Pages Through The Ages

Capstone Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements of the Renée Crown University Honors Program at Syracuse University

Marisa Faye Joachim Candidate for Bachelor of Science and Renée Crown University Honors May 2018

Honors Capstone Project in: Television, Radio & Film

Capstone Project Advisor: ______Richard Dubin, Professor of Practice

Capstone Project Reader: ______Michael Schoonmaker, Chair, Television, Radio & Film

Honors Director: ______Stephen Kuusisto, Director

Date: April 25, 2018

© Marisa Faye Joachim 2018

Abstract

30 Rock’s Kenneth the Page is a legendary character that embodies

NBCUniversal’s Page Program. Kenneth possesses qualities with which many after him identify: a passion for the NBC brand and a deep-rooted love for entertainment.

NBCUniversal is a peacock in entertainment, fanning out its feathers across various platforms in the industry and mastering each. In 1933, the NBC Page Program was established. In the 85 years since its inception, the Page Program has not only evolved but thrived through that evolution. For 85 years, the Page Program has transformed independent, intelligent individuals into gifted professionals ready to fly on their own.

These media professionals learned over the course of twelve months. They succeeded. They failed. They were mentees, and evidently graduated to become mentors. Who are these media professionals? The idiosyncrasies of each Page are what make his or her Program unique. Just like a snowflake, no two experiences are alike.

Pages Through the Ages delves into the lives of over fifty former and current

NBCUniversal Pages. Telling each personalized story, this exposé presents all NBC has to offer, highlights both the importance and expectation that comes with the title of a

Page, and illustrates the incredible twists and turns involved in a career in media.

Executive Summary

It was any ordinary October day in Syracuse, New York; the leaves were changing color; there was a certain autumn chill in the air. However, this particular Wednesday in 2016 was special, to me. My curiosity peaked as my professor spoke of a former student of his, Eric Gurian. This former student had graduated from Syracuse University, became an NBC Page, and then succeeded as the Executive Vice President of Little Stranger, Inc.

Although graduation was a year and a half away, I was eager to learn more about this student, more about this program. While sitting with Professor Dubin during his office hours, he soon helped me realize that speaking with one former

Page would not give me a holistic image of the NBC Page Program. One person can make a difference, but each person’s experience differs. He denied my request for Gurian’s contact information. I was not prepared to speak with this

EVP, just yet. I felt discouraged, but a greater opportunity arose from that one office hour. Why not try and speak with as many former Pages as possible on my own to develop this holistic image for myself? Why not turn this into an independent study? My Newhouse and Honors Capstone?

Welcome to: Pages Through the Ages

NBCUniversal is a peacock in entertainment, fanning out its feathers across various platforms in the industry and mastering each. In 1933, the NBC

Page Program was established. In the 85 years since its inception, the Page

Program has evolved and thrived. For 85 years, the Page Program has transformed independent, intelligent individuals into gifted professionals ready to fly on their own.

The Page Program is a rotational program for college graduates interested in pursuing careers in entertainment. For one year, Pages participate in three different assignments spanning across business, consumer, and content related work. These developmental experiences guide young-professionals and aid them in ultimately choosing a career path. By learning the operations, functions, and diverse platforms that comprise NBC, each Page graduates the

Program filled with extensive knowledge about the network and media industry as a whole.

Pages Through the Ages delves into the lives of over fifty former and current NBCUniversal Pages. Telling each personalized story, this exposé presents all NBC has to offer, highlights both the importance and expectation that comes with the title of a Page, and illustrates the incredible twists and turns involved in a career in media.

After I conducted a series of interviews, Pages Through the Ages naturally created a Page Network. I connected with previous Pages through

LinkedIn, word of mouth, and personal referrals. More than fifty Pages were incredibly willing to participate in one-on-one interviews, and many mentioned my project to additional Page friends. This project not only connected me with dozens of media professionals, but also re-connected co-workers with one and other. As a result, the web of interconnected Pages became even stronger.

Furthermore, Pages Through the Ages reaches inside the history of the

Program, as well as that of the building. The landmark changed history in the New Deal era. Forever changing the midtown skyline, 30

Rockefeller Center is revolutionary in areas beyond just entertainment. The Plaza has significance. The building’s artwork has pertinence. If those marble floors could talk, their stories would be legendary.

