Mountain State Times

BETHANY COMMUNICATIONS SENIOR ACCEPTED INTO TOP BROADCASTING MASTER’S PROGRAM IN COUNTRY

Being accepted into a master’s program is something many college students dream of. For Bethany College communication and media arts senior Drew VonScio, his dreams just became his reality—and he is crediting much of his success to his Bethany mentors. Drew has officially been accepted into the top journalism program in the country at Syracuse University. 

VonScio will become a master’s student in Syracuse’s broadcasting and digital journalism program in fall of 2023 and will be on a sports media and communications track. VonScio hit the ground running day one when it came to sports broadcasting here at Bethany. Just one month into his first year, he started a Pittsburgh sports talk radio show. This quickly led to his start in play-by-play broadcasting for Bison Athletics. Since then—he’s coined the title “Voice of the Bison.” 

“I am excited for Drew’s acceptance into Syracuse,” says Director of Athletic Communications Erikka Sansom. “I am extremely happy for Drew and that all his hard work is paying off. He has been an instrumental piece in the promotion of our student-athletes through his passion, energy, and excitement as he broadcasts our games.” 

VonScio can be found on the sidelines of nearly every sport on campus at one time or another during their seasons. He has also interned two years in a row for the West Virginia Black Bears, even announcing the inaugural MLB Draft League Championship Game in Sept. Multiple days a week, he is perfecting his craft as a play-by-play journalist with hopes of one day becoming an announcer for a professional sports team or major news network. For now, he continues to exceed expectations academically.  

“Drew is an excellent student academically, but he also excels in his roles as our department’s radio station program director and senior fellow for our department,” says Communication and Media Arts Chair Dr. Patrick Sutherland. “We expect him to succeed in his future endeavors, and we appreciate the leadership he’s shown as a Bethany College Student.” 

VonScio says he has always loved the idea of being able to portray what is happening during a sporting event on air, whether television or radio. He recalls playing Madden video games on his Xbox as a child and muting the TV to impersonate Steelers broadcaster Bill Hillgrove.  

“Getting accepted into Syracuse, the number one broadcasting school in the country, absolutely would not have been possible without the experience and opportunities I’ve had at Bethany and with the Black Bears,” says Vonscio. “I am very excited to see what the future holds for me, but none of it would be possible without everyone that has supported me to this point.” 

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