School of Mass Communication Newsletter Spring 2009

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School of Mass Communication Newsletter SPRING 2009

The Pack at the Hive By communication sophomores Jess Burrola, Elise Madere, and Haley Ridgel The New Orleans Hornets have more than superstar guard Chris Paul to make them a winning team—they have a pack of Loyola alumni. Six alumni, four from the School of Mass Communication, have turned their education and love of basketball into careers with the New Orleans Hornets, with jobs ranging from video production to broadcast to sales. Bryan Harden (’98) is the assistant director of video production for the team. “Anything you see Left to Right: Eddie Coe (senior graphic designer), Bryan Harden (assistant director of video production), Matias relating to video or graphics Colombo (Spanish radio color analyst), Will Bryant (premium during a Hornets game, my services manager), Tim Fanguy (video/technical director) department and I produce,” Harden said. “On game days, I am busy making sure that all video and graphical elements are ready for game time. During the game, I am in the control room making sure these elements are properly implemented,” he said. Tim Fanguy (’01), video technical director, is involved on game day as well. Fanguy is responsible for calling camera shots during the game and deciding which graphics, produced by Harden’s department, roll across the in-stadium screens. “I get to control how the fans see and interact with the game,” Fanguy said. “I love getting the crowd involved.” Helping the fans interact with the game is Matias Colombo, a 2007 management graduate. Colombo works as the color analyst for the Spanish Elizabeth “Ishy” Crapanzano radio station La Fabulosa 830 AM during home (game-night statistics crew) games. “I analyze the plays and talk about the strategy of the teams—what they might do, how they will do it, what are the key match ups—as well as how the game develops,” said Colombo. His favorite part of the job is the chance to work with

an NBA organization along with the opportunity to interview the players. William Bryant (’98) is the premium account sales manager. He said Loyola prepared him for this position. “I talk to different levels of people, and I never feel overwhelmed because of the preparation I received at Loyola,” he said. Bryant is responsible for selling floor seats and suites to major clients of the Hornets, including Al Copeland, Jr., garbage mogul Sidney Torres, and Morris Bart, New Orleans’ famous personal injury lawyer. Bryant was working in medical sales in Atlanta when he received a call from former Hornets president Jack Capella, another Loyola alumnus. Capella made the pitch of a lifetime. He asked Bryant to come back to New Orleans and work for the Hornets. Is it fun? “Are you kidding me? I go to EVERY Hornets home game! My job has opened up so many exciting opportunities and has allowed me to be creative and use my talents and ideas,” said Harden. “I’ve had the chance to work directly with our athletes and executives.” But the most fun? “Seeing the fans enjoy the finished product.” Before senior graphic designer and visual arts alum Eddie Coe (’99) came to work for the Hornets, he was designing ties. A friend told him about an opening for the Hornets and Coe applied. “I love the team aspect of working for the Hornets,” Coe said. “Everyone gets along really well.” The most recent Loyola graduate to work for the Hornets is Elizabeth “Ishy” Crapanzano, who graduated in advertising in May 2008. She works on the statistics crew for the Hornets. “I am responsible for getting the media all the information they need about the players’ statistics. I also transcribe notes at the end of the game for the media,” Crapanzano said. Crapanzano urges Loyola students to “utilize their contacts and get involved. The networking this school can provide you can be indispensable,” she said.


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