No such personalized documented data previously existed. Disregarding basic qualifications, no known resource previously aided someone trying to research this prestigious program. This project seeks to mend a gap in the market. Any aspiring media professional, like me, would have greatly benefitted from this project in years past. I am quite positive there are a myriad of “me’s” out there.

As a major hub for culture, news, and entertainment, New York City is a place where dreams can come true. After listening to and engaging with over fifty unique experiences, I learned how the Page Program augmented these dreams. The Page Program altered some of these dreams. The NBCU Page

Program itself is a dream. Pages Through the Ages changed my perception of the field of media. It gave me inspiration. This project acts as a previously overlooked, yet imperative storyteller. Telling story after story, it shares passion after passion.

It was not just any ordinary October day in Syracuse, New York. Yes, the leaves were changing color, and there was a certain autumn chill in the air.

However, this particular Thursday in 2017 was special, to me. My curiosity had been answered as my professor introduced me to a former student of his who was speaking at Syracuse University, Eric Gurian. This former student graduated from SU and went on to become an NBC Page, EVP of Little Stranger, Inc., and my mentor. Eric Gurian is the perfect ending to Pages Through the Ages. I was finally prepared to interview my muse. My journey came full-circle that afternoon.

Professor Dubin had a plan, and it panned out perfectly. As we sat on that chilly October day, I told Eric Gurian all about my

Capstone project. I told him he has been the inspiration for the two-year long endeavor, and he didn’t even know it. Eric Gurian, thank you. Richard Dubin, thank you.

Table of Contents

Preface 1

Acknowledgments 3

Capstone Project Chapter One: Seeking Assignment 4 Chapter Two: 30 6 Chapter Three: We Can Do It! 8 Chapter Four: Before Regis Became Regis 9 Chapter Five: Friendship, Love, and NBC Spirit 10 Chapter Six: Like They Did it in The 90s 14 Chapter Seven: The Faux Kenneth 16 Chapter Eight: The Millennials 17 Chapter Nine: The Rest is Still Unwritten 29

Sources Cited and Consulted 32

Preface

The principal point of Pages Through the Ages was to build professional relationships on my own, through my own merit. As aforementioned, I attended

Professor Dubin’s office hours to learn more about the Page Program and to speak with his former student.

I was convinced one cannot become a Page unless he or she “knows somebody.” After my professor quickly invalidated my statement, he encouraged me to reach out and speak to as many Pages as I possibly could. Then, I would know not one person, but many people. I would create my own network. This project developed quickly, and I decided to run with it. It would be dually beneficial, as these relationships could help begin and continue my career, while also fulfilling an arduous graduation requirement.

Pages Through the Ages illustrated the apex of my college career. I not only grew as a student at Syracuse University, but I grew into a well-equipped candidate ready to interview for media jobs! I wanted to learn more, so I took the initiative to do so. My position through this project was to be both a reporter and a producer, while also a listener and a storyteller.

Page 1

My intellectual standing grew as well as the project progressed. In the beginning, I was naive. I was unpolished. Two years later, I have expanded my professional communication skill.

Page 2

Acknowledgements

To the fifty-two Pages who took time out of their busy days to speak with me: You all opened up to me with stories from the glory days, and with anecdotes from the present, and with advice. I am forever grateful.

Most importantly, to Richard Dubin: You pushed me to accomplish something I did not think was feasible. You offered advice that helped me not only academically, but as an aspiring media professional. I wish you luck on your next adventure.

Page 3

Chapter One: Seeking Assignment

What is it about the NBCUniversal Page Program that makes it so desirable?

With a 1% acceptance rate, tens of thousands have applied for this reputable and esteemed Program (Johnson, 2011). Why?

Through a rigorous interview process, the candidates must first record a video interview of themselves, conduct a panel interview, and then provide references and recommendations. Then, the cream of the crop, the top of the top, are selected for this prestigious one-year rotational program. Some call it an extension to college. Some call it a graduate program without the degree.

This twelve month long program places each Page into three different assignments covering all NBCUniversal platforms. Then, there is a three-month placement period to help aid each Page in the job market. If the Page is not placed within NBCU itself, the vast network created through the aforementioned assignments is enough for most to find employment elsewhere.

So, what is it about the NBCUniversal Page Program that makes it so desirable?

