About Rebecca

Hometown:
Schenectady, NY

University Partner:
Syracuse University

Degree:
B.A. in Public Relations, English & Textual Studies, 2007

Grant Partner:
WABC/WPLJ Radio

Senior Mentor:
Steve Borneman, President and General Manager

"Steamboat Foundation provided me with the tools to immerse myself in an intensive internship. I gained excellent work experience. The Steamboat leadership dinners as well as interaction with fellow Scholars encouraged me to think about the big picture of my life. The internal change is incredible and I now feel equipped, confident and eager for life after graduation."

Scholar Background

Becky discovered her passion for media and the arts when she decided to audition for a new and experimental musical in high school. Becky was able to act, direct, design, and produce for the Blue Roses Theatre Company, gaining valuable experience that led her to study Public Relations with a focus in the music industry at Syracuse University. She balanced her academics with an active role in numerous social service organizations. As the academic development chair and VP of Administrations of the Delta Delta Delta sorority, Becky was selected as President of the Panhellenic Council and named the 2007 Panhellenic Woman of the Year. Through the Greek community, Becky became involved with St. Jude Children’s Cancer Research, but the most poignant of her contributions was through the National Kidney Foundation of Northeast New York. Becky's sister passed in September 2009 after a lifelong battle with kidney disease and being on dialysis for many years. Becky was very proud to help the organization raise funds and awareness to fulfill its mission and give the first annual "Melissa Daniels Spirit Award" at their Gift of Life Walk in June 2009. A recipient of the Chancellor’s Scholarship and member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Becky graduated magna cum laude.

Internship Highlight

At WPLJ, Becky worked with Radio Hall of Famers Scott Shannon and Todd Pettengill of The Scott and Todd Big Show, NYC’s longest continually-running morning show. In the sales, programming and promotions department, Becky helped to organize events such as the fourth annual Sean Hannity Freedom Concert. For her final project, Becky spent time with WPLJ’s music director, meeting with record labels and attending meetings where new music is chosen to go on the air. Becky enjoyed the excitement and fast pace of the morning show and was thrilled to be interviewed on-air by Scott and Todd. In the programming department, she tracked each step of the music process leading to on-air play. Other highlights included her time spent with Tom Cuddy, Vice President of Programming and midday DJ Race Taylor and her encounter with her favorite recording artists, country trio Rascal Flatts.

Where are they now?

Becky maintains her passion for the entertainment industry, but after her transformative Steamboat experience, she decided to focus her talents on helping college students develop their own leadership potential.

Becky returned to Syracuse University's Office of Residence Life as Assistant Residence Director after graduation and was promoted in October 2009 to Coordinator of Communications. She is also pursuing an M.A. in Higher Education at Syracuse.

She recieved a Residence Life Award of Excellence from her department in June 2009 and spends time voluteering for Tri Delta as a Financial Specialist for Butler University, University of South Carolina, and the University of Floriday, and also as the alumna advisor for her chapter at Colgate University.