Student & Alumni Success
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Katrina O'Brien, '22
Katrina is working on as a reporter at WJHL Channel 11 News in Johnson City, Tennesse.
Danielle Dellilo, '21
Graduated from Hofstra’s MA in journalism program in 2021. She is the promotions...
Brian Stieglitz, ‘17
Brian Stieglitz grew up and lives in Seaford, NY. He has a master's degree in journalism...
Jacob April
Jacob April started the journalism master’s program at Hofstra in the fall of 2020...
Kyle Gelling '17
Kyle Gelling '17 says the journalism master’s program at Hofstra equipped him for a career path...
Jeffrey Palmaccio '21
A change of heart can happen anywhere and anytime. Ask Jeffrey Palmaccio, who was looking for a transition from the world of politics to journalism...
Melissa Berman
Graduated from Hofstra University in May 2020 and returned...
Jared Grossman '20
says the graduate journalism program at Hofstra helped him gain the confidence...
Sandrina Rodrigues, 2011
A recession, a hurricane, and now a pandemic. These are three major events that have....
Kristan Bravo, 2021
There are many people who are looking to make a career in the world of media....
Evelyn Infante
is an international commercial administrator for Fox News Media...
Jordan Stoopler '20
There is a tremendous international presence on the campus of Hofstra University. Jordan Stoopler, a native of Montreal...
Chris Buckley, BA 2015, MA 2016
Image: Chris Buckley, right, with colleague and CBS Sports legend, Jim Nantz.
Writer and Chief News Desk Associate for CBS News Radio in NYC since 2016...
Fatima Khan, '21
faced immense adversity as she pursued a master’s degree in journalism at Hofstra. ....
Nick Valastro ’16
Garden City’s Nick Valastro ’16 only had to drive right around the corner to assess his skills at Hofstra University.
Jonathan Calixte '20
graduated from Hofstra with an MA in journalism in May 2020. He says the skills he learned in the program...
Priscila Korb
A May 2020 graduate of the Master of Arts program in journalism...
Melissa Wamp
moved to Cincinnati to pursue a career with the Bengals.
Bob Doda, 2011
The path to graduate school is not always the same for people...
Rich Dolan, 2020
People from many different paths find their way to Hofstra. For Rich Dolan, his path is via the military....
Michael Fuller, 2017
Marianys Marte, 2022
Marianys Marte graduated from Fordham University in 2017 with a major in communications and media studies...
Raymond Mora
Graduated from the journalism M.A. program in May 2019...
Sara Whitman '19
Hofstra’s MA in Journalism program regularly puts students in the path of key influencers and executives at a range...
Ryan Ye, 2020
From Toronto, Ontario to Long Island, geography isn’t the only transition that Ryan Ye made....
Brian Stieglitz, ‘17
Brian Stieglitz grew up and lives in Seaford, NY. He has a master's degree in journalism and a bachelor's degree in journalism and creative writing from Hofstra University. He worked as a reporter, editor and columnist at the Long Island Herald, in Garden City, where he stayed for four and a half years. He is currently a reporter at DailyMail.com.
How would you describe your time at Hofstra?
“I have always been very versatile about my passions and interests, so Hofstra gave me the opportunity to explore and sharpen my skills in a lot of different fields. I am a storyteller at heart and went into my freshman year with a double major in journalism and creative writing. But soon enough, I discovered my love of film after taking an RTVF class and took it on as my minor. Of course, taking on a lot of different subjects was overwhelming at times, but I'm glad I was able to take the time to find myself and discover my strengths and weaknesses. It was an overall illuminating experience.”
How has the Hofstra graduate journalism program impacted your career?
“The Hofstra journalism program led directly to my first job out of college as a reporter at the Long Island Herald, where I interned during my sophomore year. As I write this, it's my last day at the Herald and I'm about to start a new job as a reporter at the Daily Mail.”
What were some of your favorite classes, projects or experiences at Hofstra?
“My favorite experiences at Hofstra were definitely my study abroad opportunities. I took journalism courses in Italy and English courses in Ireland. I had experiences I could never get in the classroom and saw, firsthand, the pulse of a different culture — from their conflicts to their passions and everything in between.”
Advice to current and future graduate journalism students?
“My advice to prospective graduates is to take advantage of every opportunity, especially if it scares you! You're at a point in your life when the most important goal is to learn and grow. Let yourself take chances and make mistakes because the biggest regret is not knowing what could have happened if you didn't put yourself out there.”
Jacob April
Jacob April started the journalism master’s program at Hofstra in the fall of 2020. He says his experiences with cerebral palsy and support from family have motivated him in his career path.
Kristan Bravo: When did you begin the MA Journalism program at Hofstra, and what is your impression of the program thus far?
Jacob April: I started at Hofstra in the fall. My impressions are that the school can accommodate and support people with disabilities. They have small classes and there are opportunities at WRHU to broadcast Hofstra sports events. Also, the affiliation with pro sports teams and the overall connections to the media industry are very impressive. Getting the opportunity to pick the brains of people in the industry coupled with the chances that you get here at Hofstra; it does not get much more exciting!
KB: What made you choose Hofstra to pursue a master's in journalism?
JA: I chose Hofstra for all the reasons above. When I was in undergrad at Mitchell College in New London, CT, they had a radio station named Radio Mitchell. I was unsure if I should join it because I was different and quite frankly, was embarrassed that I was. I always loved the high you get from doing something live, though. Then, I found out that the Nets radio voice Chris Carrino had muscular dystrophy, and through a connection, I got to talk to Chris. We had a long conversation about our differences and how he handles his. At the end of our conversation, he said something like, ‘If they are going to give you a shot, take it,’ and I did! That story is not to tell you that hey look; this kid got to talk to Chris Carrino, which is how and why he got here. Was it cool? Yes! It is one of the reasons why I am where I am now? Yes! Can you do it as well? Yes! Talking with Chris Carrino gave me the motivation to start pursuing journalism more seriously because I had someone to look up to.
KB: What personal/career goals do you have in the journalism field?
JA: My dream job is to do play-by-play for local or national networks in one or multiple of the four major sports and interview people about their uphill climb to where they are in sports today. The experiences I've had with talking to Chris and watching Jason Benetti, the only professional broadcaster with cerebral palsy, gives me hope that people with differences can do the job at a high level. The encouragement I get from my family and friends is something that I use to motivate me.
KB: Are you able to share the adversity you’ve faced in your life and how Hofstra has been accessible and helpful in your journey?
JA: I was born with cerebral palsy, affecting my upper and lower body. When I was a kid, I never was able to play sports on a competitive level. But I love watching them! Honestly, I don't think my life is that different. I believe a higher power chose my family and myself to take on this challenge because we can impact people. I truly believe other people have more demanding challenges. Still, I think experience teaches you so much more than you can read from a book. To use a sports analogy, the other team might have taken the lead, but that does not mean I can't win the game. Setbacks don't define your story. It's more about how you get up and face your setbacks. As one of my favorite quotes states, "We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand." - Randy Pausch.
KB: What are some of your favorite courses you've taken in the program or projects you've worked on thus far?
JA: The opportunity to be taught and mentored by people I hope to join in the industry is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Furthermore, I love the chance I have gotten on the campus radio station, WRHU, and the respect I have gained from peers and teachers! I know the process to get where I want to be in the field will be more challenging, but hey, I have been overcoming a challenge that I did not choose for 24 years. Why not overcome a challenge that I am choosing?
As told to Kristan Bravo, an MA journalism student and the program's graduate assistant during fall 2020.
Kyle Gelling '17
Kyle Gelling says the journalism master’s program at Hofstra equipped him for a career path in social media, from Major League Baseball to Barstool Sports.
Kristan Bravo: How would you describe the journalism master's program at Hofstra?
Kyle Gelling: The journalism master's program at Hofstra is a unique combination of classroom and field learning that couples industry professionals with top notch facilities. This program sets itself apart from the rest because it is constantly evolving to keep up with the changing media landscape, and the hands-on training that is provided gives you a head start on the competition
KB: In what ways did the program expand your knowledge and skill set in the journalism field?
KG: The emphasis on video editing and social media trends really helped to expand my skill set in the field. Now more than ever, companies are looking for employees to wear multiple hats. It's not enough to simply be able to write or edit; they want you to be able to do it all. Thanks to Hofstra, I am a well-rounded worker. Writing to social channels is different from print or cable television, and the program taught me the differences I needed to drive engagement and maximize reach.
KB: Talk about your career path and how the skills you learned at Hofstra are helping.
KG: My career path was directly influenced by my degree from Hofstra. During my first year in the program, I was hired by Major League Baseball as a social media coordinator and my boss told me I was hired because I was getting my master's from Hofstra. They liked the idea of having someone who was still learning about the industry and was at the forefront of the changing times. I did that for a season before changing departments within the MLB and moving over to social media production. I didn't just want to write the copy for the highlights, I wanted to work on creating them as well. It was there that I learned how to create social media assets, GIFs and Instagram stories. After two more seasons, I decided that it was time to move on and began working at Barstool Sports as a social media manager. My time at Hofstra couldn't have prepared me more for the job that I currently have now. The multiple class structure, on-site work and television network were the perfect model for the roles that I have now.
