School of Communication Alumni

Alumni Profile

Alumnus Aaron Cooney, broadcaster and digital content producer for the San Diego Gulls, made his NHL broadcasting debut calling the Anaheim Ducks' game versus the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Alumni Profile

Emilee Fails '19

"I chose Point Park because of its location in Downtown Pittsburgh. I knew Point Park had many connections within the sports industry and that it was in the ideal location to try and build a relationship with the local teams."

Pictured is Emilee Fails. Submitted photo

Bob Pompeani High School Broadcast Award

Thursday, November 21, 2024 The Pompeani Award will recognize the best high school broadcast show in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia. Schools must submit a broadcast show via an online submission form by Jan. 6, 2025.

Pictured is Bob Pompeani, sports director/anchor, KDKA-TV.

Alumni Profile

Brendan McNamara '24

"The B.A. in journalism prepared me for my career by providing hands-on experience through the student-run television station. That experience has all tied into my current position at WTRF-TV."

Alumni Profile

Erin Yudt '24

Alumnus Erin Yudt '24 details her experience in Fulbright Germany's Berlin Capital Program.

Alumni Profile

Maggie Stasko '18

"I’ve always felt so prepared for what I do professionally because of what I was taught at Point Park. Having professors who are still in the field makes all the difference because they’re able to teach from experience. It’s more real world and less textbook."

Pictured is Maggie Stasko. Photo | Ethan Stoner

Alumni Profile

Josh Frketic '11

"My broadcasting degree is more than a degree. If I only had the degree, then I would not be where I am today. It is really what the University provides more than anything, and that is an opportunity to do great things."

Alumni Profile

Josh Croup '18

"The hands-on training I received at Point Park from professors who are still working in the field gave me a strong foundation that helped me hit the ground running as soon as I graduated."

Alumni Profile

Lindsey Watson '13

"Attending college in Downtown Pittsburgh is such an exhilarating experience. The entire city is your campus. The vibrant energy, rich cultural diversity and an abundance of opportunities create a dynamic learning environment that is both inspiring and unforgettable."

Alumni Profile

Lauryn Nania '21

"The faculty have real-life newsroom experience to help guide aspiring journalists. My assignments immersed me into the experience of being a reporter outside of an academic environment."

Alumni Profile

Caroline Collins '15 '19

"I learned that being authentic, staying up-to-date on the ever-changing platforms and consistency was key in building and maintaining an engaged following. I owe a lot of my social media success to all that I learned in graduate school at Point Park University."

Alumni Profile

Zoey Angelucci '22

"I found my internships and freelance experience to be the most rewarding and valuable parts of my time at Point Park. If it weren't for these experiences, I probably wouldn't be in this position and would feel behind in the professional world."

Pictured is Zoey Angelucci. Submitted photo.

Alumni Profile

Aaron Myler '16

"Point Park prepared me for my career by giving me a realistic look into the TV industry. The classes were led by industry professionals and treated like the first leg of your career. I learned every role that plays a part in putting a newscast together."

Alumni Profile

Jessica (Szramowski) Monahan '10

"Point Park provided a multitude of hands-on experiences, intimate class settings and guidance from faculty with exceptional backgrounds in their respective fields. Point Park showed me what could be possible and provided the tools to achieve it."

Pictured is Jessica Monahan. Submitted photo

Alumni Profile

Arian Clay-Sirop '09

"My broadcasting classes prepared me for the industry I work in today. I endured the hustle of racing around Pittsburgh with a camera in my hand trying to capture a story, then spent hours in the edit suites editing the footage."

Pictured is Arian Clay-Sirop. Submitted photo.

Alumni Profile

Dana Bohince '16

"The multimedia program provided me with a number of courses that I could build hard and soft skills around. The Downtown location, coupled with dedicated professors, meant that I was frequently introduced to industry professionals from media outlets across the city."

Pictured is Dana Bohince. Submitted photo.

Alumni Profile

Elena LaQuatra '14

"With campus being in the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh, I was able to spend time shadowing several local journalists and with the help of my professors, I secured internships with two of the news stations while completing my classes."

Pictured is Elena LaQuatra. Submitted photo

Alumni Profile

Jordyn Hronec '21

Pittsburgh Business Times hires 2021 School of Communication grad Jordyn Hronec as a digital producer.

Pictured is Jordyn Hronec. Submitted photo.

