#PittsburghMe: Meet Alex Popichak, Editor-In-Chief of The Globe Student Profile
Meet Alex Popichak
- Major/Program
- Broadcast Production
- Minor
- Journalism
- Graduation
- December 2018
- Scholarships
- Presidential
- Hometown
- Carnegie, Pa.
- High School
- Carlynton Junior-Senior High School
- Dream Job
- Becoming the next Charles Kuralt and producing long-form journalism
”I ultimately chose Point Park because of the University’s focus on real-world experiences. From day one, you can get involved in student media and you don’t have to wait through years of general education classes to do work in your major.”
Why did you choose Point Park University?
I felt like I belonged on campus from my first visit. I ultimately chose Point Park because of the University's focus on real-world experiences. From day one, you can get involved in student media and you don't have to wait years to take classes in your major. I also wanted a university built into its' city - rather than a town built around a college - so I could learn by covering real-life events.
Tell us about your role as editor-in-chief of The Globe.
The Globe is our student-run weekly newspaper and I've served as editor-in-chief since January 2017. Because we are completely student-run, I work directly with our writers, editors and photographers as the head editor and administrator to craft the paper each week. I've had the opportunity to cover political rallies, Pittsburgh's bicentennial ceremony, the Presidential Inauguration in Washington, D.C., and a little bit of everything in between.
I've also had the honor of serving as editor during The Globe's 50th anniversary year. We published a 12-page anniversary edition in February which looked at the history of our paper over the last 50 years, and how we've progressed as a both a club and a college since our first edition in 1967. I also coordinated our reunion event with alumni (including our very first editor!) and current students.
Our Center for Media Innovation offers state-of-the-art facilities that provide students with hands-on experience in their major. What do you like best about the CMI?
Other than The Globe headlines that scroll across the ticker, I like the versatility of the space. We've used the classroom for Globe meetings and to host gatherings of student media. United Student Government President Bobby Bertha and I produce our U-View show NewsNight in the CMI television studio. I've also hosted interviews in the radio studio, including WPPJ's election night coverage and an interview with Sarah Koenig, host and co-creator of the most listened-to podcast Serial. I love the fact that it's an open space to create any scale media project with a relatively small crew.
What's your favorite Pittsburgh meal?
As a breakfast fan, I have to say pancakes at Pamela's Diner in the Strip District are my favorite!
What advice do you have for incoming students?
Whatever your major is, get involved with as much as you can as early as you can. Not only does building up your co-curricular transcript look good when applying to internships, but finding people with similar interests is one of the best parts of college. I've met great people through WPPJ, the Honors Student Organization, Residence Life and the United Student Government - many of whom have become roommates and some of my best friends. Also, pick up a copy of The Globe on newsstands every Wednesday!
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Text and photo by Brittany Bishop, senior sports, arts, and entertainment management major