Currently I manage six of our brand's accounts across all social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok), I secure video rights for redistribution, maintain the company's viral video archive, YouTube page and blog channel and I produce and co-host our Mets podcast, 'We Gotta Believe.' It is a 7-day workweek with strange hours, but it is some of the most rewarding and fun work that you will ever get to do. Barstool is all about independence and giving you the room to create and try new ideas, so in that regard, it is very similar to Hofstra. When you are passionate about your work it never really feels like a job and that's what I think Hofstra understands really well. The course work was always challenging, but the professors found a way to connect it to real world situations and topics that made you want to do the best you could. It shaped the way I approach my job today and it's the reason that I've been able to handle so many different projects at once.
KB: What were some of your favorite courses you took or projects you worked on during your time at Hofstra?
KG: My favorite project was definitely covering the presidential debate for my independent study course. Hofstra partnered with Newsday to cover campus activities that were running parallel to the debate. It gave me my first taste of being a reporter and provided a lifelong memory that I'll never forget. I was lucky enough to win the student lottery to attend the debate and ended up with a credit in Newsday's actual debate article
As told to Kristan Bravo, an MA journalism student and the program's graduate assistant during fall 2020.
Jeffrey Palmaccio '21
Jeffrey Palmaccio 2021
A change of heart can happen anywhere and anytime. Ask Jeffrey Palmaccio, who was looking for a transition from the world of politics to journalism. A 2015 graduate of political science and government from the University of Maryland, he has worked in local and state government and in campaign efforts. Now, he is searching for a new path; one that goes through the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication.
Dan Hanson: Are you working or a full-time student?
Jeffrey Palmaccio: I am currently a full-time student and the spring 2020 semester is my first.
DH: Outside of classwork, what are some projects you have worked on in your professional life?
JP: Since graduating from the University of Maryland several years ago, I have worked with local, state and government officials. I have also worked alongside elected officials seeking office in campaign efforts.
DH: Despite the craziness of this semester right now, especially with the virus, how is Hofstra setting you up to succeed?
JP: The correspondence with my advisor earlier in the semester was a great benefit. I’m very excited to see how the program will impact my career and future.
DH: Why did you feel that you needed a master’s degree?
JP: I felt that I needed a master’s degree in journalism because I am switching careers from one in politics.
DH: What made you choose Hofstra?
JP: I chose the program because a lot of my family completed their graduate degrees at Hofstra, and I completed a few undergraduate courses too. Being that the program was highly regarded on Long Island, it was an easy choice.
Dan Hanson BA’18, MBA’20 is a graduate assistant in the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication.
Melissa Berman
Melissa Berman
Melissa Berman graduated from Hofstra University in May 2020 and returned in the fall to pursue a master’s degree in journalism. She is carrying on a tradition as the sixth person and third generation of her family to attend Hofstra
Kristan Bravo: Talk a little about your family and Hofstra. Which of your family members went to Hofstra and did they encourage you to attend as well?
Melissa Berman: Ever since I was young, Hofstra has been a part of my life. My mother, aunt, uncle, grandmother, and a former aunt went to Hofstra. My mother was very encouraging; I think she always knew I would end up at Hofstra. My uncle and aunt were going to be happy for me no matter what, but I believe they really wanted me to choose Hofstra. Unfortunately, my grandmother passed away before my senior year of high school. I know she would’ve wanted me to go to Hofstra and pursue my dreams.
KB: Discuss how you manage your work and school workload.
MB: Along with being a full-time student, I work part-time at Hofstra’s Fitness Center as the Spirit Support graduate assistant. My job is to make sure all spirit groups (Pep Band, Cheer, and Dance) are supported and in proper communication with Athletics and the University. Another part of my job is to take care of the school’s mascots, Kate and Willie. It is my responsibility to get them dressed, transport them around campus to their events, and make sure they are ready for photo opportunities. I am beyond grateful for my job, especially as a past member of the Pep Band and mascot team. I balance my job with school by working four days a week and doing homework on my days off. My bosses truly are the best and support me wholeheartedly.
KB: Do you feel supported by your Hofstra faculty and classmates as you pursue your master's degree?
MB: I definitely feel supported by my faculty and classmates as I pursue my master’s degree. I have always appreciated the faculty and their constant support and dedication to all the students in the program. Being in classes with the same people has been helpful as we are all figuring this out together.
KB: In what ways is Hofstra expanding your knowledge and skillset in the journalism field?
MB: Hofstra has broadened my horizons, and expanded my skillset and knowledge to the fullest extent. Everything that I know about journalism is from Hofstra. The diversity of classes that I took in my undergrad at Hofstra has set me up for a profession in the journalism field. I aspire to be on TV as a news anchor or interviewer, and the amount of hands-on experience I gained has helped me immensely. Hofstra has opened my mind to so many different aspects of journalism that I didn’t know existed. I am excited to continue my learning experience and dive deeper into the world of journalism.
KB: What were some of your favorite projects?
MB: Over my time at Hofstra, I have worked on many projects. One of my favorites was creating an issue of Pulse Magazine. I was the business manager for the Spring 2020 issue. We produced a full magazine in the heat of a pandemic with no on-campus access to any materials. I am most proud of this because it shows that not even a pandemic can stop a group of students from being creative and productive. Another one of my favorite projects was creating a multimedia project for class. I interviewed different people about mid-year commencement and incorporated video and images. I learned how to use Photoshop and now I have that knowledge to use for other projects.
KB: How would you describe the Hofstra journalism program? Is there anything you can point to that makes this master's program unique?
MB: Hofstra’s journalism program is incredible! In my undergrad, I not only learned the basics of journalism, but also had in-depth study of many related topics and issues. The journalism program also allows for a choice in electives. What makes this master’s program unique is the ability to choose the track you want to focus on. I love that I can pursue a career in entertainment journalism and have specialized classes that teach the specifics of that focus. Everyone is incredibly supportive and helpful. I am excited to see what the next two years bring!
Kristan Bravo is an MA journalism student and the program's graduate assistant during fall 2020.
Jared Grossman '20
Jared Grossman says the graduate journalism program at Hofstra helped him gain the confidence he needs to excel in breaking news situations in the workplace.
Kristan Bravo: How would you describe the journalism master's program at Hofstra? Is there anything you can point to that makes this master's program unique?
Jared Grossman: The amazing thing about this program is how expansive and flexible it is. The program can be tailored to individual interests, so students are prepared for any kind of job in the journalism field!
KB: In what ways did the program expand your knowledge and skill set in the journalism field?
JG: I came into the program confident about my writing and editing skills, but after my first semester with our distinguished professors, I knew I still had a lot to learn. Working in a big-time newsroom, many things we do are on the fly and require quick thinking. This program prepared me to take control of every breaking situation with confidence.
KB: Talk about your career path, what you're doing now and how the skills you learned at Hofstra are helping you in the field.
JG: If it weren’t for my Hofstra education, I wouldn’t have had the amazing opportunities. I’ve been able to work as a reporter for NBC News, and even a TV producer at Spectrum News NY1- NYC’s leading cable news channel. If it weren’t for my specific news writing, copy editing, and video editing coursework, I wouldn’t have been prepared to work alongside incredible journalists who I’ve looked up to for years.
KB: Did you feel supported by your Hofstra faculty and classmates as you pursued your master's degree?
JG: I never felt like my classmates or professors weren’t supportive or invested in my success. That being said, there aren’t going to be professors who will baby you. If a working journalist misses a deadline or fails to report accurately, there will be consequences. I’m grateful that our professors instilled that notion in each one of us. Much like a true newsroom, this program is very interactive. It was very rewarding to grow and work together with students who have a common goal: to be the best journalists we can be in a world where trustworthy journalists are needed.
KB: What were some of your favorite projects you worked on during your time at Hofstra?
JG: I enjoyed working on my capstone project! I was able to apply everything I had learned into one big passion project. Working through the uncertainty of a pandemic, this project truly showed me just how quickly plans can change and how journalists need to adapt to thrive. Professor Gonzalez, my faculty advisor, truly supported me, trusted my intuition, and let me take the reins. It all paid off!.
As told to Kristan Bravo, an MA journalism student and the program's graduate assistant during fall 2020.
Sandrina Rodrigues 2011
Sandrina Rodrigues 2011
A recession, a hurricane, and now a pandemic. These are three major events that have happened during the last decade, but none of them were able to stop Sandrina Rodrigues from doing what she loves. After going to Hofstra as an undergraduate student, she continued the chase after her passion in Hofstra’s graduate program for a master’s degree in journalism, which helped eventually lead her to where she is today.
Dan Hanson: Where do you work?
