| When Professor Joseph Manfredi was contacted by Alumnus Kevin Lopez, he knew the opportunity at hand was momentous. Lopez, who graduated Old Westbury in 2016 with his degree in Media and Communications, worked closely with Manfredi at Old Westbury Web Radio (OWWR). Since graduating, Lopez received a position at YAI as a Community Training Specialist. YAI, established in 1957, is a non profit organization which supports individuals with developmental disabilities. The network hosts a range of services to all age groups throughout New York and New Jersey. Lopez works directly with the WAVE program, a pre-vocational day habilitation. Lopez had a vision, and in just a few short months, he introduced YAI to OWWR. |
The goal of the WAVE project is to provide crucial skills that members of YAI will be able to use in the workplace. Producing and recording webcasts, is an outlet for the group to not only be creative, but to enhance their communicative skills.
Lopez works alongside Michael Jacobs, a fellow YAI employee. The duo produces and engineers each webcast. Jacobs and Lopez share a special bond with team, collectively working together to help one another grow. They take the time to acknowledge each other’s strengths and accomplishments. Following each session, the team reviews their work and discusses tips and ideas for their next show. Currently, they are practicing in Studio B every Thursday, and anticipate going live on OWWR.
Jared Cohen who goes by the name “CES,” opened the show. His bright smile lights up the room, he’s your go to sports aficionado. Cohen’s favorite teams include, the Mets, Knicks and Rangers. Cohen, shares his routine which helps him prepare for their weekly webcast. He collects newspaper clippings and researches topics online. Also, he rehearses for each show by recording his sports segment on his phone.
Matthew Seagriff, has broadcast experience which he brings into the studio. Segriff aka “Seaman,” hosts his own amateur podcast where he discusses topics such as music, sports and his favorite anime shows. When asked what goals he wishes to accomplish at OWWR, Seagriff shares that one thing he could work on is, “not mixing personal issues with professional issues.”
Ronald Torres, “Da Kid,” is an aspiring D.J. who is eager to learn. He uses his time in the studio to practice engineering. Torres practices kickboxing at Tiger Schulmann’s and talked about his experience during the webcast. He gave advice about the, “90 Day Challenge,” a workout and diet routine. Torres also enjoys covering the news segment.
Michelle Keiser, “Shelly Shelly,” has a bright sense of humor and a bubbly personality that ties the show together. She is the newest member to the team but don’t let that fool you, Keiser had no trouble getting comfortable behind the mic, “I’m a natural at this!” she states. Her segment included relationship advice as well as a local weather report.
The YAI team is a new part of the Old Westbury community. Professor Manfredi’s wholehearted intention is to make the team feel at home. When asked how it feels to unite with YAI, Manfredi stated, “I feel humbled and honored that we were given the opportunity for this partnership.” He is working to integrate Old Westbury students with the members of YAI. This includes connecting YAI with members of SUNY Old Westbury’s First Year Program, CALL, (Community Action Learning and Leadership). Also, he will be reaching out to the School of Education to pair up YAI with graduate students who are looking to teach the developmentally disabled, as well as undergraduates for internship opportunities.
