Chris Velardi - WJPZ Class of 1995 turned SU Employee
WJPZ at 50 · Chris Velardi, Jon Gay
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Show Notes
Chris Velardi, Class of 1995, is the Director of Digital Engagement and Communications of SU's Office of Alumni Engagement. He joins us today to walk us through his time from Connecticut to Syracuse to Connecticut to Syracuse.
Chris got to SU from the Nutmeg State, like many of us, wanting to be a sportscaster. He quickly found a job in the Carrier Dome. When that, um, changed, he found WJPZ. There, he earned the nickname "The Weasel," because he weaseled his way into every aspect of the station, wanting to get as involved as possible.
Following graduation, Chris worked in radio news in Ithaca, before transitioning to TV. His next move was a dream job - being a morning anchor in his home state. In fact, he stayed there for a decade and a half. Then, he and his family decided it was time for a change. We spend some time talking about the difficulties of moving out of TV and radio. In fact, it's a topic Velardi has counseled many WJPZ alumni on.
Like many media folks, Chris first tried PR - but didn't have the same passion. Then, through his network (he likes network as a noun but hates it as a verb), he came upon a job opportunity at his alma mater. Next thing you know, he and his family were headed to Central New York, where he gets to play host at Banquet every year.
Velardi credits his time at WJPZ for teaching him out to multitask, as well as how to hear and understand different perspectives. And you won't want to miss this story. You'll find out why, 30 years later, he still gets screen shots whenever someone hears En Vogue.
The WJPZ at 50 Podcast is produced by Jon "JAG" Gay, Class of 2022, and his company JAG in Detroit Podcasts
Want to be on the show? Email JAG at [email protected]
Connect with the WJPZ Alumni Association: https://wjpzalumniassociation.org/
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