Sandrina Rodrigues: I am a senior producer for News 12 Digital. My shift starts at 4:30 a.m. I’m the first one in the building or online for the digital department. I do a variety of tasks. I write the national/international/sports/business (and coronavirus) related headlines for the infobar (the scrolling ticker on the TV screen). I copy edit the early morning stories for the website. I cut videos and write feature stories for the Long Island website.
DH: What were your top moments at Hofstra?
SR: Working on my capstone; I got to report on a case of a girl who was able to get legal immigration status through a program for unaccompanied children immigrants.
DH: What are some of the top moments from your career?
SR: Before the current pandemic, it was working during Superstorm Sandy. I spent almost three straight days at the newsroom writing and publishing web stories. Working during a pandemic though has been a top moment. We are working on the news while going through a transformation. Our typical newsroom has changed to working from home, or the field, and Zoom meetings are now the norm. And, this past weekend, the News 12 Digital team received an Emmy in the Interactivity category for the voting campaigns we ran on the website last year.
DH: What has the journey been like in your professional life?
SR: The journey has been unexpected. I didn’t think I would end up working at a website. My plan was to work as a producer on the linear side. But when I had the opportunity to intern at News 12, for the Spanish website (it doesn’t exist anymore), I fell in love with digital. From there, I started to freelance on both the Spanish side and English side of the websites. Eventually, I got a part-time job with the Spanish side and then a full-time position with News 12 Digital.
DH: How did Hofstra set you up to succeed?
SR: During the capstone I had to go out and report and do it all on my own. I had to learn how to build a website, and work on both video and audio.
DH: Why did you feel you needed a master’s degree?
SR: I graduated Hofstra with a bachelor’s degree in 2008, during the recession. After an internship with WNBC’s promo department, the hope was that I would get a job there,but the department had to make cuts. So, without a job lined up, I started working full time at a law office as a legal secretary. But that was NOT my dream job. In 2009 I decided to get a master’s to help me get back in the “game.”
DH: Why did you choose Hofstra?
SR: Because I loved being at Hofstra for undergrad!
DH: What can you say about the Hofstra master’s in journalism program as a whole?
SR: It prepared me well for the real world. It was a long time ago, but to this day I still remember how amazing the professors were, and how ready to help students they were.
Dan Hanson BA’18, MBA’20 is a graduate assistant in the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication.
Kristan Bravo 2021
Kristan Bravo 2021
There are many people who are looking to make a career in the world of media. After getting her bachelor’s degree from American University, Kristan Bravo wanted to round out her academic experience with a master’s degree from Hofstra. For someone who works around the clock like Bravo does, she knows she can certainly achieve this feat and then some.
Dan Hanson: Are you a full-time student or are you also working?
Kristan Bravo: I attend Hofstra part time and am also currently working as a freelance production assistant at SportsNet New York.
DH: What are your top moments from Hofstra?
KB: My top moments from Hofstra are just meeting all the faculty and my fellow classmates. I really believe I can learn something from everyone, and the people at Hofstra have proven that to be true for me.
DH: What are some projects you have worked on both as a student, as well as outside the classroom?
KB: I have done various projects thus far in the program. The stories I most like to tell are through words and video, so I enjoyed doing television packages and social media videos in classes I've taken. One TV package I did recently was an Arbor Day celebration on Long Island, where residents could pick up free tree seedlings and compost to make their communities greener.
Something that I recently worked on that wasn't for class was a story that was published on the Long Island Advocate. I wrote this piece before the NCAA voted on eligibility and asked Hofstra coaches and players what they thought the league should do. I wanted to get perspective from those directly affected by the situation and was able to do so. In my experience, Hofstra provides great access to student-athletes and coaches for stories. The Long Island Advocate is also a great resource for journalism students to get their work published.
DH: How is Hofstra setting you up to succeed?
KB: Hofstra sets me up to succeed because of its supportive faculty. When I wanted to get my story published on the Long Island Advocate, Professor Vaccaro was quick to point me in the right direction. I have always felt supported by my professors and feel that they want to see me succeed.
DH: Why did you choose Hofstra?
KB: I chose Hofstra because the journalism master’s program offers several concentrations students can focus on. I wanted my degree to be sports-related, and Hofstra offered that concentration.
DH: What can you say about the Hofstra master’s in journalism program as a whole?
KB: As a whole, I think the master’s in journalism program is very hands-on, which is great. Students get experience with equipment they might someday use in the field. There are great opportunities available with WRHU, the campus radio station, (which I haven't been able to take advantage of because of my work schedule, but I know people who have, and it sounds very beneficial).
Dan Hanson BA’18, MBA’20 is a graduate assistant in the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication.
Evelyn Infante
Evelyn Infante is an international commercial administrator for Fox News Media. She says Hofstra’s MA journalism program has given her a more holistic view of the field from business to production.
Kristan Bravo: How would you describe the journalism master's program at Hofstra? Is there anything you can point to that makes this master's program unique?
Evelyn Infante: I think this program is special because I can see the professors have a strong passion for the field and are dedicated to helping us learn. So far, the courses that I have taken have taught me both the traditional form of news reporting and the new way of reporting by integrating technology. I feel I am learning the fundamentals of journalism, while also looking towards the future. It’s very important to know how something began, where it is now and where it is heading.
KB: How is the program expanding your knowledge and skill set in journalism?
EI: The program is giving me a holistic view on the world of journalism. I like that I am learning to be a well-rounded journalist. The media is changing at a very fast pace, and I believe it is beneficial to know as much as you can. I have been introduced to so many editing apps, media platforms and video editing software that will help produce the best content I can. Not only am I gaining skills on reporting, but I am also gaining knowledge on production and business.
KB: Talk about your career path, what you're doing now and how the skills you learned at Hofstra are helping you in the field?
EI: I currently work as an International Commercial Administrator for Fox Corporation, Fox News Media specifically. At my job I deal with the business side of news reporting. My department is responsible for everything you see once the program cuts to commercials. The skills I am learning at Hofstra strengthened my appreciation for the cameramen, reporters, editors, and producers at my job. I feel more connected to them, as I now understand their job functions. I also have a better understanding of the importance of my department. We generate the money needed to keep the business running and that is very important. A lot of hard work goes into news, and I feel I have a more balanced view from the production side to the business side.
KB: What are some of your favorite projects you worked on so far in the program?
EI: One of my favorite projects was working on a package for my JRNL 216 class back in the spring. It was the first time I filmed, put together, and edited a whole package on my own. It was also the first time I conducted an interview completely on my own. It was scary at first, but once I finished, I felt more confident in myself. Another favorite project is the work I did for Hofstra Votes Live this fall. I created another package and I am also part of the Decision Desk, which is giving me insight on how much work goes into researching for elections.
KB: What are your long-term career goals and how do you think Hofstra setting you up for success?
EI: My long-term goal is to change the way news reporting is done. I want to be known as a fair and unbiased news reporter - one people can trust. Unfortunately, we live in times where the general population does not trust journalists. As a news reporter, your political views should not influence your writing. It is our duty to provide news based on facts alone, and to remain neutral. If I can tell where the journalist lies on the political spectrum during their reporting, then I think that journalist failed their job. I am a visionary and trailblazer, who aims to restore integrity back into journalism and the media. I know I have a long and bumpy road ahead of me, but I believe it is my life’s mission to do so.
As told to Kristan Bravo, an MA journalism student and the program's graduate assistant during fall 2020.
Jordan Stoopler 2020
Jordan Stoopler 2020
There is a tremendous international presence on the campus of Hofstra University. Jordan Stoopler, a native of Montreal, made his way to Long Island in hopes of refining his journalistic craft. Two years later, Stoopler has been able to parlay his interest and dreams into projects ranging from the National Hockey League to the NBA G-League. Here is his story:
Dan Hanson: Are you currently working or are you a full-time student?
Jordan Stoopler: Currently, I’m a full-time student and will graduate in May of 2020.
DH: What are your top moments while at Hofstra University?
JS: My top moments have been reporting for New York Islanders hockey games for WRHU Radio Hofstra University and calling the women's soccer NCAA tournament game last fall.
DH: What are some projects you have worked on both inside and outside the classroom?
JS: I was a part of a class this past fall in which we partnered with the Long Island Herald to write sports stories covering local teams. We covered Islanders hockey, Long Island Nets basketball and Hofstra sports for WRHU. Additionally, I have produced content for Islanders hockey intermissions on WRHU.
DH: How is Hofstra setting you up to succeed?
JS: Hofstra and the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication provides so many opportunities inside and outside the classroom for budding journalists such as myself to succeed. From the connections the school has with professional sports teams such as the New York Islanders and the Long Island Nets, to the experienced faculty who teach courses within the master's program, students are well-positioned to forge new connections and advance further. I do not know where I would be had I not come to Hofstra.
DH: Why did you feel you needed a master’s degree?
