Edward Drantch
Graduation Year: 2008
Major: Mass Comm with a concentration in Production
Hometown: Wantagh, NY
Employment: Weekend Web Producer, FOX TV Stations (FOX 5/WNYW)
CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT:
Before graduating and moving straight into his position with Fox Television, Ed was highly involved in activities on campus, working as a Resident Advisor, anchor for the student-run Oneonta News Express television production, staff writer for the State Times, and a student director on the College at Oneonta Foundation, which governs the College’s endowment of over $30 million. He helped plan the Northeast regional conference of the National Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls, Inc., the largest student-run corporation in the world. Ed completed an internship with Eyewitness News (WABC-TV), where he worked at the assignment desk, field produced, shadowed live shots, conducted interviews with prominent political leaders, and created a database with emergency contacts for government officials in the 30-county coverage area.
CAMPUS AWARDS AND HONORS:
Ed received the College at Oneonta President’s Award for Leadership, recognizing his work as a Resident Advisor. He wrote and received funding for a Student/Faculty Research Grant on the “Ethics and Culture of Intellectual Property,” the results of which he presented at Student Research Day. He held offices with the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity and was a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society, Lambda Pi Eta Communication Arts Honor Society, and National Residence Hall Honorary.
Why Oneonta State?
When I came to visit Oneonta, I knew this was the right fit for me. From an organized and professional open house, to tour guides who were knowledgeable about the campus, I instantly realized I had a future here. The price was right, there were interesting things to do on campus and off, and great leadership opportunities. Coming from a smaller high school, I wasn't interested in a HUGE university...and with 5500 students, Oneonta was just right.
What is you most memorable experience thus far?
In terms of leadership, my most memorable experiences were as the Student Tour Coordinator for the Admissions Office and as an RA. Each prepared me with important lessons that work both in the professional world and when communicating with others in day to day life. Otherwise, the last week of school was the most memorable for me. It was the greatest time of my life, and is the way I'll remember my college career.
What is the most influential class you have taken at Oneonta State? Why?
The most influential class I took was Seminar in Mass Communication and Media Law. Seminar was so deadline driven and allowed me to really take an in depth look at the field I'd be working in, while turning papers in each week. It was good preparation for my job now. Media law was important because it provided me with a foundation of ethics and laws to abide by in my full-time job. It was thought provoking and allowed room for debate and questioning, which as a freshman, was something I loved.
Three words to summarize your experience at Oneonta State:
FUN!, highs and lows, memorable.
What activities are you involved in both on and off campus?
Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity, ODK, Lambda Pi Eta Communication Arts Honor Society, Oneonta News Express, Admissions, Residential Life and so much more!
What are your plans post-graduation or what are you doing now? How has Oneonta State helped you prepare for that?
I am the morning news reporter on WHSV, an ABC affiliate in Harrisonburg, VA. It's something I've wanted to do all my life, came to college, did my time and followed my dream. Oneonta provided a solid background for life in the industry, especially with professors like Brian Madden, who worked in the field for so long and was so knowledgeable about it.
What advice do you have for high school students?
Do what you love, love what you do. Follow your heart and your passion. Be real, challenge yourself to always do better. Enjoy these years, they fly by and will be the best time of your life.