Alumni Profile

Noelle Novakovich '15

"I left my undergrad with so many transferable skills. The small class sizes made it easier to learn, ask questions and be more hands-on. I felt confident and ready to take the next step into the working world and I have many Point Park professors to thank for that."

Pictured is Noelle Novakovich. Submitted photo

Alumni Profile

Nicole Paladin '12

"I really appreciated the push from faculty to gain real-world experience while in school. The classes frequently set up events, even outside of the campus, where the class had to create and pitch products along with an advertising plan."

Alumni Profile

Robert Trinkle '12

"My education was the catalyst that enabled me to transition seamlessly into the post-graduate world. Having an established relationship through networking made the transition to PNC seamless for me."

Alumni Profile

Marissa Ross '17

"Point Park put me in the position I am in today with landing my dream job. The small class sizes made learning and getting hands-on experiences an easy thing to do. The professors have been in the industry for decades and had personal experiences that they shared with us."

Alumni Profile

Kim Roberts '15

"The coursework and faculty did an incredible job of preparing me for my career. The classes taught me all of the essential skills, from AP Style to Photoshop, which prepared me for the internships that led to my first full-time job."

Pictured is Kim Roberts. Submitted photo.

Alumni Profile

Hannah (Frye) Bridge '12

"The size of Point Park was a huge benefit. It allowed me one-on-one time with faculty, where I got to know my professors and they got to know me. The organizations and on-campus programs acted as mini-internships where I could use my skills outside of the classroom."

Pictured is Hannah (Frye) Bridge. Submitted photo.

Alumni Profile

Sharimar Y. Cruz '18

"I had very little knowledge of the art world when I applied to Point Park. I began my journey with an interest in photography and Point Park helped turn it into my passion. The B.F.A. program provided me with the knowledge I needed to succeed in this industry."

Alumni Profile

Sean McKeag '14

Alumnus Sean McKeag received nine Pennsylvania Newspaper Awards for his work as a photojournalist.

Alumni Profile

Kristin (Snapp) Andreassi '17

"I knew the professors still worked in the industry at the area's top publications, leading to relevant course material and meaningful connections. Point Park's location in the city also sets students up for seemingly endless internship and post-grad job opportunities."

Alumni Profile

Kimberly Keagy '19

"With the hands-on experience in the classroom from day one, I was prepared for internships my sophomore year of college. Do as many internships as possible, the more real-world experience you have will help you excel."

Alumni Profile

Emily VanderMey '20

"Point Park is at the center of everything. There's never a shortage of internships, volunteering or career events. Every professor was kind and generous, whether they were meeting with me, referring me to potential clients or giving support as I was applying to grad programs."

Alumni Profile

Hannah Altman '17

"The location in Downtown Pittsburgh was monumental for me as a student; as soon as I exited the classroom, I was in a city that felt big enough to grow into and small enough that meeting new people and seeing galleries was always an accessible opportunity."

Alumni Profile

Lauren Clouser '20

"At Point Park, many professors are still working in their fields and are able to provide up-to-date information about the industry and help us make important connections. I was also so excited to get to study in a city where so many opportunities are just a bus ride away."

Pictured is Lauren Clouser. Submitted photo.

Alumni Profile

Keera Frye '20

"Being a part of U-View played a huge role in my success. Beyond U-View, the professors do a great job of preparing us for jobs in the media industry."

Pictured is Keera Frye. Submitted photo.

Alumni Profile

Amanda (King) Finkenbinder '12

"My hands-on courses and internships allowed me to gain skills that the communications industry covets. Also, being able to walk downtown from my internships at KDKA-TV and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette to my courses at Point Park was so convenient. The city was our playground for learning."

Alumni Profile

Matt Desmond '12

"I had opportunities to attend other universities out of high school, but what made Point Park’s School of Communication stand out was the ability to get that hands-on experience from day one. You don’t get that experience anywhere else."

Pictured is alumnus Matt Desmond. Submitted photo.

Alumni Profile

Taylor Fareri '13

Alumna Taylor Fareri '13 was nominated for her second Emmy award as a television news producer.

Pictured is Taylor Fareri. Submitted photo

Student Profile

Lindsey Palmer '15

"Point Park appealed to me because it offered a city campus, smaller class sizes and a more traditional (darkroom) photography program."

Alumnus Matt Adams is an Associate Photo Editor for National Geographic

Monday, June 1, 2020 "If I didn't go to Point Park, then I can honestly say that I wouldn't be in the job I am in now. It was the starting point to an incredible journey."

