Pitt News' Managing Editor Recognized for Excellence in Field
Not being a Pittsburgh native, Francesca "Cesca" Antonelli had not heard of the late Al McDowell. But when she received a call from Ed Ochester, Director of the English Department's Writing Program, she suddenly learned something about the man after whom a scholarship in his name was established.
Antonelli was announced as the winner of the partial scholarship at a forum for Pittsburgh media professionals and those interested in working in the news field held Oct. 25, 1996 in the William Pitt Ballroom. (See separate article.) The scholarship award will come from donations to the Al McDowell Endowment Fund established in 1995 to honor the popular broadcasting journalist and Pitt graduate. She will receive the money toward her tuition for next fall.
Working nearly 40 hours a week as managing editor of the Pitt News and carrying an 18-hour credit load is not nearly as difficult as it might seem, says Antonelli, when you truly love your job. A junior nonfiction major, she has been managing editor since August.
Antonelli feels that the courses she is taking are interesting and she has gained much knowledge through her classes, but she feels that actually working in the field is going to be better preparation for life following college. She hopes to get an internship next summer and someday write for a daily newspaper.
She advises other students interested in the field to "Give it a try to see if you like it. Working at the Pitt News will give you a taste of what it's really like."
Although she was unable to attend the forum to receive the award in person, Antonelli is very appreciative and said the call from Ed Ochester was a "very pleasant surprise".