Marion Knott Studios, Dodge College, at night

It’s all work and no delay for these broadcast journalism students

An exceptional number of broadcast journalism graduates barely had time to graduate before joining the work force

Shrug off that commencement gown and get to work. That was the post-graduation story for several 2015 graduates from the broadcast journalism program at Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts.

group of people smiling

Gathered in the Chapman News studios at Dodge College of Film and Media Arts are, top row, from left, Associate Professor Pete Weitzner, Sami Harrelson, Wes Rapaport, Leah Freeman and Dan Steele. Front row, from left, are Mor Albalak, Tarah Stuht and Alex Biston. (Not pictured are Natalie Aronson and Annie Ackerman.)

Every year many students quickly land jobs in the competitive business of television news, but this year a group of especially outstanding graduates outdid themselves, most of them receiving several offers and having contracts signed before Commencement 2015, said Pete Weitzner, director of broadcast journalism at Dodge College.

women smiling

Leandra Romero, left, and Melissa Cano.

“These guys have done so well and had such great resumes and were so confident, most of them had multiple offers. I think that says something about their talents. Really, this many in jobs before graduation is great,” Weitzner says.

Get ready to watch and enjoy the work of these newest television journalists.

    • Natalie Aronson, assistant broadcast coordinator, Anaheim Ducks, Anaheim.
    • Melissa Cano, reporter, KDRV-TV, Medford, Ore.
    • Leah Freeman, weekday reporter and weekend weather news, KBLK-TV in Lubbock, Texas.
    • Sami Harrelson, reporter, KULR News in Billings, Mont.
    • Wes Rapaport, reporter, KAMC-TV Lubbock, Texas.
    • Leandra Romero, producer, KESQ-TV, Palm Desert, Calif.
    • Dan Steele, production assistant, NFL Network, Culver City, Calif.

Dawn Bonker

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