Bobcats helping Bobcats: Alumni stories of growth, creativity and connection

This story is part of a series celebrating OHIO's Music Industry Summit, which brings together professionals from across the music industry for an annual conference held on our Athens campus. Alumni are a crucial element of the summit. At last year's summit, we pulled aside eight of the OHIO grads to discuss their careers and how their Bobcat experience has shaped their lives.

While the Music Industry Summit brings together more than 70 artists, executives, and creatives each year, its alumni presence is what makes the experience uniquely meaningful. The 2025 event became a homecoming for graduates working across all corners of the industry, from radio and journalism to mastering, touring, live production and cutting-edge virtual production.

In addition to presenting on panels, many alumni carved out time to sit with students, offer advice, and reflect on the communities, classes and opportunities that sparked their careers. Their stories highlight the strength of a network built on shared experience, creativity and a willingness to support fellow Bobcats.

Now in its seventh year, the Summit continues to expand its reach with programming that blends education, career development and artist-driven creativity. From opening night parties featuring live DJs to hands-on workshops in event production, mixing, mastering, and social media strategy, the summit is packed with opportunities to learn from industry leaders and connect with professionals working at Warner Music, Universal Music, Sony, TuneCore, RCA Records, Billboard, Columbia Records and other major companies.

Sessions cover emerging industry trends from music analytics and distribution to branding, fan engagement and the business of live entertainment. Roundtable mentoring sessions connect students directly with visiting professionals, while evening performances bring the industry to life beyond the classroom.

For many alumni, last year's Summit served as a homecoming.

iHeartMedia President of Programming Operations and Digital Music Jon Zellner, BSC '87, returned as a speaker, joined by his son, Xander Zellner, BSJ '15, of Billboard, who helped lead a panel on artist discovery. Their appearance marked what Zellner called a "full-circle moment," symbolizing the generational reach of the University's media programs.

Other alumni shared their own paths into the industry, reflecting the Summit's emphasis on diverse, non-linear career journeys.

• Jon Zellner discussed his work overseeing radio stations, digital channels and the potential students have to change their futures today at OHIO.
• Ted Van Hyning, BSC '00, vice president at NPi Audio Visual Solutions, shared insights on managing large-scale live productions with both technical and creative precision.
• Tommy Boone, BSC '06, now associate director at Universal Music Group, emphasized the importance of persistence and learning new technologies as automation reshapes the industry.
• Chris DeVille, BSC '06, managing editor of Stereogum, discussed his career in music journalism and covering the evolving indie and mainstream music scene. DeVille recently published his book Such Great Heights, exploring the cultural rivalries that shaped modern music.
• Bobby Dirienzo, BSC '09, now an account lead at Nashville's Venture Music, spoke on marketing artists and staying adaptable in a rapidly shifting digital landscape.
• Dave Polster, BSC '13, senior mastering engineer at Well Made Music, spoke on mastering, vinyl production, and the intersection of technical skill and artistry.
• Mads Murphy, BSC '17, booking and management coordinator at Panache, shared insights on tour logistics, artist management, and building a career in live music.
• Meg Sharp, BSMAS '24, now one of the few virtual production technicians in Ohio, discussed how classroom curiosity led to her work at OHD Studios in Columbus.

Each of these alumni stories demonstrates how the Summit continues to connect classroom experience to real-world careers while underscoring how graduates are shaping the industry from the inside.

While the Summit offers panels, workshops and performances, students often cite the chance to meet alumni as the most impactful part of the experience. These graduates return because they remember what it felt like to be in the audience. They understand the value of a conversation, a connection, or simply seeing someone who once sat where they are now.

Their presence reinforces a simple truth: Bobcats help Bobcats. In an industry built on relationships, collaboration and trust, that network continues to open doors far beyond Athens.

Stay tuned in the coming weeks to hear more from these alumni.