Alumni Chats: Recent Episodes
Buzz Hoon
"Alumni Chats" is a chance to reconnect with alumni so they can see each other and catch up with each other. It also provides current students with inspirational and aspirational advice about the careers they see for themselves.
Former WIU instructor and alumna (2017) Emily (Manley) Feiner, Missouri Bureau Chief, Nexstar Media Group, Jefferson City, MO, talks about getting the media bug, deciding to come to Macomb, and becoming a student leader in the program.
A Quad Cities native, WIU alumnus (2017) Redrick Terry, Morning News Anchor, KWQC-TV, Davenport, IA, talks about his decision to attend WIU and becoming a media presence back in his home area.
WIU alumnus (2015) Andrew Bacon, Assistant Director of Advanced Media, Atlantic Coast Conference, Greensboro, NC, talks about how valuable experiences shooting and editing sports here helped prepare him for his career.
Part of the Chatham-Glenwood H.S. to WIU pipeline, alumnus (2017 & 2020) Danny Frey, Director of Athletic Communications, Drake University, Des Moines, IA, discusses how his experiences have prepared him for his current role in university athletics.
Working all types of sports productions around the country, WIU alumnus (2016) Mario Calero, Freelance Technical Director, Chicago Market, talks about his time at WIU in this week's episode.
WIU alumnus (1999) Steve Bridge, Agri-Business Director, WFMB-AM/FM, Springfield, IL, who has developed a flexible and diverse skill set during the past 20 years, discusses his WIU memories and the current media landscape.
WIU alumna (2000) Jenel (Bernstein) Nels, Marketing Communications Manager, Forestry Division, John Deere Co., Moline, IL, talks about how she found ways to balance her career and family in this week's episode.
In this week's "Alumni Chats", WIU alumnus (2012) Steve Hodges, IT Manager, Phalanx Family Services, Chicago, IL, talks about his WIU journey and his participation in the creation of a WIU Black Alumni Council podcast.
With a start broadcasting Macomb High School games, WIU alumnus Ben Winterrowd (2011 & 2013), Associate Director Athletic Communications, Clemson Athletics, Clemson, SC, talks about how his career promoting athletics has developed.
Multi-talented WIU alumna Liz Nolte (2008), Operations & Communications Director, Renew Moline, Moline, IL talks about transferring and using her storytelling skills in different roles in her career.
With almost 30 years experience in TV producing, alumnus J. Spencer (1992), Senior Broadcast Producer, AccuWeather, State College, PA, talks about how it all started at WIU.
Developing his career as a TV news producer, WIU alumnus (2011) Aarik Woods, KTSP-TV, Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN, reminisces about his time as a sports announcer and talks about other students and faculty that impacted him during his time in Macomb.
WIU alumnus Shaun Newell (2002), Vice President and General Manager, WMBD-TV/CIProud.com, Peoria, IL, reviews his progression through radio and television news and into station management in this week's episode.
Working in a major television market, WIU alumnus (2014) Pierce Roberson, News Producer, WTXF-TV, Philadelphia, PA, describes his involvement in all types of broadcasting activities while attending WIU and how he approaches his work in this week’s episode.
Claiming WIU is "in her blood," third-generation alumna (1995) Julie (Parks) Sanders, Director of Marketing and Content, WTVP-TV, Peoria, IL, discusses her career in TV news and marketing in this week's episode.
After spending 22 years in local television news, WIU alumnus (1997) Chad Douglas, Donor Relations Coordinator, The Salvation Army, Quincy, IL talks about his new career, growing up in Monkey Run, Missouri, and attending WIU in this week's "Alumni Chats".
With half of his career in radio news and half in government communications, WIU alumnus (1990) Tim Crowley, Director of Communications and Government Relations, North Carolina Secretary of State, Raleigh, N.C., tells some of his life story in this week's episode.
WIU alumnus Nick Ebelhack (2018), Content Specialist, IU Studios, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, talks about his love of writing and creating in this week's episode.
An important part of the Quincy community, WIU alumna (2002) Tegan Orpet, Weather Anchor, KHQA-TV, discusses her life growing up in Adams County and delivering weather information to the region in this week's episode.
WIU alumnus Zack Howell (2008), Lead Architect at Walt Disney StudioLAB, Los Angeles, CA, talks about his memories as a WIU football student-athlete and his career in post production in this week's episode.
WIU alumna Libby Allison Derry (2003), Media Relations Coordinator, OSF HealthCare, Peoria, IL, reviews her career in TV news and current role in media relations in this week's episode.
Video freelancer and WIU alumnus (2003) Dan Heuser, owner/videographer/editor, Dude Oyster Productions, Inc., Chicago, IL, talks about memories of the third floor of Sallee Hall and his career in this episode.
