Alumni Success Stories

Chicago Media School Alumni Success: DaShawn Peterson’s Story DaShawn Peterson, a 2025 graduate of Illinois Media School’s Chicago Downtown campus, is a powerful example of a Chicago media school alumni success story, showing what it means to turn passion for media into a purpose-driven career. Originally inspired by industry professionals and creative leaders in media,

🎬 Alumni Spotlight: Esteban Bejarano Assistant Director | Media Creator Campus: Miami Media School (Doral) Graduate Year: 2025 From the moment Esteban Bejarano first connected with music and film, he knew he wanted to be part of the creative process that brings stories to life. What began as fascination grew into purpose—and ultimately into a career shaped by

Building Stories That Matter: The Creative Path of Jaisyn Passmore 🎬 Alumni Spotlight: Jaisyn Passmore Filmmaker | Producer | Writer | Production Assistant Campus: Chicago Suburbs (O’Hare / Lombard) Program: Film Emphasis – September Days 2025 Graduation Year: 2026 From community service to cinematic storytelling, Jaisyn Passmore’s journey is a powerful example of how lived experience can shape meaningful, impactful

Storytelling the World: Media, Travel, and Purpose Alumni Spotlight: José Antonio Serrano CEO & Co‑Founder | Boreal Expedition Media Professional | Storyteller | Creative Entrepreneur Campus: Miami Media School (Doral) Graduate Year: 2025 From music and visual arts to global storytelling and adventure travel, José Antonio Serrano’s journey is a powerful example of how media skills can shape

Terrance “Big Tee” Moore, proud 2020 Ohio Media School alumnus, has built a career rooted in rhythm, energy, and connection. Born and raised in Flint, Michigan, Big Tee began his journey as a drummer, performing with choirs and bands before discovering his natural talent as an emcee. His charisma and ability to captivate audiences quickly

As another year comes to a close, we celebrate the incredible journeys of our alumni who are making an impact in the media industry. Today, we shine the spotlight on Grace Danlette Washington, a 2022 graduate from our Ohio Media School- Columbus Campus and a 2024 Graduate of Miami Media School, whose passion for storytelling and

“Daniel Chavez – Turning Media Dreams into Reality” Meet Daniel Chavez – Class of 2017, Colorado Media School From aspiring media professional to established entrepreneur and producer, Daniel brings passion, persistence, and purpose to his creativity. A proud graduate of Colorado Media School’s Class of 2017, Daniel took his desire to break into the industry

Meet the Illinois Media School Grad Behind Fuzz Punch Arcade Meet Thomas Modaff, a recent graduate of Illinois Media School’s O’Hare campus and the founder of Fuzz Punch Arcade, a growing YouTube channel focused on creative and collaborative content. Before enrolling at IMS, Thomas found himself at a standstill in his career. He knew he

How Passion & Education Shaped Aaron’s Dream Career Aaron Shelan’s story is proof that passion, perseverance, and hands-on training can turn dreams into tangible success. A 2019 graduate from the Chicago Suburbs (O’Hare/Lombard) campus, Aaron has carved a niche for himself as the Play-by-Play Broadcaster for the Chicago Dogs. Why IMS? Aaron chose IMS with

Behind the Mic: Anthony Angiulo’s Rise in Radio and Media Production Anthony Angiulo’s journey from the Illinois Media School to a full-time role at 94.9 WDKB exemplifies the power of hands-on learning, industry connections, and a deep passion for media. Graduating in 2017, Anthony wasted no time diving into the fast-paced world of radio, video

Darvio Morrow’s Rise to National Prominence in Media “Don’t give up. No matter what.” These words, spoken by Darvio “The Kingpin” Morrow himself, perfectly capture the unstoppable drive and passion that define his incredible career. From his beginnings as a 16-year-old entrepreneur to becoming a trailblazing media executive, Darvio has not only built a thriving

From Student to Trailblazer: Lisa Tyler’s Inspiring Journey Radio has been a constant in Lisa Tyler’s life, from playing pretend radio shows as a child to becoming a trailblazer in the industry. Today, Lisa, a 2003 graduate of the Illinois Media School’s Chicago Suburbs Campus (Lombard), serves as the Program Director and Operations Manager at

