager, Gannett Atlanta
"The education I received at Point Park was solid. But what Point Park did for me was expose me to the real world. My professors spoke from a place of first-hand knowledge. They were connected to every type of local media and agency. So we had the best in-class speakers, tours and opportunities for internships. By the time I graduated, I was writing for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pittsburgh Magazine and helping out at KQV radio."