Hear just a part of a fascinating story of the life of WIU alumnus Alex Rodriguez (1984), Chicago Tribune Editorial Board, Chicago, IL, as he discusses his time as a foreign correspondent, serving as a bureau chief in Moscow and Pakistan.
After working a number of years in radio news, WIU alumnus (1992) Mark Nootbaar, Senior Writer & Editor, Office of Institutional Advancement, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA talks about a change in career and memories of Sallee Hall.
An interest in television news started very early for WIU alumnus (2011) John Kendall, Assignment Manager, WEEK-TV, Peoria, IL. Hear about his time in Sallee Hall and his career in TV news in this week's episode.
WIU alumna Angela (Hutti) Coulson (2003), Meteorologist, Nester Media Inc., KTVI/KPLR-TV, St. Louis, MO, talks about her time as a Leatherneck and WWIR News weather anchor in the first episode of season two.
Celebrating ONE YEAR of Alumni Chats!
WIU alumna Renee (Stoetzer) Charles (1996), University Spokesperson and Executive Director of Public Relations, Bradley University, Peoria, IL, talks about her many activities as a WIU student, becoming Miss Illinois, her time in radio and television, and moving into public relations in this week's episode.
WIU alumnus Travis Collins (2003), Graphic Designer/Project Manager, Perma-Bound Books, Jacksonville, IL talks about his career journey in creative video production and graphic design in this week's episode.
Fifty is nifty! In our 50th episode of "Alumni Chats", hear from WIU alumna Savanna (Quam) Evans (2013), Operations Manager, Titan Broadcasting and Digital Group, Burlington, IA, talk about her career in radio.
Our "Alumni Chats" holiday gift to our viewers and listeners is a talk with WIU alumnus Julio Rausseo (2011), Play-By-Play Announcer, Windy City Bulls, NBA G-League, Chicago, IL.
Find out about WIU in the 1980's and the world of cable advertising from WIU alumnus Dale Spoeth (1987), Senior Account Executive/Direct Response Manager, Effectv, Schaumburg, IL in this week's episode of "Alumni Chats".
WIU Alumnus Sean Ingrassia (2012 & 2014), Director of Creative Services, Drake University, Des Moines, IA, talks about his time as a Sports Broadcasting student and instructor, as well as his current role in producing content for Drake University, in this week's episode.
WIU Alumnus Mike Irvine (2004), Senior Communication Specialist with Boeing, St. Louis, MO, talks about his journey through television production and how his career moved into corporate communications in this week's episode.
Thanksgiving Special! 🦃
Creative trailblazer Rayvon Carter (2013 & 2015), Senior Writer at Apple, talks about his time at WIU and his career, in this week's special Thanksgiving Day episode.
Listen to the story of how music and creative energy have shaped WIU alumnus Phil Weiss (1998), Producer and Director at University Television for Western Illinois University, in this week’s episode.
WXLV-TV News Director Jake Peterson (2005) talks about his time at WIU and growing as a journalist/storyteller in his career before moving to management in this week's episode.
WIU alumnus Joe Dix (1990) talks about his time in the Chicago TV market and his role as Morning News Director at WGN-TV in Chicago, IL.
WIU alum Cisco Cotto (1998), Midday Anchor/Host of the "Noon Business Hour", WBBM Radio, Chicago, IL talks about his experiences working in the Chicago radio market, and how it all started in Macomb.
Eric Frey (2004), Assistant AD, Broadcast & ACC Network, Virginia Tech Athletics, Blacksburg, VA, recalls his days on the third floor of Sallee Hall and talks about his job producing college athletic events in this week's episode.
Executive Producer of the syndicated talk show "The Real", Tenia Watson (2001), discusses her experiences at WIU and her development as a television producer in this week's episode.
This episode features two WIU alums who met in Sallee Hall, got married and work in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin media market! Our second couple on the podcast! We talk with Rachel (Steibing) Frye (2013), Producer, WTMJ radio, and Aaron Frye (2012), Director of Photography, WDJT-TV.
Long-time Quad Cities TV Sports Anchor Thom Cornelis (1971) discusses his time at WIU and his career in sports broadcasting in this week's episode.
WAND-TV President & General Manager Clay Koenig (1992) reviews his almost 30-year career in TV sales and management in this episode.
Morning TV Anchor Mike Curkov (2006), WDJT-TV, Milwaukee, WI, talks about his experiences at WIU in radio, TV and sports broadcasting, and his journey to becoming a storyteller in this week's episode.
WIU Alumna Tikiyah Overstreet (2007), PR Manager with Relate Public Relations, Chicago, IL, tells how she got started in the field after leaving radio and television in this week's episode.
TV News Producer Brittany Baumann (2007) discusses her experiences at WIU and her work at KSTP-TV in Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN.