JS: I felt a master's degree would be beneficial to me and help me stand out in what is an incredibly competitive journalistic landscape these days. I also sought to further differentiate myself by specializing in sports. While undergraduate studies lay down the basics when it comes to journalism, a master's program offers added liberties to explore the field a bit further and provides opportunities to focus and produce projects that reflect your passions and ambitions. The master's degree is a springboard towards my future and will open doors for me that may have previously been closed.
DH: Why did you choose Hofstra?
JS: I found my way to Hofstra from Montreal in large part because of WRHU, the school's award-winning radio station. As a self-proclaimed hockey fanatic, I knew that the radio station had an affiliation with the New York Islanders and was the lone student-run radio station broadcasting games for a professional sports team. I knew coming to Hofstra would be an immense opportunity for me to add professional experience to my reel and earn opportunities that would be simply unattainable elsewhere. When you couple such experiences with a world-class master's program such as the one offered by Hofstra University, it was a no-brainer for me to cross the border and study in the United States.
DH: What can you say about the Hofstra master’s in journalism program as a whole?
JS: The master's program in journalism is a program that sets students up for success. In today's day and age, being a multi-faceted and well-rounded journalist is essential. With courses in writing, TV news writing and production, and copy editing, among others, students leave with a wide bank of resources and skillsets essential for the modern-day life of a reporter or journalist. The ability to specialize in a particular field, such as sports, also allows you to refine your knowledge of a particular field and set yourself apart from others within the highly competitive field of media.
Dan Hanson BA’18, MBA’20 is a graduate assistant in the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication.
Chris Buckley, BA 2015, MA 2016
Chris Buckley, BA 2015, MA 2016
Writer and Chief News Desk Associate for CBS News Radio in NYC since 2016
Hofstra University was just the right distance for Chris Buckley ’16, a Suffolk County resident who went to Sachem High School.
From calling Hofstra Pride basketball games to reporting for the New York Islanders radio network, Buckley had plenty of action during his time as a student.
Buckley is now a desk associate for CBS News Radio and talks about how Hofstra helped paved the road for him.
Dan Hanson: What were your top moments from Hofstra?
Chris Buckley: Most of my journalism experience at Hofstra came from working at WRHU. I was able to report on the New York Islanders, attending practices and games, interviewing coaches and players in the locker room. I also did plenty of play-by-play and color commentary on broadcasts of almost every Hofstra sports team. I also did lots of in-studio work as an update anchor, engineer and host. Basically, anything and everything at WRHU, which is what I'd say were most of my top moments, just having the chance to travel with teams, cover a professional sports team.
DH: What were some projects you worked on as both a student and outside the classroom?
CB: In the master’s program, I did an extensive capstone project on the economic and political impact of the Islanders moving to Barclays Center. I passed my project and it helped me utilize various forms of journalism I had learned throughout my four years at Hofstra. It was definitely the most extensive thing I worked on as a Hofstra student.
DH: How did Hofstra set you up to succeed?
CB: I found that professors in the journalism program all had a wealth of real journalism experience. Most were veterans with plenty of knowledge to pass down to students. That was certainly helpful. The program also required a lot of "hands-on" work, not just sitting at a desk and taking notes. However, I believe the most valuable thing the journalism program offers - especially the master’s program - is its diversity. Meaning that you are required to take courses that focus on all forms of journalism: print, radio, broadcast, video, and more. Being able to enter the "real world" with that variety of experience is crucial.
DH: What can you say about the Hofstra master’s in journalism program as a whole?
CB: The facilities and opportunities afforded to students who work for WRHU and participate in the school's journalism program are top notch. They are equal to if not better in quality compared to what I use at CBS. I really enjoyed my time at the school, getting to know the professors, working with other students. It's just a nice environment to learn and work in. The program is also a good pathway to internships that will offer you valuable experience as you graduate and search for a job. I am glad I made the decision to attend Hofstra and would recommend the school to any aspiring journalist.
DH: Why did you feel the need to get a master’s degree?
CB: I knew how competitive it was going to be to break into sports journalism or even just the journalism field in general. I felt that having the M.A. would be an advantage for me. I knew pursuing an M.A. would allow me to experience every facet of the journalism program at the school.
DH: Why did you choose Hofstra?
CB: I chose Hofstra because they offered the five-year program and I knew I would be able to complete my degree in only four years (enough AP credits out of high school). WRHU was also a huge reason why, as well as the station's connection to the New York Islanders and the fact that students called the school's sports games. The school is also positioned perfectly for me as it's far enough away from my family's home that I could stay on campus but I was able to go home if I needed to.
Dan Hanson BA’18, MBA’20 is a graduate assistant in the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication.
Fatima Khan, '21
Fatima Khan faced immense adversity as she pursued a master’s degree in journalism at Hofstra. She says she was inspired by her mother, who taught her how to stand strong in the face of obstacles. Khan earned her first master’s degree in Pakistan but was denied from working towards a second in the country she grew up. She says Hofstra gave her the opportunity to learn the journalism landscape in a different country and start a career in the United States.
Kristan Bravo: Talk a little about where you're from, where you got your bachelor's degree, and what made you decide to get a master's at Hofstra?
Fatima Khan: I graduated in 2020 from Hofstra University with a master’s degree in journalism. I was born in the U.S. but was brought up in Pakistan. I completed my education there, earning a bachelors and my first MS degree in Mass Communication from the prestigious University of the Punjab in Lahore, Pakistan. Soon after I earned my MS, I joined the first English news channel of Pakistan as a news producer. I worked there for four years. When my family decided to move back to the U.S a few years ago, I tried to venture into the field of journalism here in the U.S as well, but to no avail. Here’s where my mother encouraged me to get another MA degree for better job prospects. She was actually the driving force behind me opting for Hofstra University. I looked up Hofstra University’s programs and opted to get a degree here. Now that I have graduated from Hofstra, I am truly thankful for having chosen this university.
KB: Talk a little about the obstacles you faced in the spring 2020 semester.
FK: No one knew what was coming up as soon as we started our spring semester this year. I could never imagine my world toppling over in a matter of months. As soon as the COVID-19 pandemic halted everyone’s lives, our on-campus classes shifted to being online. My family got struck with COVID-19 in the beginning of April and I couldn’t escape it either. I started experiencing COVID symptoms and was immediately hospitalized when the symptoms aggravated. My mother had been admitted a couple of days before me. Imagine being in the same hospital and not being able to see my mother directly. I was discharged a week and a half later, but my mother never got up from it. She was off and on the ventilator. We were fortunate enough to video call with her for the few days she was conscious, all thanks to the hospital staff, but it was short-lived. I lost my mother in May and could not bear the loss at all. I went through severe depression, and grief therapy. Even now that I have graduated, I still have not been able to cope up with this tragic loss and I think I never will. I lost my father back in 1996. My mother raised my brother and I as a single parent. It has been really tough.
KB: Did you feel supported by your Hofstra faculty/classmates during this time? If so, please explain.
FK: I don’t think I would have been able to finish my degree if it wasn’t for the immense support of my professors at Hofstra. I never knew faculty could be this helpful in times of need, as I had never experienced this level of empathy in my previous educational institutions in Pakistan. Professors I had this semester stood by me throughout my difficult time and gave me ample time to finish my pending semester work. They were kind enough to stay in touch with me and help me when I wasn’t able to find the strength to get back on track. Had it not been for them, I would have never graduated on time.
KB: How did you find the strength within yourself to persevere and graduate in May 2020?
FK: After my father passed away in 1996 of pancreatic cancer, my mother made sure she raised me as a strong and independent woman. She taught us how to stand in the face of adversity throughout life. She always wanted to see me as a successful individual, and it was her dream to see me earn a degree from U.S. and work here. That was the only thought behind finding the courage to finish my masters.
KB: What are some of your favorite projects you worked on during your time at Hofstra?
FK: I’d be honest to say that JRNL 2026 (Radio Feature Reporting and Production) and JRNL 215 were the most challenging and creative subjects I was lucky enough to study. JRNL 2026 gave me a hands-on experience in radio production and podcasting. The course taught me an entirely different skill I hadn’t touched upon in my journalistic career before. JRNL 215 honed my photography, production and editing skills. I can say I have an additional skill - editing on Pro Tools and Adobe Premiere - on my resume, all courtesy to these two subjects.
KB: Looking back on your time at Hofstra, how would you describe the journalism master's program as a whole?
FK: It has been an exhilarating experience studying at the prestigious Lawrence Herbert School of Communication at Hofstra University. Firstly, I loved how Hofstra has been so inclusive and allowed me to earn this degree with me being in my 30s, a privilege I was deprived of in Pakistan when I was thinking of getting a second degree there. Back in Pakistan, I was denied admission forms in a particular MA subject as I was a fresh graduate and according to them…I should have let other students get in because well, I had just gotten a degree already. It is strange, I know. Secondly, Hofstra has really helped me fine tune my prior journalism skills and has given me a glimpse into the dynamics of U.S. media in detail. I believe the journalism graduate program at Hofstra has a huge margin of incorporating subjects like international relations, global politics and political science to its curriculum for students interested in politics and hard-core news. I think it has absolutely been the need of the hour to study these subjects alongside concentration on sports, entertainment and science.