There is recognized high esteem that comes with being a Page. The Program grooms each young adult into a well-prepared media professional. The Program not only primes and polishes each Page, but also teaches them the ins and outs of a network.

Page 4

The Program teaches them the tricks of the trade. It shapes them into the high-class future CEOs of the media world.

The fascinating piece about the NBCUniversal Page Program is how much the

Program itself has changed, but the people remain as high-class and driven.

Throughout the decades, the SNL desk memories, Tonight Show excitement, and presidential elections are what each Page remembers fondly. There are many interesting juxtapositions to be made by comparing and contrasting each decade, and it all starts at 30 Rockefeller Center.

Page 5

Chapter Two: 30 Rockefeller Center

There is a great history that lies within the walls of 30 Rockefeller Center. If those walls could talk, the stories that would be told would be extraordinary; but, they can’t.

So, here is my version.

30 Rockefeller Center officially opened the year of the Page Program’s origination, 1933. The years of the Great Depression brought immense construction onto the site. The 30 Rock construction employed over 40,000 people under Franklin

Delano Roosevelt’s New Deal (Speyer Properties, 2018).

30 Rockefeller Center in years past was known as the infamous RCA Building, the well-known GE Building and currently is deemed the Comcast Building. The 2.5 million square foot monstrosity has housed and houses many firms, not just

NBCUniversal (Cuozzo, 2015).

The building was constructed in the peak of the Golden Age. The NYC culture was enhanced by the 30 Rock building. With the accidental addition of the traditional

Rockefeller Christmas Tree in 1931, the success and popularity of NBC only grew further (Speyer Properties, 2018). The artwork within the building shines bright. The golden lobby created by the great Jose Maria Sert and Frank Brangwyn is a piece of art itself. The “American Progress” is a mural painted by Sert as well, which hangs behind the main information desk at 30 Rock. The mural painted with brownish tones in

Page 6

1937 depicts rich American history and culture from Abraham Lincoln to Ralph Waldo

Emerson. The contemporary piece illustrated musical and poetic qualities (Vogel,

2009).

Diego Rivera also was commissioned to design a mural for the building in 1932.

However, two years later the mural that was deemed radical was destroyed the night before it was completed. His mural, “Man at the Crossroads," is one of the greatest lost pieces of art of the 20th century. Rivera was considered almost communist. This was too far-reaching for the incredibly conservative Nelson Rockefeller (Marciano,

2016).

Millions of people walk through the halls of 30 Rockefeller Center. The building is a hub symbolizing philanthropy, advancement, and achievement in New York City.

Home to the famous Rainbow Room and Top of the Rock city landmarks, 30

Rockefeller Center houses it all.

Page 7

Chapter Three: We Can Do It!

For the first time in 1944, NBC began hiring women as temporary replacements for the men fighting in WWII. Discernably, as a sign of the times, when the men returned from the warfront, the women lost their jobs.

Mrs. Gloria Clyne was NBC’s first female “Guidette.” Gloria Clyne remained at

30 Rock for over fifty years. She became a production assistant, aided Al Roker, and continued to escort guests through 30 Rockefeller Center. Mrs. Clyne has mentioned,

“I never got rich, but it was a priceless experience,” Clyne told the Post. “I spent my life there (Otis, 2010).” Gloria Clyne passed in July 2011 (Emmys.com, 2011).

Mrs. Diggans was also hired as a Guidette in the 1940s, and worked on the

Howdy Doody Show. She was a Page with Eva Marie Saint (Barbey, 2016). The two became friends in 1944 through the halls. Saint loved her uniform. One day while riding the elevator, Joan Crawford stepped in and asked her if she wanted to be an actress. Eva Marie Saint replied with an excited “Oh, YES.” Before Crawford exited the elevator, she turned back with a smile and said, “Well, you will be (Rose, 2017).”

Hence, the Page Program has helped to make thousands of dreams come true.

Page 8

Chapter Four: Before Regis was Regis

In 1955, was the Steve Allen Show Desk Page. Regis experienced a military type Page Program. Before each shift he would have to go through a thorough dress inspection. The thrill and curiosity that assisted his desk Page position wondering who would walk in next was the best part.

His most notable Page moment occurred when he received his fifteen-seconds of fame. Mr. Philbin was put on TV as he had to hold the elevator open for Eddie

Fisher, as Fisher made a dramatic exit and waved goodbye. Then, a thrilled young

Philbin called his mother.

