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The Online Magazine for Alumni and Friends of Siena Heights University
Carolyn Donaldson ’82 Brings a ‘Zest’ for Life as TV News Anchor
By Doug Goodnough
Carolyn Welniak Donaldson ’82 is used to the spotlight – both on camera and off. The longtime news anchor for WTAJ-TV in Altoona, Pa., nicknamed “Zest” by her family, not only has a zest for the news business, but also for the community in which she lives.
“I am most gratified, as part of our news team, when we are able to bring our views and members of our community meaningful stories that have or could impact their lives,” said Donaldson, who has anchored at WTAJ for nearly 20 years. “There is no greater reward than ‘doing the next right thing’ as my husband (Robert) and I and now our grown daughters (Elisabeth and Sarah) try to embody and live each day.”
Her broadcasting career actually blossomed from a corporate sales career after she graduated from Siena Heights with a double major in theater/speech communications and business administration/management.
“My Folgers coffee sales days armed me with invaluable time management and marketing skills,” said the Toledo, Ohio, native, who first moved to central Pennsylvania when she managed a sales territory for Proctor and Gamble. “When the opportunity presented itself to move into broadcasting at the local TV station, I welcomed the challenge of reporting and anchoring weather.”
2007 Jon Campbell was one of 15 members appointed in June 2014 by Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder to the newly created Indigent Defense Commission. The commission was created as a result of efforts to improve legal representation for low-income criminal defendants in the state. Campbell has been an Allegan (Mich.) County commissioner since 1991 and previously served 27 years as a police officer with the City of Otsego (Mich.). He is a member of the Allegan County Central Dispatch Policy Board, the Michigan Sheriff Coordinating and Training Council Advisory Committee and the State of Michigan 911 Committee. He will represent local units of government on the IDC.
Mark Vroman
2008 Lisa Payne is employed as a resolution specialist for the Marshall (Mich.) Community Credit Union. Her position specializes in repossession, foreclosures and small claims.
SHU—Lansing
2008 Mark Vroman was recently promoted to battalion chief with the Meridian (Mich.) Township Fire Department (right). He also is an adjunct instructor for SHU’s College for Professional Studies.
SHU—Southfield
1994
Trevor Block
Trevor Block was named the Dealer Development manager of the northeast region for Digital Monitoring Products of Springfield, Mo. He will be responsible for developing new sales and providing ongoing service for DMP-authorized dealers in Pennsylvania, western New York, southern New Jersey and Delaware. Block previously was employed as vice president of Field Operations with Guardian Protection Services as well as general manager for ADT Security Services. He currently is the chair of the Installation and Service Professionals Group of the Electronic Security Association. DMP is a manufacturer of intrusion, fire, access control, network and cellular communication products.
Last spring, members of the 2014 reunion classes—graduates in years ending in “4” or “9”—were invited to jot an encouraging message on a post-it note that would be given to an incoming freshman. When the mailing went out, we wondered: Would anyone respond? The answer was yes—and every note received was posted on a first-year student’s residence hall door. The responses were enthusiastic and heartwarming, and came from alumni ranging from the Class of ’59 to new graduates of 2014.
With thanks to all contributors, here is a brief sampling of alumni advice:
“You’ve chosen the best!”—Dolores Slosar, OP ’59
“Good luck—and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone!”—Christine Hardy ’14
“Be your authentic self as you nourish your mind and spirit.”—Rene Boey ’89
“Don’t let not knowing what you’re doing hold you back. Learn as you go.”—Angela Bidlack ’64
“Work hard and never give up.”—Charles Frey ’14
“Do more than belong; participate.”—Karen Johnson ’04
“Professors will challenge you to succeed, not to fail. Everything has a purpose.”—Karin Schroer ’94
“Explore beyond what is expected of you.”—Lorenzo Cristaudo ’14
“Welcome to a great University!”—Jeanne Mosley ’59
