SXU Communication Senior Named WXAV Deputy Music Director
Saint Xavier University (SXU) senior Casey Kwiatkowski has been named the Deputy Music Director for SXU's on-campus radio station, WXAV 88.3FM. Kwiatkowski is excited for the hands-on role and the career-readiness it will provide her.
"After learning about this position from my friend Niki Kowal, WXAV's music director, I was intrigued. I feel confident in my abilities to execute this role and the responsibilities that come with it. With the combination of my work experience and work ethic, it's an opportunity I could not pass up. I am very excited to network and meet new people in the music industry, collaborate with the music director, and share ideas about our vision for the radio station," said Kwiatkowski.
Kwiatkowski has an academically rigorous roster, majoring in communication with a concentration in media and strategic communication and minoring in English, film and media studies, and studio art.
Kwiatkowski was drawn to SXU's outstanding Communication program, affordability, and thriving campus life.
"In the communication field, the possibilities are endless, and this degree will benefit you regardless of what path you take after graduation. Since I am a media-focused student, the resources on campus have been wonderful to help me develop my skills and competencies. Every day, I learn more with guidance from folks in Student Media and the Communication Department," said Kwiatkowski.
Kwiatkowski believes her classes are equipping her with the skills needed for a successful future.
"Being able to take courses that align with my goals and aspirations allows me to build my work experience before entering the professional field. Without the classes I've taken, I wouldn’t know how to do anything that I will have to know for my intended career, such as editing, videography, social media, post-production and more. This position will give me a taste of what working in the entertainment industry is like. It also puts me in a leadership role, which will help my professional transition into the media industry," said Kwiatkowski.
Kwiatkowski is also a student worker for SXU's Center for Instructional Design and Academic Technology (CIDAT), which provides her with critical media skills she will use well into the future.
"As an instructional multimedia technician, I produce instructional technology media content for University students, faculty and staff. This is where I first developed my video editing and post-production skills using various editing programs and software. I have also learned how to operate video and audio equipment, including the Canon EOS 90D, Yeti and Shure microphones, a teleprompter, and a lightboard," said Kwiatkowski.
Kwiatkowski is very involved on campus, serving as the president of the Content Creators Club, a student organization that gives students the resources and opportunity to engage in creative multimedia content to advance career portfolios or release creative energy. The group collaborates with both WXAV and SXU's student newspaper, The Xavierite.
"Community is such an important part of education, and if there are two things I have gained from college, it's work experience and community. My favorite memories are being able to spend time with my friends in class, collaborating with them in an academic setting, and hanging out with everyone in The Xavierite office, which is such a welcoming environment," said Kwiatkowski.
Kwiatkowski is especially appreciative of the faculty and staff at SXU who give her the confidence to pursue her goals.
"My boss, Alma Tovar, has been my mentor, guiding me through the beginning of my career and here to support me through the rest. They gave me the boost I needed to get off the ground and reach for the stars. Drs. [Cyndi] Grobmeier and [Brad] Mello have been inspirational and mentors who have shown me what I am capable of when I let my creativity lead the way. And, of course, Peter Kreten has introduced me to a world of possibilities through Student Media. I couldn't be more grateful to every single one of these individuals," said Kwiatkowski.
As Kwiatkowski looks to the future, she plans to go into the media and entertainment industry, specifically in the post-production area. Though the field is competitive, she is determined to put her experience and knowledge from SXU to use as she shows what she has to offer.
"I am ambitious and will reach for the stars, but I know I have a long journey ahead. It is bittersweet to enter my senior year at SXU. I am going to make the best out of the time I have left by being as involved as I can, spending time with the mentors who have shaped my college experience, and hanging out with friends along the way. I cannot wait to see what the future holds!"