Regis enthusiastically expressed how he was on the television. After he asked his beloved mother if she caught his “segment,” Mrs. Philbin responded, “yeah, yeah, but where was Eddie going (Rose, 2017)?”

The Page Program gave Regis Philbin more than just his TV debut. In the beginning, Regis was scared of where his career would go, what his talent was, and if he would make it. Fast forward to where Navy veteran, Regis Philbin has clocked more on-air hours than almost anyone else in the industry (Carter, 2011).

Page 9

Chapter Five: Friendship, Love, and NBC Spirit

The Page Program evolved much through the 60s and into the 80s and major industry names came through. Joanne LaMarca changed the fourth hour of the TODAY

Show. Sheri Lapidus took the magazine industry by stride, without any actual magazine experience. Richard Schlobohm looks back on the Page experience as “a gap year filled with great opportunity.” Joe and Fran Torres found the most important thing of all: love.

Joanne LaMarca and Sheri Lapidus have been best friends since childhood.

LaMarca knew she wanted to work in television. Both applied to the Page Program and once Sheri accepted, Joanne decided to apply again. She was accepted the second time! The two took the program by storm.

No one knew what the Page Program would bring on any given day. Sheri once had to escort Jay Leno in a limousine. It was the best 45-minute one-on-one comedy show of her life. Sheri gained tremendous contacts while at NBC. Her career brought her over to Time Inc, then to InStyle, and onward. Entrepreneurial Lapidus brought new and innovative ideas to every job she conquered. One of her fondest memories was running the Golden Globes Red Carpet. Sheri’s career contained many twists and turns. She now runs Mitzvah Market, a comprehensive party planning company

(Lapidus, 2016).

Page 10

LaMarca’s journey was very different to that of her dear friend’s. With an affinity for TV Production, she began her journey as a PA, to an Executive Assistant, Associate

Producer, to Field Producer. While working a red carpet in the snow, in a 2x2 square foot spot, the job isn't as glamorous as people dream it to be. But, this was Joanne’s dream. She ultimately transformed the Kathy Lee and Hoda Show (LaMarca, 2016).

Joel Mandelbaum was another Page in the 1980s. He knew he wanted TV

Production after completing an NBC Sports internship. After his acceptance into the

Page Program, the Father of Sports, Ted Nathanson took Mandelbaum under his wing.

Joel became a Director Spotter, and followed Nathanson around the country as his assistant for the proceeding two years. He fondly remembers a time in the control room and asking the producer on-air if he needed any help. “You see that chair. Take that chair, pull it up next to me, watch, listen, and learn.” That was his response. 23- year-old Mandelbaum called his time as a Page, “The best job most people will never have (Mandelbaum, 2016).” Most importantly, Joel Mandelbaum made life-long friends through the Program.

Fran and Joe Torres, friends of Joel Mandelbaum, met through the Page

Program. Although they did not date during their time as Pages, there was always an underlying flirtation. When two of their other Page friends were getting married, Fran caught the bouquet and Joe caught the garter. This meant to be couple realized their feelings were real. They tied the knot one year later in 1990 (F. Torres, 2016).

Page 11

Fran immensely enjoyed her time as a Page. Like many others before and after her, she refers to it as “the best job EVER.” Torres was hired October 28, 1985. Her niche was found within the Talent Relations Department. She looks back and remembers gift wrapping fluffy Christmas robes. She was so meticulous and hard working the department hired her toward the end of her time as a Page.

Joe Torres began his time as a Page the same exact day as his spouse. He always knew he wanted to be a reporter and an anchor, and felt this program was a great foot in the door. Torres had his first on-air experience as a Page. The Cosby

Show needed a Student Teacher as an extra. It was his first non-speaking television appearance. Again, like many before him, there was no one most pinnacally memorable moment. He greatly enjoyed the Page culture, and family it naturally created.

Torres’ Page experience brought him close with the affiliate department. That path led him to an NBC station in Savannah. He was hired as a cameraman. One day the reporter didn’t show. His boss looked at him, nodded, and said, “here’s your chance.” Then, Torres started to find his voice. He knew he wanted a bigger market, and when the time was right he made the big move to Philly. Today, Joe Torres is on

ABC7 delivering news to the New York market, his dream come true (J. Torres, 2016).