KB: In what ways did Hofstra expand your knowledge and skill set as you now pursue opportunities post-graduation?
FK: Hofstra has been a huge platform for honing my skills. From writing and reporting news in clear and concise AP style to producing online journalism and content, Hofstra has taught me all I need to start my career in the U.S. The entire dynamics of the field of journalism have changed since I earned my first master’s back in 2007. I am ever grateful to Hofstra for giving me the opportunity to update my journalistic skills in these two years.
As told to Kristan Bravo, an MA journalism student and the program's graduate assistant during fall 2020.
Nick Valastro ’16
Garden City’s Nick Valastro ’16 only had to drive right around the corner to assess his skills at Hofstra University. On the campus of the Pride, he was able to work in many roles. Valastro was a producer at WRHU, a reporter for New York Islander radio broadcasts, as well as be able to call Hofstra Pride sporting events.
Today, Valastro wears many different hats as an associate producer for SiriusXM NFL Radio, a board and tape operator for the Mets Radio Network on WCBS 880 and a master control operator for Fox News Radio.
Dan Hanson: What were your top moments from Hofstra?
Nick Valastro: I would say my top moments from Hofstra came from working at WRHU. I was fortunate enough to be the assistant sports director for the sports department, travel with Hofstra Pride athletics across the country to broadcast games and produce live weekly talk shows. What especially stood out though was being the lead reporter for the New York Islanders for almost three years. To be able to cover a professional sports team by going to games and practices and interview players while being equals with actual reporters in the field was an eye-opening experience and humbling when I look back at it. Being the lead reporter meant that you were trusted by the higher-ups with Hofstra and the Islanders to not only be trusted in a professional setting, but to excel at what you were doing.
DH: What were some projects you worked on as both a student and outside the classroom?
NV: In the classroom, I would say most of my projects were on local stories or individuals on Long Island. I would say my favorite story was talking to former major league pitcher Neal Heaton who has become a well-known pitching instructor on Long Island for working with major leaguers Steven Matz and Marcus Stroman when they were growing up in Suffolk County. Both Matz and Stroman are considered two of the more successful players to come out of Long Island in baseball. My final project while in the journalism program was doing an in-depth study on the growth and impact of social media in sports media. Outside the classroom, I was involved heavily with WRHU as a producer and play-by-play broadcaster for Hofstra sports, working on the social media team while Hofstra hosted the 2016 Presidential Debate and interning in the public relations department of the Brooklyn Nets.
DH: How did Hofstra set you up to succeed?
NV: Everything surrounding the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication helped set me up for my career. Both in the classroom, and what it provides outside of it, whether it's WRHU, HEAT or the Chronicle. The classes were instrumental to laying the groundwork of what to do and how to do it while the extracurricular clubs were about actually using the tools we were taught in real-life scenarios. It also provided me with great internship opportunities with WFAN and the Brooklyn Nets that helped me apply what I've learned and to use it in real-life scenarios. They complimented each other perfectly and I do not think I would be active in this field if it weren't for that balance of classroom work and the time that was committed outside of it as well with WRHU.
DH: What can you say about the Hofstra MA in journalism program as a whole?
NV: It was challenging to say the least, and I mean that in the most complimentary way as possible. The professors that work in the program set a high standard for their classes, but are more than willing to guide and teach you throughout the program. The expectations that come with the program certainly helped raise the bar for me.
Dan Hanson BA’18, MBA’20 is a graduate assistant in the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication.
Jonathan Calixte '20
Jonathan Calixte graduated from Hofstra with an MA in journalism in May 2020. He says the skills he learned in the program helped him become a better radio personality at his job with WRCR AM 1700 in Rockland County.
Kristan Bravo: What made you choose Hofstra to pursue an MA in journalism?
Jonathan Calixte: When I first saw the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication at Hofstra University I knew right away where I wanted to attend graduate school. As I was walking through the building, l was more and more sure of my decision. As I looked at the TV studio, WRHU radio station, and the news hub, it made me realize how serious Hofstra is about my major. I knew that with these resources, I could become a better all-around journalist. I immediately told Professor Goodman (the graduate journalism director at the time) after my visit that Hofstra University is where I wanted to be.
KB: How would you describe the journalism master's program at Hofstra?
JC: I would describe the journalism program at Hofstra to be well balanced. I love how each professor provides something unique to each course. It's amazing how there is a class for everything about the media industry. What makes this program unique is the university's close ties to professional sports teams. If Professor Scott Briton was not the executive editor of the Long Island Herald, I never would have had the luxury of covering the Long Island Nets. This experience changed my entire style of reporting. Sportswriters are on a strict deadline and you have to constantly deal with the noise of the fans while maintaining your focus on the game. Covering the Long Island Nets made me report on every story outside of sports with the same attention and the same writing speed as I would for a sports story.
KB: In what ways did the program expand your knowledge and skill set in the journalism field?
JC: The skills that I learned in the program expanded my knowledge of journalism in multiple ways. Before attending Hofstra, I did not know how to edit videos, use excel, or write scripts properly. This new skill set made me want to cover more stories, regardless of the subject matter. I realized if I am capable of gaining this skill set then I can also utilize it to cover a story. My writing skills improved the most during my time in the program. I credit this to the diversity in stories that I covered. I was constantly learning that because my audience is always different, my writing style must also differ and be stronger.
KB: Talk about your career path/goals, what you're doing now, and how the skills you learned at Hofstra are helping you in the field.
JC: My career goals are to continue being a radio personality and journalist. Currently, I am working as a freelance writer for the Rockland County Times. I am also in the process of hosting a radio show on WRCR AM 1700 in Rockland County. I once interned at this radio station. Recently, I co-hosted a show where I was the radio board operator. Hofstra made me a better radio personality. I am now more confident when I read and write scripts.
KB: What were some of your favorite courses you took or projects you worked on during your time at Hofstra?
JC: My favorite course that I took was Journalism Ethics and Law. During this course, I learned the importance of the First Amendment and how it applies to media, and the importance of confidentiality. This course made me more curious as a journalist. I started to do more research on my stories, and I learned to always make sure what I write is credible. Once I was aware of the media laws and ethics, I instantly became eager to write more. It was like I was being told all of the rules before getting onto the field and playing.
As told to Kristan Bravo, an MA journalism student and the program's graduate assistant during fall 2020.
Priscila Korb
Priscila Korb
Priscila Korb, a May 2020 graduate of the Master of Arts program in journalism at the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication, was encouraged to get her graduate degree by her mom. She says the support of her parents and Hofstra faculty and classmates helped her complete her degree as a fulltime student while also working as a full-time editor for the Long Island Patch.
Kristan Bravo: Tell us about your mom's journey to get her master's degree and how she encouraged you to get yours.
Priscila Korb: My mom went to school in Argentina and then when she came to the U.S., she wanted to further her career here. She went to NYU to get her degree in social work. She always encouraged me to further my education and get a master’s degree to help me in my career.
KB: What’s your role with Long Island Patch?
PK: I am the editor for 11 news websites for the Long Island Patch. I report, write and edit local stories relevant to the communities I cover. I work to be a local news source for residents in those areas.
KB: How did the faculty and classmates support you during your time as a full-time student and full-time Patch reporter/editor?
PK: My classmates at Hofstra were my biggest supporters during my time working and going to school. Many of my peers helped and inspired me while working on assignments for class. In addition, my professors helped me to become a better journalist, providing inspiration that I carried over to my current job and will continue to use in the future.
KB: In what ways did Hofstra expand your knowledge and skillset as you now pursue opportunities post-graduation?
PK: Hofstra helped me to fine-tune the skills that I acquired both at my undergraduate program and during my time working at Patch. Taking classes to help sharpen my editing and reporting skills helped me tremendously during my job. I also acquired new skills in video editing and photography to help for opportunities post-graduation.
KB: What were some of your favorite projects as a graduate student?
PK: I enjoyed working on the group projects for my JRNL 214 online journalism course. I also liked being able to work on broadcast journalism packages in JRNL 216 since I don't get to work with video a lot in my current position.
Kristan Bravo is an MA journalism student and the program's graduate assistant during fall 2020
Melissa Wamp
After graduating from Hofstra’s MA journalism program, Melissa Wamp moved to Cincinnati to pursue a career with the Bengals. She films games and practices to create content for the team’s social channels. Wamp says the courses focused on digital journalism helped her prepare for this role with the Bengals.
Kristan Bravo: What made you choose Hofstra to pursue an MA in journalism?
Melissa Wamp: I chose Hofstra due to having two more years of eligibility to play lacrosse. Even though the level of the lacrosse program that Hofstra competes at was a deciding factor of choosing the university, the graduate program’s reputation is what sold the deal.
MW: How would you describe the journalism master's program at Hofstra?
