This is “Who We Are: Penn State” — brought to you by the Penn State Alumni Association. A show where distinguished graduates return to share their stories. Where we dig into the moments that shaped them. And where you discover that wearing these colors never really ends. In part two of this episode of WHO WE ARE hosted by LaVar Arrington, Penn State alumnus from 2004, Amanda Gifford Lockwood continues to share her inspiring journey from Penn State student to Emmy-winning ESPN executive. They discuss the winding path from student teaching to a 23-year ESPN career. She shares how Penn State opportunities, relationships, and persistence shaped her work, and offers advice on using college resources, standing out as a creator, and staying connected to the alumni community.

• Lockwood pursued sports media while double majoring in elementary education and journalism at Penn State, then earned an ESPN radio production assistant internship.
• Her 15-week ESPN internship was followed by student teaching third grade in State College; she stayed connected to ESPN through remote work and occasional weekend production shifts.
• She says adapting how you communicate to each individual child taught lessons she still uses with people across the media industry.
• Her advice to students: use Penn State’s Alumni Association, network, professors, and College of Communications facilities.
• For aspiring content creators, she urges finding a distinctive angle that audiences cannot get from countless competing feeds and shows.
• Lockwood describes the Penn State alumni network as a practical career resource, citing recent meetings with Penn State graduates at Augusta National and in college football.
• She discusses Emmy wins for College GameDay, SportsCenter, and SEC on ABC, emphasizing that large production teams share the achievement.
• After 23 years at ESPN, she credits Penn State’s facilities, professors, access, and experiences with helping prepare her for a career she still considers a dream.

#2pros #fsr #upongame #upongamepresents

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is “Who We Are: Penn State” — brought to you by the Penn State Alumni Association. A show where distinguished graduates return to share their stories. Where we dig into the moments that shaped them. And where you discover that wearing these colors never really ends. In part one of this two-episode series of WHO WE ARE hosted by LaVar Arrington, Penn State alumnus from 2004, Amanda Gifford Lockwood shares her inspiring journey from Penn State student to Emmy-winning ESPN executive, highlighting the importance of community, mentorship, and differentiation in a competitive media landscape.

-Mentorship and early support from Steve Jones

-Experience in sports journalism and radio -Internship at ESPN and summer in sports media

-Balancing teaching and career aspirations

Takeaways:

-Leverage mentorship opportunities early in your career.

-Utilize university resources and networks for growth.

-Stay connected to your college community for opportunities.

#2PROS #UPONGAME #FSR #upongamepresents

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Penn State story extends far beyond Happy Valley. Who We Are Penn State, hosted by College Football Hall of Famer LaVar Arrington and presented by the Penn State Alumni Association, brings distinguished graduates back to share the experiences, turning points, and connections that shaped their lives beyond campus.

Hear the stories behind the people carrying Penn State’s legacy forward, and discover what it means to remain part of a community that spans generations.

Follow Who We Are Penn State now and be the first to hear each new conversation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.