As previously mentioned, Mrs. Diggans, Susan Barbey’s mother was a Guidette in the 1940s. Susan dreamed of this same experience her mother had, and admits her

Page 12

Page title was aided through nepotism. Originally coming to New York to make it big on Broadway, Susan Barbey met a struggling actress on the plane. Her courage was shattered and applied to be a Page. Susan Barbey’s tenure as a Page was different, as each experience is. While working the Letterman Show, she frequently thought about how “little old me from Delray Beach, Florida ended up there (Barbey, 2016).”

Barbey sent pictures to the Cosby Show. She would place a black and white photograph into an envelope and sent a messenger to . It was fascinating to see her job and how it occurred before the computer age. Though that task is now outdated, Susan Barbey has never tired of walking into 30 Rock.

They all recall the last shifts together, and the runs to Hurley’s after. Hurley’s was a bar located near the Plaza. They would reminisce about their crazy days, fun assignments, and enjoy each other’s company before heading home.

The careers that the Page Program paved for these individuals only intertwined their lives further. LaMarca and Lapidus enjoyed working together throughout the years on various projects. The Page bond lingers well beyond the span of the rotations.

Page 13

Chapter Six: Like They Did It in the 90s

The 90s brought an interesting twist to the Page Program. Computers were becoming more relevant and NBC was in its Golden Age of television.

Lori Laub came to NBC in 1991 just out of Boston College. Becoming a Page

“showed that the impossible is possible.” Now, Laub looks back and corrects herself.

She believes everything is possible, but this position opened an entire world up to her.

Lori never thought she would actually get into the industry. Laub loved being surrounded by energetic and charismatic kids like herself. She enjoyed being around like-minded individuals (Laub, 2016).

The best memories were watching the SNL weekly talent rehearse during her lunch breaks. Lori will never forget seeing a bubbly Nicole Kidman dressed up as a little girl, jumping rope, excited in pigtails and a fluffy skirt.

As an undergraduate Pre-Med major, Jess Santoro took a year off after graduation in 1995 to travel before continuing on his education. However, throughout his travels Santoro found a passion in the art of storytelling.

Jess would read the letters written for tickets, the creative gifts sent would spark his excitement. In fact, someone sent skis to the office, in order to increase the change for tickets.

Page 14

Santoro sat down with Bob Wright, CEO, one morning at 7:45 before anyone had come in for work. He set him up with the President of Sales that day, as Jess wanted to go into advertising. That day, Jess was offered a job as a sales assistant at

NBC (Santoro, 2017).

After eight years at NBC, Jess Santoro’s friendships made there remained. With a career continuously evolving, he will never forget what sparked his passion years before. He holds the Page Program near and dear to his heart. The Program offers another avenue for young adults to take, leaving SNL memories that last forever.

Saturday Night Live memories connect Pages of various decades. The hosts and guests may change, but the audience ambassador job is always held in the highest regard.

Page 15

Chapter Seven: The Faux Kenneth

In 2004, Eric Gurian entered the Page Program as a young naive Syracuse graduate ready to take on the media world. This humbling experience reminded

Gurian that nothing in the business is handed to you. He learned; he grew.

Each day around 5:30am, Gurian would rush to make the 6:00am bus from New

Jersey to be in his uniform by 8:00am. Gurian enjoyed working the SNL Desk. He felt as though he made it to the Ground Zero of show business.

Out of the Page Program, Eric was hired as a receptionist. He aided in creating Kenneth the Page by providing her with the Page Manual, and answering her many questions. “Did you ever to do X, Y, or Z as a Page?” “Would Kenneth do this as a Page?” “Would Kenneth say that as a Page?” Kenneth is not Eric.

Today, Eric runs the Little Stranger Inc. production firm. He wishes to keep doing what he does, and feels extraordinarily lucky. He remains friends with those from his Page Cohort, and even works with some of them today (Gurian, 2017).

Page 16

Chapter Eight: The Millennials

Stuart McWhirter was at a college party at Indiana University unsure of where his future would take him in two short months after graduation. Then his friend mentioned his brother ran a rotational program in New York for NBC. Interested in film, Stuart decided to learn more. He gave his friend Cory’s brother a call. The call went so well, the former Page Program recruiter put him in contact with the current one at the time,

Natasha. Natasha asked Stuart if he could fly out for an in-person the day of his college graduation. Three days later, Stuart McWhirter left Indiana for New York, gave a presentation, and was a Page in 24 hours.