Pictured is alumnus Matt Adams. Submitted photo

Alumni Profile

Dominique Hildebrand '16

"As an associate photo editor, it is my responsibility to source images for daily production, breaking news and short feature picture stories. Often, I spend my time trying to illustrate a story that has not been photographed or even more often, cannot be photographed."

Pictured is Dominique Hildebrand. Photo | Daniella Amy

Alumni Profile

Samiar Nefzi '19

Meet School of Communication alumnus Samiar Nefzi '19, a reporter/fill-in anchor at WJET/WFXP in Erie, Pa.

Pictured is Samiar Nefzi. Submitted photo.

Alumni Profile

Blaine King '17 '20

"I was attracted to the hands-on experience I would get from the start as a broadcast major. For my MBA, the online experience allowed me to work at a pace that was logical for my school, work and personal life."

Pictured is Blaine King at QVC. Submitted photo

Alumni Profile

Casey Hoolahan '18

"My experience with student media like U-View and The Globe were vital in preparing me to be the one-man band that is a multimedia journalist. Those groups pushed me to refine my writing and video skills and to find my own stories to tell — independence is vital as a reporter in a small town," said Casey Hoolahan '18.

Pictured is Casey Hoolahan. Submitted photo

Alumni Profile

Miles Ritenour '10

"Never stop learning. Soak up as much as you can in the classroom, but actually get out and do the job you want to do. You can only learn so much in the classroom, so intern, shadow people you admire, ask for advice from professors and people who have done what you want to do."

Pictured is Miles Ritenour. Submitted photo

Student Profile

Kayla Snyder '20

Public relations and advertising major Kayla Snyder is a new business marketing intern with Beyond Spots & Dots Ad Agency.

Pictured is Kayla Snyder. Photo | Nick Koehler

Alumni Profile

Alexander Popichak '18

"My professors helped me polish my resume, reel and website before applying to various newsrooms. Before going to Point Park, I had no idea what a producer was or did, but after talking with professors over the years, it was clear that I loved this kind of work and was connected to Erie News Now by one of my professors." - Alexander Popichak '18

Pictured is alumnus Alexander Popichak. Submitted photo

Alumni Profile

Kalea Hall '13

"I left Point Park as an intrepid reporter after tough love from the professors. They pushed me to step out of my comfort zone to get the story. When I left I felt ready to tackle every story thrown at me from the tearjerkers to the hard-hitting investigative pieces that create change."

Alumni Profile

Carley Bonk '19

"Make the most of the opportunities provided in college to get your work published. It is so essential to have a hefty portfolio when applying for that first real job."

Pictured is Carley Bonk. Submitted photo

Alumni Profile

Ryan Yorgen '17

"Point Park has been instrumental in leading me to land my dream job. Everyone who is a part of the School of Communication was committed to helping me reach my goals."

Pictured is alumnus Ryan Yorgen. Photo | Hannah Johnston

Alumni Profile

Sierra Tufts '15

Sierra Tufts, a 2015 School of Communication alumna, is an anchor/reporter for WANE 15 in Indiana.

Pictured is alumna Sierra Tufts. Submitted photo

Alumni Profile

Alex Britton Peterson '13

Meet 2013 broadcast reporting alumnus Alex Britton Peterson, a reporter and anchor for ABC27 News in Harrisburg.

Pictured is Alex Britton Peterson. Submitted photo

Alumni Profile

Miranda Van Bramer '17

Meet School of Communication alumna Miranda Van Bramer, on-air talent and promotions assistant for BIG 104.7 FM/iHeartMedia Pittsburgh.

Pictured is Miranda Van Bramer. Photo | Brandy Richey

Alumni Profile

Ryan Bailey '14

"I'm lucky enough to have been part of the first wave of esports talent. I'm one of the few who has a degree in broadcasting and real experience in a TV studio. I hope that more Point Park students can make their mark across the industry."

Pictured is alumnus Ryan Bailey. Submitted photo

Alumni Profile

Jessica Joseph '17

"Get an internship as soon as possible. You can sit in a classroom and learn all about how to use certain tools to help you create something meaningful, but nothing compares to experience. Internships give you an inside look into your desired field without working full time."

