Erie TV news anchor celebrates Pedas studio upgrades, speaks to Thiel students

GREENVILLE, Pa.-- Mike Ruzzi, a television news anchor with more than 40 years of experience as a broadcast journalist, was the keynote speaker for the unveiling of the recently completed upgrades at the television studio in the James Pedas Communication Center at Thiel College this week.

Thiel College Instructional Technology Specialist and AV Coordinator Paul Coatsworth said about $50,000 was spent to upgrade the wiring and hardware and relocate equipment to have it better model a professional broadcast studio.

“(Students) have an opportunity, right now, to come out on-air ready, production-ready, producer-ready and come in right away and start,” Ruzzi said, “and that is what this great facility brings. This is a phenomenal facility.”

Ruzzi remained on campus following the studio presentation and spoke to communication students. He spoke about his professional experience and discussed his career covering national sports teams and local news.

“You have a great opportunity here. Take advantage of it,” he said.

Ruzzi began as a broadcaster in 1984 at Erie’s NBC affiliate WICU. He has received awards from the Associated Press and the PA Association of Broadcasters for his sports reporting and play-by-play broadcasts. He has covered eight Super Bowls and more than hundreds of regular-season NFL games, two World Series, the Stanley Cup Finals, the Indianapolis 500, the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes.

About the James Pedas Communication Center

The $6.8 million James Pedas Communication Center is a collaborative learning community where students engage in film, TV, radio, news production and other multimedia-rich experiences preparing them for today’s information society. Students from all majors acquire communication literacy and presentation skills to prepare them for what comes next. Building features include sophisticated labs and studios, dynamic classrooms and learning spaces, a new Office of Admission and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. The James Pedas Communication Center was dedicated on Oct. 4, 2014.

About James Pedas

Dr. James “Jim” Pedas ’50 H’89 and his brother, Ted, have a long history in the entertainment industry. In the 1950s, he and Ted established Colt 45 Records, a recording company that launched the musical career of Don Covay (who wrote “Chain of Fools” and “Mercy Mercy” among others). The Pedas brothers later partnered to acquire several drive-in movie theatres. Later, with another partner, they bought a film distribution franchise and never looked back. They have been involved in numerous film ventures over the years including owning the Circuit/Showcase theatre circuit; owning a small part of Cinema 5 Ltd.; forming their own distribution company, Circle Releasing Corp., and forming their own production company, Circle Films, which was one of the foremost backers of 1990s American independent cinema. Among their most noted productions are the Coen brothers’ debut and sophomore films, “Blood Simple” (1984) and “Raising Arizona” (1987). They also formed Circle Management Company to oversee their investments in real estate and commercial development and Circle Parking to operate parking facilities in the Washington, D.C. area.

The Farrell, Pa., native earned a Bachelor of Science in economics from Thiel College and received the Distinguished Alumnus Award for Professional Accomplishment in 1980. He was awarded an honorary doctorate from Thiel and was named trustee emeritus to the Board of Trustees. He has received many awards for his work including Washingtonian of the Year (1973) and the American University’s Award for Contribution to Film Culture (1985). He is a supporter of many philanthropic endeavors, including establishing an Intellectual Property Chair at George Washington Law School. He has served as a director of the National Capital Bank of Washington since 1973.

Related Links

• Department of Media, Communication and Public Relations
• James Pedas Communication Center

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