KB: One thing I can say about Hofstra and its program is that you have so many opportunities to get involved. Once I stepped onto campus, I heard that there were so many extracurriculars that I could take part in. I applied to be part of WRHU and was accepted. I had to take a class once a week and pass a final test, which I did. I was able to cover events for the New York Islanders and the Long Island Nets, reporting live sports updates on-air. On top of this, I was able to grow connections, but also meet some incredible people on the way.
MW: In what ways did the program expand your knowledge and skill set in the journalism field?
KB: This program showed me that writing a story doesn’t come easy. You need to go above and beyond to find that source or get that interview; it’s not going to be handed to you. There is so much work that goes into this process. Over the course of this program, I was able to become a better writer and interviewer, which made my storytelling so much better.
MW: Talk about your career path/goals, what you're doing now, and how the skills you learned at Hofstra are helping you in the field.
KB: My ultimate goal is to be a team reporter and producer. I want to be a reporter who goes to practices, creates video packages, and covers the team from an analyst perspective. Currently, I am a production assistant for The Cincinnati Bengals, where I am lucky enough to be in Tier 2 (have to get COVID-19 tested 7 days a week) and film live action NFL games and practices. I create content for all of the team’s social platforms. I truly believe that I got to where I am due to Professor Gonzalez’s class, Advanced Digital Journalism. In this course, I learned how to edit on Adobe Premiere. Professor Gonzalez taught me from the ground up. I was able to use what he taught me in class to start working on outside projects, which landed me a position with The New York Islanders as a production assistant. I was lucky enough to also shoot live-action practices and games while creating content for in-arena and for the team’s social platforms. I believe if I didn’t take this class, I would not be where I am today. I was able to get that little push from this class to show me that there is so much more to telling a story besides writing. I now can tell stories of professional athletes through a lens.
MW: What were some of your favorite courses you took or projects you worked on during your time at Hofstra?
KB: My favorite course was Advanced Digital Journalism. Like I said above, I believe I am where I am because of this course. I always had admiration for videographers and photographers. I always wanted to be able to do what they did, but never really had to the opportunity to do so before I attended graduate school. The fact that Hofstra allows you to rent a camera for this course and your projects is incredible. Cameras are pricey, especially if you want the best in this field. Cameras tend to have the same shooting components, so being able to learn with a simple DSLR gave me the understanding to work a $60,000 camera in the NFL. In this course, I learned about camera settings that I need to use in different shooting environments, and how to use this footage to tell a story. My favorite project was telling my teammates’ story about her ACL recovery and how difficult her road back was. If I could tell any graduate student to take this class, I would!
As told to Kristan Bravo, an MA journalism student and the program's graduate assistant during fall 2020.
Bob Doda 2011
Bob Doda 2011
The path to graduate school is not always the same for people. Some find themselves going straight into school after their undergrad years. Others work in their designated field for a little bit before re-entering the academic world. For Bob Doda, his road was certainly unique. After graduating from the University of Connecticut in 2004 with a major in political science, Doda discovered his passion for journalism and it led him to Hofstra.
Dan Hanson: What do you currently do for work?
Bob Doda: I am a digital producer for News 12 Networks. In my role, I create content, facilitate our talents’ on-air reports for the website and curate News12.com so it is as eye-pleasing as it is informative across our seven platforms (Long Island, New Jersey, Connecticut, Westchester, Hudson Valley, Bronx and Brooklyn.)
DH: What were your top moments from Hofstra?
BD: When I look back at my time at Hofstra, and we are talking about a decade ago, I remember being excited about being around fellow students who were focused on making it in the media industry. And just about everyone in my graduating class did go on to be show hosts, work in news. There was one assignment in our intro to feature writing class where the professor told us: “Take 20 minutes, go somewhere on campus, and come back with a story.”
So, I went to the bridge above Hempstead Turnpike that links up the campus and interviewed people about how safe they feel crossing over the busy roadway. I think this was after a bridge had just collapsed in Florida. Anyway, I came back to the classroom, and wrote up a lede and a few graphs and had to read it to the class. I looked for the piece but can’t find it. But I got a laugh for my witty lede and was able to convey some good information too.
It wasn’t a typical top moment, but writing is all about connecting with people, and I felt like I had done my job in that moment.
DH: What are some of the top moments from your career?
BD: At the time I was going to Hofstra, I was working in the Newsday library on the event calendar. I was a part time worker and bored with what was basically data entry. When my favorite band Phish came into town to Jones Beach, Newsday offered a lightweight review of the show (IMO) and I took it upon myself to reach out to the reviewer. I basically re-reviewed the show and sent it to him which eventually led to me getting a Newsday byline when their album “Joy” came out. Now I was the reviewer because I spoke up.
When I did an internship with The Queens Courier for course credit, I took it seriously. Here’s an opportunity to make my mark, I thought. So, two weeks in, Bob Sheppard passes away, the voice of Yankee Stadium. I’m reading his bio somewhere and it says he was a native of Richmond Hill, Queens and a St. John’s University Sports Hall of Famer.
Nobody asked me, I just wrote it up. And they liked it. By the end of the internship, I had a full-time position there.
Since then, I have covered the 2010 gubernatorial debate at Hofstra, helped get some street signs removed in Bayside and wrote a widely-read story on the Smith Haven Mall. I don’t have a top moment, basically. Every time my name is on a story, it’s a top moment.
DH: What are some of the differences you’ve experienced between being a student at Hofstra and working in the real world?
BD: When I was a student, I didn’t understand the formula behind smart newswriting and I made mistakes. That is where you are supposed to make your mistakes. Eventually, I began to live by the “inverted pyramid” theory I was taught and have since passed that information along to many others who come through the doors of News 12. In the real world, there are consequences for making mistakes in stories. Trust is everything. So, work out the kinks in school, then be ready to roll with all those journalism tools you were taught when you have an audience.
DH: What has the journey been like in your professional life?
BD: When I graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2004, my grades were a joke and I didn’t have much direction professionally. I became a full-time letter carrier for the United States Postal Service. Two years later, I decided I didn’t feel like a mailman anymore and started writing articles for The Times of Smithtown – our local paper. I had a pretty good background in journalism from my high school days and saw this as my path ahead. Then, by chance, I ran into an old friend who gave me an opportunity to work at News 12 in 2007 as a freelance producer for the website. From there, I did my Hofstra/Newsday/Queens Courier thing, and found myself back at News 12 in 2013 with a full-time position. I’ve been there ever since and have published thousands of hyperlocal stories.
DH: What were some projects you worked on as both a student and outside the classroom?
BD: My capstone project was about how news websites gave away all their content for free at the beginning of the Internet, then realized, “Ehhhhhh maybe we shouldn’t do that.” Basically, it was about paywalls, do they work or do people just find other ways to get their news.
I enjoyed the sports writing class very much too. We wrote recaps of games, we sat in the press box for an Islander game; it was good fun.
DH: How did Hofstra set you up to succeed?
BD: I had some great professors who cared about their students, who were working journalists and provided a solid roadmap on how to succeed. The program there was focused, and the grading was always fair, I thought. When I graduated, I had surrounded myself with a solid network of like-minded people with whom I still speak. One member of my graduating class has been my coworker at News 12 for years now. The courses were great, but it’s really about the people you meet along the way.
DH: Why did you feel you needed a master’s degree?
BD: My BA in political science was a missed opportunity in my undergrad years. If I could turn back the clock, I would have focused on journalism from the very beginning. I had the opportunity to pursue my master’s degree, thanks to my parents, and I took it.
DH: Why did you choose Hofstra?
BD: I’m a career Long Islander and Hofstra had the best program. Simple as that.
DH: What can you say about the Hofstra master’s in journalism program as a whole?
BD: You get out of it what you put into it. The journalism program at Hofstra is great place to figure out where you can be most successful. I was able to dip my toes in all types of journalism waters and I’m grateful that I did.
Dan Hanson BA’18, MBA’20 is a graduate assistant in the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication.
Rich Dolan, 2020
Rich Dolan, 2020
People from many different paths find their way to Hofstra. For Rich Dolan, his path is via the military. Dolan spent time as a US Army officer and has experience with tactical operations both domestically and abroad. Now, Dolan is at Hofstra’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication, where he’s been polishing his skills in journalism.
Dan Hanson: Where do you currently work?
Rich Dolan: I am an assistant professor of military science at the Hofstra University Army ROTC program where I teach military tactics and leadership to college juniors. I am also a full-time graduate student and take classes at night/online.
DH: What are your top moments from Hofstra?
RD: Probably the moments when my work was published. Professor Zook, in particular, pushed me to publish in my first semester as a student and I appreciated her aggressiveness. It's what got me published in some notable places.
DH: What were some projects you worked on as both a student and outside the classroom?