Pictured is alumna Jessica Joseph at Apple Box Studios. Submitted photo

Alumni Profile

Michele Tabaka '13

"As a part of the advertising team at The Washington Post, I work closely with advertising agencies and marketing managers to analyze marketing needs and recommend appropriate advertising solutions per each client’s budget," Tabaka said.

Pictured is Michele Tabaka at The Washington Post. Submitted photo

Alumni Profile

Tyler Jeski '15

School of Communication alumnus Tyler Jeski is the evening producer for WHP-TV CBS 21.

Pictured is Tyler Jeski. Submitted photo

Alumni Profile

Brittany Lauffer is Deputy Director of Communications for Pennsylvania Department of Human Services

Since graduating from Point Park in 2016, Brittany Lauffer has worked as a multimedia journalist for Erie News Now, and is currently the deputy director of communications for the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.

Pictured is Brittany Lauffer. Submitted photo

Alumni Profile

Justin LaBar '09

Since graduating from Point Park, LaBar has worked for Trib Total Media and World Wrestling Entertainment.

Pictured is Justin LaBar. Photo | Brandy Richey

Alumni Profile

2017 Alumna Caite Miller Plans Events for Pittsburgh Magazine

Meet Caite Miller, a 2017 public relations and advertising alumna, who is an events coordinator at Pittsburgh Magazine.

Pictured is alumna Caite Miller. Photo | Brandy Richey

From Point Park University to Havas PR: Alumni Work for One of the World's Largest Communications Groups

Thursday, May 24, 2018 Alumni Stacey Simon and Kariann Mano discuss their careers at Havas PR Pittsburgh and how their Point Park University experience prepared them for their roles.

Alumni Kariann Mano and Stacey Simon at the office of Havas PR in Downtown Pittsburgh. Photo | Nick Koehler

Alumni Profile

Alumni Profile: Meet Stacey Simon, Account Supervisor, Havas PR Pittsburgh

"Having now experienced a range of industries and roles in the communications field, I can genuinely say that I’m still thankful for my Point Park education to this day," she said.

Pictured is alumna Stacey Simon. Photo | Nick Koehler

Alumni Profile

Alumni Profile: Meet Kariann Mano, Assistant Account Executive, Havas PR Pittsburgh

"As an assistant account executive, I am responsible for creating content for social media, blog posts and newsletters, reviewing content for educational resources, media outreach to key trades and occasionally national media, and coordinate with vendors for trade show participation," she said.

Pictured is alumna Kariann Mano. Photo | Nick Koehler

Alumni Profile

Alumni Profile: David Flora, Senior Producer/Editor, Detroit Pistons

"I believe I landed my current job because of my education and experiences in the field. I also made sure to have a clean and concise resume as well as a solid demo reel."

Alumni Profile

2017 Alumnus is Managing Editor for The Northside Chronicle

"So many professors have aided me in my growth not just as a journalist, but as a writer, as a photographer, and as a videographer," said Neil Strebig.

Pictured is alumnus Neil Strebig. Photo | Nick Koehler

Behind the Scenes at WQED Multimedia with Point Park Alumni Alisyn Blackwell and Zak Boyle

Friday, August 4, 2017

Alumni Profile

Kelly Sasso

"The classes I took required that I go out and shoot and write stories on tight deadlines - sometimes solo, sometimes in a team - which is the exact skill you need when you take your first job," said Sasso.

2015 Alumna Caroline Collins is an Anchor and Reporter for WFMJ in Youngstown, Ohio

Tuesday, February 28, 2017 "Thanks to my knowledgeable professors and hands-on classes at Point Park University, I am living my dream! I am currently a television news anchor and reporter in my hometown viewing area, a station I grew up watching."

2014 Broadcasting Alumna Kelsie Metzgar is the Johnstown Bureau Reporter for WTAJ-TV

Tuesday, February 16, 2016 "I received my job offer a week after graduating in December 2014. I credit my success in landing a job to some of the wonderful faculty at Point Park who supported me," she said.

2015 Communication Alumnus James Hill is Special Assistant to Mayor William Peduto

Tuesday, February 9, 2016 "My Point Park experience is truly memorable. The people I've met, the friends I've made and the teachers who had to put up with me made my experience. Learning from professors who truly care about you is the best experience any student could ask for," he said.

Internship Leads to Full-Time Job at Post-Gazette for 2014 Alumnus Andrew Goldstein

Tuesday, January 12, 2016 "The professors at Point Park took me from being a novice writer to someone who could jump into the Post-Gazette and get up to speed quickly in a fast-paced newsroom environment," he said.

