Alum of the Month

October 2013

October 2013
Micah Jesse Koffler

BA '09

Q & A:

  • What was your favorite class, who was your favorite professor, or what is your fondest memory of Hofstra?
     My favorite class was PR 101, and Ellen Frisina was my favorite professor, advisor and mentor. She saw my potential from day one and not only inspired me, but also pushed me, to success.
  • What was your first job after graduating from Hofstra, and what was the most valuable thing you learned there?
    My first job after graduating from Hofstra in 2009 was working for General Motors as one of the "faces" of the Chevrolet Cruze car. As part of this exciting campaign, I traveled around the country immersing myself in entertainment, attending award shows and festivals, and interviewing celebrities from within my car. The public relations and mass media skills I learned at Hofstra proved to be extremely valuable in helping to promote and engage my social network in this campaign.
  • What is your field of specialty, and how did you come to work in the industry?
    I always knew I wanted to work in entertainment, so I pursued internships while in school that would put me in the right places. While in school at Hofstra, I interned for Tommy Mottola at Casablanca Records and as a red carpet reporter for both OK! and US Weekly magazines. These opportunities afforded me the chance to meet celebrities and other journalists, public relations and marketing professionals, agents, managers, etc., whom I now work with as a celebrity blogger, on the red carpet and as a television commentator, on a regular basis.
  • What advice would you give current Hofstra students?
    My advice to current Hofstra students would be to work really hard, both in school and in actualizing  your dream job. Take every opportunity to learn and envelop yourself in your desired field so that when graduation rolls around, you are ahead of the game. I truly believe that, in almost any industry, your network is your net worth.
  • In one word, how would you describe Hofstra?
    Eclectic.
  • What is your favorite part of your job?
    My favorite part of my job is that no day or week or month is ever the same. I'm always doing a million different things and I like it that way... It keeps me on my toes!
  • Who in your field do you most admire?
    I admire people who paved the way before me, who have had similar struggles as I have, but have come out (pun intended) on top. I admire Ellen DeGeneres, Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper, who all represent positivity, honesty and make people happy.
  • Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Where do you see your career progressing to in the future?
    In 10 years I hope to be doing a lot more television. I love hosting, interviewing and telling stories. Stay tuned as my story unfolds...
Micah Jesse Koffler

Micah Jesse Koffler (B.A. ’09) grew up fascinated by the fabulous lives of the rich and the famous, and at an early age found himself glued to the television mimicking the likes of Regis Philbin and Ed McMahon. When Micah moved to New York to attend college, he carried that passion with him, and began writing about his celebrity encounters. Within a year's time, his eponymous blog, MicahJesse.com, was born.

Micah Jesse enrolled at Hofstra University in 2005, and quickly became a recognizable face among the student body. Pulse, the campus magazine, wrote a full-page feature article about Micah titled, “True Life: I’m A Hofstar. A Glimpse Into The Life Of Hofstra’s Own Celebrity Student,” chronicling Micah’s superior grades and internship with music mogul Tommy Mottola.

He landed his first regular television gig in 2010 as a co-host on Music Choice Network's on-demand show Certified. The following year, he hosted his very own entertainment segment, Plus 1, revitalizing the network's presence on the red carpet with his vivacious celebrity interviews. He has appeared on LIVE! With Regis and Kelly, VH1's Big Morning Buzz LIVE!, Associated Press TV, Fox News, and the CNN Headline News program Issues with Jane Velez-Mitchell and has been featured in editorial spreads in YRB Magazine, Blackbook, and 944 as an emerging face in nightlife and entertainment.

In addition to his blogging and television appearances, Micah is a spokesperson and host for companies including Pepsi Co., General Motors, Unilever, and Johnson & Johnson. Micah's ability to seamlessly and organically deliver key messaging for these brands, while interacting with celebrities on camera, have made him the go-to on air personality in the ever-evolving field of branded digital content.

Micah has immersed himself in a number of philanthropic endeavors over the years, lending his name and time for causes close to his heart, including anti-bullying and LGBT rights. After posting an It Gets Better video on YouTube, Micah was asked to appear as a spokesperson for the organization. He has promoted the NOH8 Campaign, The Bully Project, Live Out Loud and, most recently, he became the entertainment correspondent for the WWE and Creative Coalition's Be a STAR Alliance, which promotes anti-bullying initiatives.

MicahJesse.com and Micah's corresponding social media channels are destinations for his ever-growing audience to read positive and refreshing celebrity news, interviews and event coverage. Readers can tag along with Micah as he navigates the entertainment industry, staying true to his roots and, most important, always remaining positive!