RD: Right now, I'm working on my capstone which is taking a look at the military-to-civilian transition process as it relates to immigrants who served in the U.S. military. I've also worked on some local veterans issues that have helped bring light to some great causes in the Long Island community. Outside of the classroom, I volunteer as the School Outreach Coordinator for Military Veterans in Journalism which is a non-profit organization helping veterans in the media industry connect with one another and succeed.
DH: How is Hofstra setting you up to succeed?
RD: The professors I've interacted with at Hofstra have provided me with the tools necessary to succeed inside and outside of the classroom. I've used the things that I learned to pursue various freelance opportunities while getting my degree, and I've always fallen back on the skills I’ve learned here. Recently, I had a freelance opportunity to report for U.S. Veterans Magazine on an event involving disabled veterans from the U.S. Invictus Games team and the NFL. I had to take pictures, conduct interviews with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and multiple Pro Football Hall of Fame members and write two articles on the event. This used every skill I've learned while in the Hofstra journalism program, and I received positive feedback on my work from the magazine.
DH: Why did you feel you needed a master’s degree?
RD: I didn't feel I needed a master’s; I just wanted to learn a new skill from a university that was nationally recognized for teaching that skill.
DH: Why did you choose Hofstra?
RD: As I mentioned earlier, I am employed by the U.S. Army. I was stationed in Fort Benning, Georgia before coming here and applied for the opportunity to come teach at Hofstra. Once I was accepted, I saw that Hofstra was highly ranked for journalism and media studies.
DH: What can you say about the Hofstra master’s in journalism program as a whole?
RD: It's a great program. The diversity of the faculty’s backgrounds is great and contributes to an environment that encourages exploration. Whether it be photography, print journalism or data journalism, you have professors who have proven themselves successful in those fields and can share their knowledge with students.
Dan Hanson BA’18, MBA’20 is a graduate assistant in the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication.
Michael Fuller, 2017
Michael Fuller, 2017
Dan Hanson: What do you currently do for work?
Michael Fuller: I’m a reporter/fill-in anchor at WLTX-TV, the CBS affiliate in Columbia, South Carolina.
DH: What are your top moments from Hofstra?
MF: Outside of spending time with friends that became family, I would say my top moments had to be being involved with our television network HEAT and our award-winning radio station WRHU. Through work with those organizations came opportunities to do election coverage and also report from the 2016 Presidential Debate. I was fortunate to be a student at Hofstra during both the 2012 and 2016 debates. Being a huge news/TV guy, it was such a treat to have media from around the world converge on to the campus.
DH: What were some projects you worked on as both a student and outside the classroom?
MF: The biggest projects came from being a part of the shows on the television network or on the radio. I reported/anchored/hosted and even produced on a variety of shows such as Hofstra Today, Director’s Cut, For Your Island, The Max Kolb Telethon, WRHU Morning Wake Up Call and Newsline. There was something special particularly about participating in the telethon as we raised money for a scholarship in honor of a film student that passed away, and also at Hofstra Today as I was on the air for that show for the entirety of my college career. Although by the end of my tenure I was just an anchor and did not hold a producer title, I felt a deep responsibility for the show and so enjoyed working with the producers to create the best product. I really miss those days.
DH: How has Hofstra set you up to succeed?
MF: As I mentioned, I had the great fortune of participating in a lot of activities related to my field as soon as I arrived on campus, which allowed me to become a better writer, more comfortable on air, and also develop team skills. One of the aspects I loved the most about college broadcasting was working on big productions. It was a thrill to collaborate with the crew and work with the producers to book guests, come up with segment ideas and figure out new ways to raise the bar of each show. It made me feel as if I was a part of something much larger than myself. On top of that, the ability to be able to get into the city and intern at such places like WNBC and the Today Show allowed me to network, learn from the best in the business and gave me exposure to what could be.
DH: Why did you feel you needed a master’s degree?
MF: I was told by many people in the business that I didn’t need a master’s to excel in my profession. However, at the time I wanted to strengthen and deepen my knowledge in the craft. I also thought it would be beneficial to have more time to intern, network and make the best reel I could for potential job opportunities.
DH: Why did you choose Hofstra?
MF: It sounds cliché, but when I arrived on campus for a visit, Hofstra just felt like home. Everyone at the university was so friendly and walking through the School of Communication, I could just tell that this is where I needed to be. The university also checked off all my boxes: a small to medium sized college, a school that had city benefits but that wasn’t based in the city, and a place where I could get involved from the moment that I stepped foot on the campus. Hofstra has all of that and so much more and I’m beyond proud to call it my alma mater.
Dan Hanson BA’18, MBA’20 is a graduate assistant in the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication.
Marianys Marte 2022
Marianys Marte 2022
Marianys Marte graduated from Fordham University in 2017 with a major in communications and media studies. Since then, she has gained a wealth of communications experience. Marte interned at WNBC, was an assignment editor and production assistant at NBC Universal, an associate producer at DeSales Media Group, and is not even close to being done yet. Now, she is at Hofstra looking to add to her already impressive resume.
Dan Hanson: What do you currently do professionally?
Marianys Marte: I am a news producer at News 12 Brooklyn and The Bronx.
DH: What have been your top moments from Hofstra so far?
MM: Before this pandemic began, I was only on campus for about two months. But my top moment would have to be my first day of classes. I haven't been in school since graduating college in 2017 and it felt great to be back.
DH: How do you feel Hofstra is setting you up to succeed?
MM: I believe Hofstra is giving me those extra tools I need to further my career in journalism. My master's degree will open many more doors for my future and that is very important to me.
DH: What can you say about the Hofstra master’s in journalism program as a whole?
MM: Like I said, I've only been here for about 2 and a half months, but so far, I think the program is very well catered to working professionals and the faculty is extremely helpful in answering any questions I might have.
DH: Why did you feel you needed a master’s degree?
MM: I felt I needed a master's degree because it was always something I wanted to achieve. Continuing my education is also very important to me. I want to constantly evolve and grow. This field changes very quickly with the development of new technology. I just want to stay on top of things so that I can be the best journalist I can be.
DH: Why did you choose Hofstra?
MM: I chose Hofstra because of its reputation as a great school, its location and the flexibility of the program.
Dan Hanson BA’18, MBA’20 is a graduate assistant in the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication.
Raymond Mora
Raymond Mora
Raymond Mora graduated from the journalism M.A. program in May 2019. He says his father’s passing gave him additional motivation to finish his degree and work hard in the field. Mora is currently a graphics broadcast associate for CBS Sports Network.
Kristan Bravo: Tell us about your career path and how the skills you learned at Hofstra are helping you in the field.
Raymond Mora: In August 2018, I quit my job at Bleu Magazine to focus on the master’s degree. I managed to get a job as a grad assistant to Professor Nicole Franklin, and this helped balance everything in terms of money and not being too poor. Then a tragedy happened in my family. My dad died from a cardiac attack, and I considered taking a semester off. But I decided to finish because my dad would always tell me to keep moving forward no matter what. All the sacrifices he and my mom made for me and my brother, as we were growing up, were so we could achieve education at the highest level. My mindset from that point on was to finish and get that degree.
Afterwards, I landed a summer internship with the New York Daily News for eight weeks working in the sports department. I learned a lot from the internship about being curious and thinking outside the box, and the intro and advanced journalism classes at Hofstra helped me write solid sports articles.
The internship ended in late July and I needed to find a job as soon as possible. I emailed a news producer at CBS Sports Network about job opportunities and she set up an interview for a freelance role. I landed the job after being interviewed by three producers. They loved my background and knowledge of sports from stats to writing to making sure things are clear.
I ended up being a graphics broadcast associate for “Time to Schein,” a daily weekday show at 6 ET on CBS Sports Network. I also do some studio shows on Saturdays during college football and basketball seasons. Learning AP ENPS and some broadcast terms from the classes at Hofstra really prepared me. I don’t think I would have gotten this job without knowing that particular program and looking at how segments are run depending on the block. I definitely feel like this has helped put my career on the right path for more good things in the future.
KB: Where did you earn your bachelor’s degree and how did that kickstart your journalism career path?
RM: I got my bachelor’s degree in journalism from CUNY York College. I did a lot of work at the student newspaper, and hosted a sports radio show as well -- a good start for my young journalism career. After working for a small company, I decided that a master’s degree was necessary. I felt afraid at times, thinking I couldn’t make it in this industry and worrying about paying bills. But staying positive, learning from my mistakes and putting in the work pushed me to another level, and I still want to be better.
KB: How would you describe the journalism master's program at Hofstra? Is there anything you can point to that makes this master's program unique?
RM: I saw the school as a place in which I can focus on writing, editing, and sports. I wanted to improve my writing when it comes to long articles and get the fundamentals down as much as possible.
I also wanted to be better at copy editing and learn more about style and looking at sentences differently, so this particular program fell into that category too. It fit well with my schedule since I was a part-time editor at Bleu Magazine at the time.
I really thought the program was solid and helped me understand what it takes to be more successful and take it to the next level in my journalism career. Also, I felt stuck in my early journalism career and thought achieving a master’s degree would be useful in the future. Three classes a semester was perfect, and helped me balance doing well in the program and at my job at the time.