From Passion to Prime-Time Anchor: Matthew Herchik’s Inspiring Story Dreams don’t work unless you do. That’s a mantra Matthew Herchik, a 2016 graduate of Ohio Media School’s Columbus campus, has clearly embodied throughout his inspiring journalism career. Currently serving as a Weekend Anchor for WCMH-TV (NBC4) in Columbus, Matthew’s success story illustrates what it means

Alumni Spotlight: Joe Massa 2006 Alumni: Colorado Media School When Joe Massa graduated from the Denver campus in 2006, his dream was simple yet ambitious—to make a name for himself in the radio industry. Nearly 20 years later, Joe has not only achieved his goal but carved out a dynamic career spanning radio, podcasting, and

Alumni Spotlight: Chad Maxwell 2014 Alumni: Illinois Media School Ready to meet a true media maven? Say hello to Chad Maxwell, a 2014 graduate of the Illinois Media School and a sports broadcasting pro with some serious chops! Chad first got his feet wet in sports broadcasting, working as a sports update anchor and producer for 87.7 The

Alumni Spotlight: Leonardo Mir With the goal of becoming a Media Producer, Leonardo Mir completed the Hispanic Media Broadcasting Program at Miami Media School and then re-enrolled in the advanced diploma program of Audio Production. His passion for media is very evident in all of his projects. As Founder and Owner of Mir Productions, he

#AlumniSpotlight Meet Ohio Media School (formally Ohio Center for Broadcasting) Alumni, Nate Nadolski. A great uniter and talented broadcast professional, Nate is celebrating his 16th season working Cleveland Cavaliers games. Nate’s story began with a desire to be on the radio. While attending Ohio Media School he interned for some local Radio greats, but at

#AlumniSpotlight Stefan Johnson is a distinguished voiceover professional—a true evolution in the field. His voice embodies masculinity, authority, smoothness, and persuasion, paired with an extraordinary, commanding presence. Wherever you encounter Stefan, he is sure to command your full attention. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, and working from his professional home-based studio, Stefan Johnson, an alumnus of

#AlumniSpotlight Meet Leah White, a 2018 Ohio Media School Cincinnati Campus graduate and the new National Sales Project Manager at RADIO ONE. Leah enrolled at Ohio Media School because of the hands-on training and the program length, and she fell in love with the school when she came for the tour! Leah is well on

#AlumniSpotlight Meet Illinois Media School (formally Illinois Center for Broadcasting) 2003 alum, Program Director/Midday Host at B103/103.FM, Rockford, IL, Lisa Tyler. Lisa will tell you she always dreamed of a career in radio. Like many of our graduates, she has had an incredible journey! Growing up in a family who were big fans of Chicago talk radio, she

#alumnispotlight The Miami Media School is proud of our #Alumni and the legacy they continue to carve out in the media industry. From entry-level through career progression, Miami Media School #Alumni shine bright in the industry. We continue to shine the spotlight on our #risingstars to our #establishedmediapros. Meet 2014 alumnus, Carolina Calix, a lively, dynamic, bilingual on-air personality for HITS 97.3 Miami & HOT

#AlumniSpotlight Meet Colorado Media School alumnus Michael Spillan, 2012 graduate of the Radio & TV Broadcasting program and 2019 graduate of the Sports Broadcasting program. Since graduation, Michael has been very busy! Michael runs his own Podcasting Network, Elevation5280Sports, and hires Colorado Media School Interns, providing them a place to showcase their content, grow their following and build

#AlumniSpotlight Born in Indiana, Colorado Media School (CMS) Alumni Josh Dover grew up listening to sports talk with his dad. Josh had dreams of playing in the NBA, but a break in his femur made him rethink his future. Josh chose CMS as the most efficient pathway to the NBA, with a dream to one

It is my pleasure to introduce you to 2015 Graduate of Illinois Media School (Formally Illinois Center for Broadcasting), Robert Gill II. An accomplished videographer and video editor, Robert is currently working as a Steadicam Operator at TD Ameritrade Network, a Charles Schwab asset, where he is catching interesting angles for 2 of their 7 shows. A freelancer who