SUNY Oneonta alumnus Sal Paolantonio returned to campus last week for a two-day visit filled with conversation, mentorship and meaningful connection with students pursuing careers in journalism and media.
During a series of small-group meetings with student organizations, classes and campus leaders, Paolantonio—a member of the Class of 1977—shared both practical advice and personal stories from his time as a student. He met with students from The State Times newspaper, WONY 90.9 FM and Wire TV, offering insight into his career, answering questions and discussing storytelling, credibility and the evolving media landscape.
The format was personal: chairs pulled into circles, notebooks open, questions flowing. Across conversations, Paolantonio’s advice was consistent and direct: ask good questions, take good notes and stay curious.
“I learned to be a reporter writing for The State Times,” he told students. Stories he authored about off-campus housing led to real-world impact, including a radio interview with the mayor of Oneonta and, ultimately, a fellowship to NYU. That early local reporting, along with coverage of campus sports, helped build the foundation for his career.
Junior Riley Peru, an Adolescence Education major with a concentration in English, appreciated Paolantonio’s kindness, recommendations and advice.
“Sal's time with The State Times was extremely beneficial to our club,” Peru said. “He gave us insight into what he does as a reporter and how his time in Oneonta helped influence his success in his career. … To me, it showed how important our club is to the local community, and it meant a lot to us for him to take time out of his day to speak with us.”
Paolantonio’s visit also included time with SUNY Oneonta President Alberto Cardelle and Dr. Jeanine Mingé, dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Business, a stop at the OnNY Community Media Lab to discuss the university’s Institute for Local News and the future of journalism education, and a dinner with students and faculty focused on journalism and media.
Even campus guests had the opportunity to interact with Paolantonio, ESPN’s longest-serving full-time NFL reporter. On a busy day of tours for prospective students and their families, several dads recognized the national correspondent, saying “Hi, Sal!” as he made his way across campus.
Paolantonio’s return marked his first visit to campus since 2013, when he delivered the university’s commencement address and received an honorary degree. More than a decade later, his commitment to engaging with students reflects a continued connection to SUNY Oneonta and its mission to prepare students for impactful careers.
“When exemplary alumni, like Sal, talk with our students, they show what’s possible with a SUNY Oneonta education and continued hard work,” said Senior Advancement Officer Tim Hayes. “Sal’s life as a top journalist started here. Our professors are encouraging mentors. Outside their classrooms, our residence halls and clubs like WONY, WIRE-TV and The State Times continue to offer great learning experiences and life lessons. Sal saw even more opportunities now to be involved.”
Inside the Wire TV studio, students interviewed Paolantonio, watched him record a segment for the FanDuel Network and filmed a social media promo for SUNY’s Mascot Madness tournament alongside Oneonta’s mascot, Red. Seated in a circle with members of WONY, Paolantonio reflected on the jazz and fusion radio show he hosted and how those early opportunities helped him build confidence and transferable life skills, not all related to journalism.
As an RA in Hulbert Hall, known affectionately at the time as “Phippie,” he developed leadership, communication skills and lifelong connections. He credited his campus involvement with opening doors and shaping his career, noting that the more experiences students take on, the more opportunities follow. He also emphasized the importance of authenticity, remembering names, making eye contact and learning to accept criticism and use it to grow.
"I learned to communicate here,” Paolantonio said. “I got better at it. I met lifelong friends. I even met my wife, Lynn (McGraw) Paolantonio '78. ... When I think back on my time at Oneonta, there’s not a thing I would do differently. I wouldn’t change one thing."