Photojournalism Alumnus Sean McKeag Receives Nine Pennsylvania Newspaper Awards for His Recent Work Alumni Profile
Meet Sean McKeag '14
- Job Title & Employer
- Photojournalist, The Citizens' Voice
- Major/Program
- Photojournalism
- College Activities
- National Press Photographers Association (NPPA)
- Hometown
- Pittsburgh, Pa.
- High School
- North Hills High School
- Now Living In
- Forty Fort, Pa.
- Hobbies & Interests
- Photography and cycling
"The smaller classes helped get you that one-on-one time with the instructor that isn’t available most of the time in schools with large classes. I took full advantage of spending time in their offices and learning from them as much as I could. And not only did my professors at Point Park have a knowledge of the classes that they taught, but they also had decades of experience working in their field of study. I say this with honesty: simply put, if it wasn’t for Point Park I would not be where I am today."
Highlight your career path as a photojournalist since graduating from Point Park University.
I began my career in September 2015 when I worked for the Times Leader in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. As a staff photographer there, I’ve also been hired to do freelance with The Boston Globe and Associated Press.
After the Times Leader, I did freelance work with the Press Enterprise in Bloomsburg, Pa. In April 2019 I began as a photojournalist with The Citizens’ Voice in Wilkes-Barre.
Tell us about the nine awards you recently received for your work.
I received five Keystone Media Awards from the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association capturing moments from a Black Lives Matter march, a Trump rally, a field hockey celebration, a structure fire and a virtual athlete of the week ceremony.
Additionally, I received two awards from the Society of Professional Journalists covering a Black Lives Matter march and a veterans portrait project.
Lastly, as part of the Associated Press Sports Editors contest, I received two awards for my coverage of a virtual athlete of the week ceremony and a portrait of a local high school football player.
What does it mean to you to receive these honors for your work?
To be recognized for my work means a great deal. But the thing that matters most of all is that people have trusted me to share their story and, in some ways, let me into their lives. That is the most rewarding out of everything.
In what ways did your Point Park experience prepare a pathway to your career as a photojournalist?
Point Park has prepared me for my career in many ways. The most important thing was being involved in organizations, which resulted in meeting professionals in the area. Being around people who were doing what I eventually wanted to do helped me get an understanding of what I was to expect when I entered the job market. And it also helped get my name out there and gain some kind of recognition in the media community, locally and nationally.
Another aspect of Point Park that I loved was the sizes of the classes. The smaller classes helped get you that one-on-one time with the instructor that isn’t available most of the time in schools with large classes. I took full advantage of spending time in their offices and learning from them as much as I could. And not only did my professors at Point Park have a knowledge of the classes that they taught, but they also had decades of experience working in their field of study. I say this with honesty: simply put, if it wasn’t for Point Park I would not be where I am today.
Why would you recommend Point Park University to a prospective student?
I would recommend Point Park University to a prospective student because of the hands-on experiences in the city atmosphere. There is a lot of opportunities available. It just takes dedication and the willingness to succeed. And the instructors will make sure that you do just that.
More About: photojournalism, alumni, NPPA, transfer, success story, School of Communication, School of Communication Alumni, North Hills High School, faculty, Downtown Pittsburgh