Three Monmouth University Communication alumni—Todd Palladino, Greg Mescall, and Erik Massimino—participated in the 2024 Paris Olympics this summer working behind the camera, microphone, and at a computer designing graphics, contributing to broadcasts seen by 34 million Americans on NBC.
Palladino, a ‘96 graduate with a B.A. in Communication and a minor in Journalism, worked as a cameraman on his seventh Olympics. He filmed the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as the Prime Time segment with anchor Mike Tirico, which showcased the most newsworthy plays in the games on a given day and was watched by an average of 25-28 million Americans each night.
A freelance camera operator since 1998, Palladino has extensive experience in sports, music, and entertainment, working for notable organizations like Major League Baseball (MLB) and the NBC Television Network, among others. Palladino credits much of his success to his experience at Monmouth University, where he was a founding member of Hawk TV and its first-ever anchor. “It was exciting to have a conduit from what we were learning in class to doing our own thing,” he explained. He was also involved on WMCX covering News Updates and in “The Outlook.”
When reflecting on his time as a student, Palladino recalled the “tremendous respect” between students and faculty, allowing creativity to flourish. He credited professors like John Morano, Eleanor Novak, and Donna Dolphin for their mentorship. Palladino specifically thanked Professor John Morano for encouraging him to pursue a minor in journalism and for being a mentor in and out of college. Morano’s advice to “show up early and leave late” helped advance Palladino further in his career.
Professor Morano, in turn, said, “[Palladino was] a model student, an active learner who showed up prepared, [and] eager to make the most of his considerable abilities.”
Palladino shared his advice for current students, urging, “Be persistent and flexible, ask questions, and work with good people.”
Mescall, an ‘03 graduate with a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in radio and television, worked his fifth Olympics as the Press Officer for the USA Water Polo team. In this role, Mescall manages interviews, photography, and social media management, creating a public image for the team.
Mescall noted that the role allows him to engage in every avenue he enjoys— writing, announcing, and creativity. He’s witnessed the media landscape evolve since his first Olympics, where newspaper coverage played a large role. With his varied responsibilities and the constant evolution of media, Mescall has emerged as not just an expert on water polo but of the communication field at large.
Mescall also has experience as a play-by-play announcer for basketball, soccer, rowing, snowboarding, and skiing. He has worked for Fox Sports and was a part of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference and is currently the lead broadcaster for the Manhattan College men’s Basketball.
After Monmouth, Mescall earned a Master’s degree in Education from Wagner College. It was there that he continued working as a play-by-play announcer, and by chance, was introduced to water polo.
“My story is a classic example that you never know until you try,” he explained. “Every time you do coverage, you tangibly make a difference. You can get someone to write a story that they never would have otherwise written.”
Mescall was also heavily involved in the student media, serving as WMCX’s General Manager, Sports editor for “The Outlook,” and the host of Hawk TV’s sports show. He credited his radio experience as crucial to his success, mentioning how the Voice and Diction course improved his professionalism tremendously.
Matthew Harmon, Ed.D., specialist sports communication professor, praised Mescall, “He’s spoken to students here; he’s been a resource to the community. Talented, driven, always trying to get better at what he does.”
For current students, Mescall’s advice is to remain open to new opportunities. “Find those
areas on the margin where you can stand out,” he said. Mescall also emphasized the importance
of timeliness in a professional setting.
Massimino, a ‘15 graduate with a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in radio and television and a minor in Screen Studies, worked as a LIVE Electronic Graphics Technical Operator for NBC at his fourth Olympics this summer. There, he was responsible for controlling all of the graphics for non-stop commercial breaks. Instead of Paris, Massimino worked at one of the East Coast NBC Olympics Production Headquarters.
“I’ve learned the immense impact of the digital media industry,” Massimino said. “The Olympic Broadcast reaches over 200 countries and territories…There are few events that allow people from different backgrounds to connect, communicate, and unite on such a large scale.”
A five-time Emmy-nominated digital media professional, Massimino is a versatile talent
in the field. From contributing to NBC to founding his own production company, Black Swallowtail Studios, which continues to expand the digital landscape. His company stands out as a Community Media Resource, reflecting his dedication to giving back to the digital media industry. Massimino credits his early involvement on campus for setting the stage for his success. By his first semester, Massimino became a producer on the Sports Show for Hawk TV, leading him to receive 11 national awards for his college work.
“Monmouth influenced my career the most by providing the resources to allow me to create opportunities at a very pivotal time early in my career. One of the main reasons why I chose Monmouth was because of the access they gave you to high-end equipment and the freedom and open mind concept that they provided,” Massimino added.
Professor Harmon also recalled Massimino as a student with a promising future. “Eric is super talented, you knew that when he was here, he would have a bright future. His career trajectory has been awesome to watch.”
Massimino advised current Communication students, “Take advantage of opportunities that being a student provides, and always remember how powerful networking can be.”
Sam Plyarinos, a junior studying Communication and a minor in Sports Communication, was inspired by the success of the three alumni. “It’s amazing to see where Monmouth’s programs can take you,” she said.
