SHU Recognizes Sports Communication Alumni with Awards
SHU Recognizes Sports Communication Alumni with Awards
Alumni Dario Melendez ’08 and Tykera Carter ’17, MA ’18 were honored at the first-ever Sacred Heart University Sports Communication Alumni Awards ceremony, which took place during homecoming weekend in September.
Sponsored by the alumni office and the sports communication and media (SCM) graduate program, the event recognized Carter and Melendez for excelling in their careers and giving back to the University. Carter is associate manager of the WNBA’s social and digital content, as well as a freelance sports reporter. Melendez is the sports director for WISN 12 in Milwaukee, WI.
Alumni, faculty and students gathered in the Dr. Michelle C. Loris ’70 Forum at the Frank & Marisa Martire Center for the Liberal Arts for the award ceremony. Andrew Miller, SCM graduate program director, introduced the honorees, making note of their impressive communications résumés before handing each their award plaque.
“The reason why we’re honoring our guests today is because, while their careers continue to thrive, they continue to make time for SHU,” Miller said.
Five other alumni joined Carter and Melendez after the awards for a roundtable discussion. Stephen Conoscenti ’08, Brian Fitzsimmons ’08, Paul Guarino ’14, MA ’15 and Brianna DiMaggio ’19, as well as moderator Justin DeVellis MA ’18, a News 12 sports reporter, talked about their career paths, what they learned from SHU and how to find success in their field.
DiMaggio, who works at ESPN, recalled how she landed her first job at the MLB Network. A recruiter visited campus, but DiMaggio missed her chance to sign up for an interview. Miller encouraged her to show up the day of interviews anyway. To her surprise―and good fortune― someone was late, and she took the open interview slot. Two days later, DiMaggio learned that she landed the position.
“At SHU, I really learned how to be confident,” she said. “SHU taught me to go out there, do the work and don’t be afraid to ask for help.”
Melendez said the University has “transformed” since he graduated 14 years ago. “This school has so many opportunities for you guys,” he told the audience. “This program is a path to what’s next.” Melendez is also on SHU’s Alumni Board of Directors and serves as the president of SHU’s Chicago/Milwaukee Alumni Chapter.
Carter, who also played Division I basketball at SHU, was involved in media clubs to get as much experience as possible. In her first entry-level position, she ran stats until others noticed her hard work and she was offered a job on the color commentary team. Carter encouraged students to build genuine relationships and network because, “You never know when it may pay off.”
Visit the SCM webpage to learn more about the program.
Pictured above are alumni, from left, Brian Fitzsimmons, Brianna DiMaggio, Dario Melendez, Tykera Carter, Stephen Conoscenti, Paul Guarino and Justin DeVellis.