KB: In what ways did the program expand your knowledge and skill set in the journalism field?
RM: The program expanded my knowledge and skillset in a way that I didn’t think I could achieve. Coming from my undergrad years at CUNY York College, I wasn’t considered one of the strongest writers in the program. Some didn’t think I could make it because I wasn’t talented enough and it made me sad at times. But I know I can do this; work hard at my craft no matter what it takes. I love to express myself in writing and particularly in sports (I can also do entertainment as well since I love movies and TV shows).
I learned ways of keeping the story going by writing shorter paragraphs, limiting quotes to up to 3 sentences, and editing multiple drafts of my work. I even learned how to use the broadcast program called AP ENPS. A lot of broadcast media companies use this for scripts, voiceovers and SOT segments. This was really helpful for broadcasting jobs because I already knew some broadcast terms.
KB: Did you feel supported by your Hofstra faculty and classmates as you pursued your master's degree?
RM: They helped me as much as possible in staying positive despite being in a tough business. There is going to be a lot of rejections because there is so much competition. But there are opportunities in writing, editing, social media and even podcasting where you can be part of the journalism world. We all supported each other and hope to achieve something great in our lives as promising journalists.
KB: What were some of your favorite courses or projects at Hofstra?
RM: Some of my favorite courses at Hofstra were intro to online journalism, copy editing, intro to broadcast, sports writing, sports management, and media relations techniques for the sports and entertainment industries. These classes each helped me become an all-around journalist from writing to editing articles/videos/audio to understanding the business side. Everyone needs to know that your skills are worth something and you shouldn’t do it for free. You can work toward being a great journalist by taking it one day at a time.
Kristan Bravo is an MA journalism student and the program's graduate assistant during fall 2020.
Sara Whitman '19
Sara Whitman 2019
From the beaches of New Jersey to the bright lights of Los Angeles, Sara Whitman ’19 took what she learned from Hofstra University all the way to “Entertainment Tonight.”
Now working as a media assistant for ET, Whitman has settled in nicely in Hollywood. After spending the last five years at Hofstra working towards both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Whitman’s journey is certainly just beginning.
Dan Hanson: What were your top moments at Hofstra?
Sara Whitman: My top moments are studying abroad through the Hofstra in Rome program (it was then called SCO in Rome) in 2016, being named anchor of Hofstra Today, attending the annual gala in 2018, and passing the master's capstone with honors. I also cannot forget the Hofstra in LA trip which led me to the connection that landed me the job I have now!
DH: What were some projects you worked on both inside and outside the classroom?
SW: The first project that comes to mind is when I studied abroad in Rome with LHSC. We teamed up with members of a non-profit media organization called Shoot 4 Change, and we created a PR plan to boost their reach as well as crafted a video they could share for promotion. Two years later, Hofstra students who had participated in the program worked together to create the Shoot 4 Change New York Conference, which hosted members of Shoot 4 Change and other creatives to discuss and analyze different topics in journalism and social change. I am super thankful for this experience and proud of what came from it.
The next project that comes to mind is of course my capstone project, which allowed me to talk to people with a range of opinions on the very controversial topic of women's reproductive rights.
Lastly, I was in charge of creating and running a blog for the Hofstra in LA trip I went on in January of 2018. The students on the trip and I had to write about what we learned each day, and I had to edit and post each student's write up every day.
DH: How did Hofstra set you up to succeed?
SW: Hofstra helped me succeed by pushing me and my classmates to land internships and strive for extracurricular experiences as soon as we could to prepare ourselves for life after graduation. I am pretty driven on my own, but Hofstra's constant mentioning of internships really got me going. Hofstra also has a chapter of Zeta Phi Eta, a pre-professional fraternity in the arts and sciences of communications. I got my first internship with the help of someone I met in Zeta, who is also one of my best friends and supporters. That organization really helped me with my early professional development.
DH: What can you say about the Hofstra MA in journalism program as a whole?
SW: The professors in this program clearly have a passion for what they do and have years of invaluable experience from which students can learn. The professors are excited to teach you, which makes it a bit easier to attend a three-hour class after a full day of interning! The best thing that came from this program for me, though, is the confidence I gained in myself to venture into my next stage of life.
DH: Tell us why you thought you needed to pursue a master’s degree.
SW: I am going to be honest. I didn't originally think, "I need a master's degree." However, the fact that I could complete my bachelor's and master's in journalism through the five-year dual degree program was enticing, and that's what ultimately motivated me to get my master's degree. It was also useful and comforting knowing I would automatically be enrolled in the program as long as I kept my undergrad grades up.
DH: Any ultimately, why Hofstra?
SW: I ultimately chose Hofstra because the journalism program seemed top-notch, the LHSC had strong emphasis on real-world experience and internships, and the proximity to NYC for those internships was a big advantage.
Dan Hanson BA’18, MBA’20 is a graduate assistant in the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication.
Ryan Ye, 2020
Ryan Ye 2020
From Toronto, Ontario to Long Island, geography isn’t the only transition that Ryan Ye made. Ye spent his undergraduate years working towards a Bachelor of Science in biology. After he realized he wanted to go down a different professional path, Hofstra was calling his name.
Dan Hanson: What are some internships you’ve had while attending Hofstra?
Ryan Ye: During my time at Hofstra, I’ve interned at Sports Garten Network and Radio Advertising Bureau.
DH: What are your top moments from Hofstra?
RY: My top moments at Hofstra without question came from my time at WRHU. The radio station gave me tremendous opportunities and experiences to prepare me for the professional industry outside of school. Reporting for the New York Islanders, doing play-by-play for the first ever Women's Soccer NCAA match hosted at Hofstra University, and much more that came from the number one college radio station in the country will all be moments I will cherish for the rest of my life.
DH: What are some projects you have worked on both as a student, as well as outside the classroom?
RY: I’ve worked on many projects inside and outside the classroom. A few that stick out to me are reporting for the Long Island Nets open tryout for my sports writing class and helping develop and establish the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication's Long Island Advocate news site, as well as the numerous packages I created for WRHU.
DH: How has Hofstra set you up to succeed?
RY: Hofstra has provided me with professional experience to prepare me for a competitive industry after graduation. It has given me unique opportunities and experiences that I would not have gotten elsewhere. In addition, it has provided lifelong connections in the industry that are invaluable. All of this will aid me in my pursuit of a professional career within the journalism industry, and contribute to my growth and success as a journalist.
DH: Why did you feel you needed a master’s degree?
RY: It was a very obvious decision for me to pursue a master's degree in journalism. I decided to pursue my passion and dream career of becoming a sports journalist/broadcaster after graduating with a BSc in biology. I wanted to ensure I learned all the essential skills necessary to be successful in the professional journalism industry without taking a step back from my academic progress. Thus, pursuing a master's degree was the easy choice.
DH: Why did you choose Hofstra?
RY: Attending Hofstra was a very easy decision for me. Once I toured the campus and learned about all the unique opportunities the school has to offer there was no question that I would become a Hofstra student. The combination of the professional-level classroom environment and educators to the one-of-a-kind extracurricular activities like WRHU and the HEAT Network were opportunities I could not turn down. I am proud and extremely grateful to have made the decision to attend Hofstra.
DH: What can you say about the Hofstra master’s in journalism program as a whole?
RY: The Hofstra master’s in journalism program allowed me to learn and grow tremendously as a journalist. As someone who completed an undergrad in biology and had minimal prior journalism experience, this program taught me a tremendous amount that has made me feel comfortable entering a competitive professional industry. Additionally, I have met many lifelong friends and connections within the program that will undoubtedly support the ultimate goal of becoming a professional journalist. This program offers unique experiences and I am truly grateful and thankful to have been a part of it.
Dan Hanson BA’18, MBA’20 is a graduate assistant in the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication.
Danielle Dellilo, '21
Danielle Dellilo, 2021
Graduated from Hofstra’s MA in journalism program in 2021. She is the promotions director, and publicity and art relations manager for iHeartRadio New York.
How did the Hofstra MA Journalism program help your career?
Hofstra’s MA in Journalism program has taught me effective oral and written expression, how to meet deadlines, and multimedia reporting. In my role at iHeartRadio, I am constantly writing press releases, on-air copy, and conducting interviews with artists. I am thankful I learned these skills from the amazingly talented LHSC professors.
What was your favorite course, or what was your favorite moment while being in the program?
I absolutely loved doing my capstone project. The capstone project encompasses everything you learn from the classes you’ve taken during the program. Writing, researching, and reporting on a topic that I am so passionate about, was such a great experience. I loved that I was able to conduct interviews with a group of diverse people who were all touched by my topic. I gained perspective and knowledge from these individuals and their stories added to the story I was trying to tell. After hours of interviews, using the information I already knew and learned, I was able to write a compelling article about Fertility After 40 incorporating my own personal story.