The Erie Loudspeaker

This week, Connor Foster interviews Trevor Kubeja, the play-by-play announcer for the Erie Otters. Trevor brings energy, insight, and passion to every game, helping fans experience the excitement of Otters hockey from the booth. A proud Gannon University graduate, Trevor got his start through the Primetime Sports Guys radio show on 90.5 WERG, where he honed his voice and storytelling skills. His career is a great example of local talent rising through dedication and love for the game and for the Erie community.

Today, Sophomore Juan Salazar interviews Professor Pegene Watts, advisor of the Gannon Knight newspaper. Professor Watts has played a key role in shaping the voice, direction, and standards of student journalism at Gannon. Under her leadership, the Gannon Knight has continued to grow as a platform for student expression, storytelling, and community impact. Juan asks about her career in journalism, the challenges of running a university publication, and what she envisions for the future of student media.

This week, freshman Daymar Dickerson interviews business consultant, Bill Dietz. Bill joined the Small Business Development Center at Gannon in July 2020 and brings more than 39 years of experience in digital and print media marketing. A seasoned marketing professional, Bill is highly skilled in leveraging data, analytics, and market insights to develop effective growth strategies for a wide range of clients.In his role at the SBDC, Bill provides customized consulting services to Erie entrepreneurs and small businesses, supporting them through every stage: from start-up and early development to expansion and acquisition. His expertise in audience analytics and strategic planning helps business owners make informed decisions, strengthen their market presence, and achieve sustainable growth.

This week, freshman Dan Moses interviews Scott Stano, Gannon University’s Director of Golf and head coach of both the men’s and women’s golf teams. Stano has been with Gannon for over a decade, leading the women’s team to an incredible six straight PSAC Championships and guiding the men’s program to its first-ever conference title. His leadership has earned him multiple honors, including being named both PSAC Men’s and Women’s Golf Coach of the Year—the first to ever win both in the same season.

This week, junior Donell Mason interviews the director of Gannon's theatre program, Jordan Wolfe. As an actor, Wolfe as performed all across the country, including productions like Beauty and the Beast in which he played the talking clock, Cogsworth, and a recent episode of PBS Chronicles in which he played a Confederate soldier. Wolfe is the Artistic Director of Gannon's Schuster Theatre.

This week, sophomore Luca Lanasa interviews vice-rector of St. Mark Seminary, Father David Renne. A life-long native of western PA, Fr. Renne was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Erie in 2013 by Bishop Lawrence Persico. He has served as parochial vicar at Our Lady of Peace Parish and also serves the community at St. Peter Cathedral.

This week, freshman Nutrition and Human Performance student Amari Ash interviews Dr. Suzzanne Kitts, an Associate Professor at Gannon University. Dr. Kitts earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Penn State and received her PhD from Walden University in Health Psychology.She has been a part of Gannon University for 22 years in the Applied Exercise Science Department and is the Program Director of Nutrition. In her master’s thesis and doctoral dissertation, she examined eating disorders and the self-objectification of women. In addition, Dr. Kitts has worked with several athletic teams to guide athletes toward finding the optimal diets to support their performance.

This week, recent Advertising and Digital Media grad Ellie Malesiewski interviews the founder of AK Public Relations, Ashlyn Keenan. AKPR is an Erie-based agency that’s changing how small businesses think about marketing. Through AKPR, Ashlyn creates personalized marketing and PR strategies that actually fit each business’s goals. She manages everything from social media and branding to full-on campaigns—all with a hands-on, approachable style. Ashlyn’s work shows strategic marketing isn’t just for big corporations—it’s for every local business right here in Erie.For more on Ashlyn's work, visit https://www.akpublicrelations.com

This week, senior Digital Communications major Tyler Rekich interviews Erie-based filmmaker John C. Lyons. John is perhaps best known for his eco-horror film, Unearth (2020), which he co-directed with his partner, Dorota Swies. He's also worked on Chronicles, a PBS documentary about Lake Erie, and has created several short dance films. He is the owner of Tethered, Erie’s first immersive theater and art group, and is a teaching artist with Erie Arts & Culture and the Erie Center for Arts and Technology.For more on John's works, visit https://vimeo.com/lyonsdenproductions