Your browser (Internet Explorer 7 or lower) is out of date. It has known security flaws and may not display all features of this and other websites. Learn how to update your browser.
X
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.”
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
Nationally Recognized Counselor Carol Boulanger Daniels Carves Out
A Creative Career Path
Carol Boulanger Daniels ’93/MA, LPC is known for brewing an “amazing” pot of coffee, her gluten-free blueberry muffin recipe and “can keep up with the best of them while shoveling snow.”
And she just happens to be a nationally recognized counselor. The product of the Siena Heights University Graduate College received the Counselor of the Year Award from the American Mental Health Counseling Association in 2011. For more than 20 years, she has worked for Pines Behavioral Health Services, a small community mental health agency in Coldwater, Mich., as an outpatient therapist. She said the relationships she has developed with the people she works with is the best part of her job.
“Over the years people create their own styles and strengths as counselors,” Daniels said. “I have been very thankful for the series of trainings I have been able to attend. The trainings have been supported by the agency I work for and they have been very effective in providing the needed training so we can do our jobs.”
Her career in counseling did not take a traditional path. Daniels was waitressing at an Italian restaurant in Hillsdale, Mich., when she decided “if I could master the restaurant industry, I could do many things, even go to college.”