Internship and hard work advance alumna's career to promotions manager for CBS Radio

Friday, December 18, 2015 Meet Kayla Seybert.

2013 Alumna Celina Pompeani Wins Emmy

Tuesday, October 6, 2015 Less than two years after graduating from Point Park, alumna Celina Pompeani is an Emmy Award-winning host of Pens Trends, an online show that highlights what's trending with the Pittsburgh Penguins on social media.

Less than two years after graduating from Point Park, alumna Celina Pompeani is an Emmy Award-winning host of Pens Trends, an online show that highlights what's trending with the Pittsburgh Penguins on social media.

Abby Mathieu Lands Job as Public Relations Manager at Blender, Inc.

Wednesday, September 30, 2015 "Take advantage of everything Point Park has to offer. Things will not be handed to you, but if you work hard, you will graduate with impressive talents and experiences, which is exactly what appeals to potential employers," she said.

Internship Leads to Full-Time Job at Blender, Inc. for Alumna Katy Albert

Wednesday, September 30, 2015 "Point Park is a dynamic and creative place that is bursting with opportunity and excitement. Considering the city environment, industry-seasoned professors and dedication to hands-on learning, Point Park was the ideal fit for me," she said.

Alumnae Manage Public Relations and Advertising and Social Media at Blender, Inc.

Wednesday, September 30, 2015 Less than two years after graduating from Point Park, Abby Mathieu and Katy Albert are managers at Blender, Inc., a leading communications agency in Pittsburgh's Shadyside neighborhood.

Social media post helps 2013 Alumna Shay Myrick land job at Conde Nast in New York City

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Alumna Jessica LaDow is a Partner Operations Manager at Google Pittsburgh

Monday, March 16, 2015 "I chose Point Park University for the great journalism program and the exciting location in Downtown Pittsburgh," she said.

Broadcasting Alumna Mary Ours is a Weather Anchor/Reporter at WTOV-TV

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Internship at WJAC-TV Leads to Full-Time Job for Alumnus Hunter Tresnicky

Monday, February 16, 2015

Alumna Lands Job as Content Marketing Manager at Insight Marketing Solutions

Friday, January 30, 2015 "Point Park offers a smorgasbord of opportunities for students to make an impact in the community. You'll grow, learn and leave Point Park with so much more than a degree. I know I did," said Richelle Szypulski.

Alumni Profile: Meet Ashley Murray, Multimedia Editor, Pittsburgh City Paper

Thursday, January 29, 2015

School of Communication Alumnae Land Jobs at The Beaver County Times

Monday, January 19, 2015

2013 Alumna Celina Pompeani is the TV Host for the Pittsburgh Penguins

Thursday, December 18, 2014 "My sister and my dad both attended Point Park because of the excellent broadcast journalism program, which is what sparked my interest in going to Point Park," she said.

Alumni Profile: Meet Sarafina Brooks, Multimedia Journalist at WTOV-TV

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Dual Degrees in Broadcasting and Education Help Alumna Land Teaching Position

Friday, October 24, 2014

Public Relations and Advertising Alumna Gina Pennline Works for Girl Scouts

Monday, February 17, 2014

2012 Alumnus is Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations for Erie Otters Hockey

Monday, January 13, 2014 Meet Aaron Cooney.

Degree in Broadcasting Lands Alumna Nikki Porter On-Air Job at WDTV/WVFX

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Alumni Profile: Meet Doug Andiorio, Client Program Coordinator at Valassis

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Mass Communication Alumna is Strategic Enrollment Consultant at TWG Plus

Monday, June 3, 2013

2012 Alumna is Web Designer and Developer at United Steelworkers

Thursday, March 21, 2013 Meet Erin Price.

2012 grad Jace Lumley is photo editor at GQ

Tuesday, January 29, 2013 "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," said Lumley.

Alumni profile: Meet Natalie Orio, media client services manager at cj Advertising

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Alumna is Marketing Coordinator at the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh

Wednesday, January 9, 2013 "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," she said.

Alumnus is Assistant Director of Sales for the Reading Fightin Phils

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Meet B.A. Alumna and Yelp Community Manager Rachel Carlson

Monday, November 19, 2012

Alumnus Credits Point Park for Preparing Him for the World that Exists in 2012

Friday, October 12, 2012