With 40 years under it’s belt, Fanshawe’s CIXX-FM station has helped many aspiring radio and broadcast journalism students cultivate their skills and launch their careers. These graduates have gone on to achieve much success in the industry. Many of theses alumni have returned to celebrate 40 year anniversary of the station being on air. Here’s what some of the former students are up to now.
Bob Collins, 1978, program coordinator
Collins worked at Fanshawe for 38 years, first as a professor and then coordinator of the broadcast journalism program, before moving to the radio program. Collins was here when the X first went on the air and is thrilled to be back.
“The energy in this building is electrifying and the students make it all happen.”
Collins jokes that he should have been a travel agent, as he now spends much of his time researching places around the world and travelling.
Jeffrey Schwab, 1979, program director.
He was one of the first program directors for the station and got the chance to watch its growth. After so many years away, he says it feels good to be back.
“I grew up in the area here, but I’ve been gone for a long time. So it’s great to come back and see some friends and some familiar faces.”
He now works for Bell media in Ottawa, where he sells for radio, television and digital.
Lisa Coleman class of 1999, radio broadcast.
She was happy to see how the studio has changed over the years.
“We were in the older hallway where 6 XFM used to be, so, it was kind of neat to go down the hallway and see our old stomping grounds.”
Coleman is no longer in radio, but, insists that may of the skills that she learned while in radio continue to be an asset to her.
Jesse Craik, class of 2003, radio broadcast
It’s been a while since he has come back to the station, which made the changes to the studio all more exciting for him.
“It’s nice to see what has changed and what hasn’t, it’s an interesting experience for sure”.
He has worked for Corus Entertainment for the last 15 years and has also worked as a creative writer and producer in Hamilton.
Chelsea Robertson, Class of 2011, radio broadcast
“Its cool to see all the youth growing up here in the industry and everyone seems to be really excited for us to come back.”
She now works as the promotions manager for Corus Radio London.
Vanessa Colbert, class of 2015, broadcast journalism
As a recent graduate, Colbert is all too familiar with the station, even though she hasn’t left Fanshawe, she still appreciates visiting the station.
“I’m actually back here at Fanshawe as a student, so it’s not too weird. But it’s definitely nice to see people that I went to school with.”
Colbert did three years at Bayshore Broadcasting in Owen Sound, before deciding to study public relations and corporate communications at Fanshawe.