Upper Iowa University Senior Associate Athletic Director Brock Wissmiller, (2-time WIU alum, 2007 & 2009), talks about his experiences in sports broadcasting at WIU and his career in college athletics in this episode.
WIU alum and sports broadcasting legend Mark Moses (2005), Orlando, FL, talks about his past in radio and TV and the future of the business in this episode.
Talented creator Antwan Taylor (2010) talks about his business, True Stories Media (where he is owner/lead photographer), his two podcasts, and his book in this episode of "Alumni Chats".
TV Anchor/Reporter Chris Lovingood (2014) talks about opportunities and experiences at WIU and within his career that have shaped him into becoming a storyteller. Lovingood has worked in Peoria, IL, Fort Myers, FL, and Pittsburgh, PA and recently started a new position in Raleigh, NC.
Kyle Schassburger (2011) talks about his studio and broadcasting duties as a Network Coordinator for Learfield IMG College, a large collegiate sports marketing company in Winston-Salem, NC, in this episode.
WIU alumnus Dwight Bolden (2017), Fashion Designer of Zodiac Customs, Springfield, IL, discusses his passion of streetwear fashion design and how WIU impacted his life in this week's episode.
This episode features WIU alumnus Mitchell Leach II (2020), Founder and CEO of Interns 2 Pros. Mitchell discusses his time at WIU and the importance of internships and mentors while working in the Chicago TV market and at ESPN.
Hear about the wonderful and successful career in media management of WIU alumna Rhonda (Page) Sheya (1978). Rhonda worked in promotions and marketing, eventually becoming General Manager and Director in several positions, including Radio Disney. She comes from a long list of fellow Leatherneck graduates in her family.
This week's Alumni Chats features Rhonda (Page) Sheya (1978), Marketing and Development Director, Camp Wapiyapi in Denver, CO. Rhonda worked in promotions and marketing, eventually becoming General Manager and Director in several positions, including Radio Disney. She comes from a long list of fellow Leatherneck family.
In this episode of Alumni Chats features WIU Executive Director of University Communications and alumna Darcie Shinberger (1989). She shares her memories about WIU and her work in journalism and public relations.
This week's episode features Jock Hedblade, 1982), 4-time Emmy Award winner and Executive Director of the Macomb Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, who talks about his long career in the entertainment business.
This week's Alumni Chats features Jason Tanamor (2002), author of "Vampires of Portlandia".
This week's Alumni Chats features Shawn Anderson (1996), Creative Services Director, WTVO/WQRF-TV in Rockford, IL.
This week's Alumni Chats features Dave Nozar (2008) Regional Director of Partner Sales for U.S. Signal in the Chicago area.
This week's Alumni Chats features Alumnus Bryan Moore, Director of Athletics, Eureka College, Eureka, IL.
This week's Alumni Chats features Tom Kenny (1983), News Anchor, WTVQ-TV, in Lexington, KY.
This week's Alumni Chats features Alumnus Ryan Smith (2008), Commercial Producer and Digital Content Specialist with the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
This week's Alumni Chats podcast features Alumnus Joe Roderick, 2007, Host of ClaibsOnline.com, St. Louis, MO.
This week's alumnus featured on the podcast is Glenn Taylor, 1993, Video Systems Engineer, Spectrum Communications, Denver, CO.
This week's Alumni Chats podcast features Jaawan Arrington, Jaawan Arrington (2008), Videographer, WQAD-TV, Moline, IL.
This week's alumnus featured on the podcast is David Kenebrew, 1996, Videographer/Union Stewart WBBM - TV, Chicago, IL.
This week's alumni featured on the podcast are Bill (1998) and Katie (1993) Schroeder, InTouch Practice Communication.
This week's alumna featured on the podcast is Marcia (Lense) Judickas, 1982, Anchor, KWQC-TV, Davenport, IA.
This week's alumnus featured on the podcast is Matt Fischer, 2012 & 2015, Senior Media Coordinator, United Soccer League.
This week's alumnus featured on the podcast is Mike Nobler, Video Director for the Miami Dolphins.
Interview with Western Illinois University’s 2010 alumnus, Joe Wagener, a photojournalist with WTTG-FOX 5 television in Washington, DC.
Interview with Western Illinois University’s 1996 alumnus Brian Harrison, who the Multimedia Producer/Storyteller for Truist Financial.
Interview with Western Illinois University’s 1994 alumna, Jennifer (Smith) Moore, Senior Producer for HGTV/DIY Network/GAC.
Interview with Western Illinois University’s 2004 and 2006 alumna, Ashley Cushman, who is the Bottomline and Content Manager for ESPN.
Interview with Western Illinois University’s 2007 alumna Marissa (Harris) Isang, Special Projects Producer for WLS-TV in Chicago, IL.
Interview with Western Illinois University’s 1996 alumnus Jeff Politch, who is the Coordinating Producer for NASCAR Productions.