McWhirter worked hard as a Page. He took advantage of all the panels and speakers. One speaker was Regis Philbin, another former NBC Page. Stuart was late to the panel, and Regis called him out for the rest of the presentation. Regis referred to him as the Young Rob Lowe (McWirter, 2016).

Michael Debach looked at 30 Rock and thought, “If I can just get in that building, the rest will fall into place.” Debach attended Syracuse University and obtained a summer internship when the company was recruiting on-campus. He learned about the Page Program throughout that internship.

Michael Debach worked on the mid-term election in November 2010 for CNBC.

A black car would wait for him as he drove to DC, and did whatever what was asked of

Page 17

him. Then, the black car would pick him up take him to 30 Rock as he was needed for a tour. The Page experience humbled him. He would leave work a zombie, in the best most exciting way (Debach, 2016).

The Page Program isn’t always a perfect, cookie-cutter, fit for everyone. People with all different strengths and talents apply, and sometimes it just isn’t right. Erica

Ayisi was an on-air multimedia journalist in Ghana, Africa when her father became ill.

Ayisi searched for more on-air reporting jobs, but nothing as close to home.

After attending various trade shows and job fairs, Erica dropped her resume in the

Page Program bin and the News Associates Program. The latter passed on Ayisi’s talents, but the Page Program welcomed her with open arms.

She remembers how differentiating her interview presentation was as she told a story of what a multimedia journalist must take with her in her camera bag. Erica Ayisi began the Page Program in January of 2012.

Ayisi was not impressed with her time at NBCUniversal. Her time spent as a

Page lasted two months. As she was 30-years-old at the time with a Masters, Erica felt more mature than the recent 21 and 22-year-old college graduates.

This failure helped shape Erica. She learned about a network. She learned about the corporate side of television. She learned how to be a team player. She learned how to stay humble. As a reporter in Boston, Erica Ayisi educated herself about a news

Page 18

room. She gained experience in the control room, at the editor desk, as a researcher, and a producer (Ayisi, 2016).

With dreams of hosting her own Travel Africa show, Ayisi has greatly benefited from the failures and successes thrown her way. The Page Program exploited her potential, and now she’s out in the field trying to reach it.

Like Ayisi, Liz Eney is too in the field reaching for the stars. She was always so grateful to be part of such a highly esteemed program. Eney craved the chance to be the “face of NBC.” She was part of the transition of from Jay Leno to Jimmy Fallon. The end of an era and beginning of a new one, was the most memorable part of her time as a Page. Liz now works on the set of Unbreakable Kimmy

Schmidt as a Production Assistant.

Eney found that everyone she met was willing to offer a helpful ear. She took every opportunity extended to speak and meet with new people. At SNL after parties and on assignment, Liz’s bright personality and instinctive curiosity brought her to meet such highly regarded people. And she was provided with these opportunities all because she was a Page (Eney, 2016).

As a University of Michigan graduate, Julie Brown was one of the first members of the new Page Program. After an internship at MSNBC during the summer of 2015,

Julie loved the company and the culture at 30 Rock. Julie Brown started as a Page on

August 29, 2016.

Page 19

During the Ambassadorship, Julie experienced Election Night in the news room.

She “felt a part of history.” She felt it was easy to feel connected and valuable in such a large company. As an aspiring President of MSNBC, Julie craves the hard, working news. With her can-do attitude, Brown has learned to internalize and smile through any adversity thrown her way.

Michigan helped Julie tremendously. At such a large school, it was her job to navigate and find her fit; find where she can shine. Then, moving to New York City was a breeze for her. She was immediately excited, and comfortable. She lives in Midtown

East, an easy 20-minute walk to work. She loves how different each day is, but particularly is partial to the mornings where she makes coffee and catches up on the news.

The Page team-environment excites her. With long hours and long tours, the

Page Office really feels like her second home (Brown, 2016).

Bryan Rubin graduated Syracuse University in May 2015, and entered the Page

Program in July. After interning for NBCU during the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, he studied abroad in London. Bryan highlighted the importance of staying in touch with his NBC contacts because Bryan wanted to be a Page.

Bryan Rubin fell in love with this entry level program into television and media.

His passion ignited when working on the floor of Saturday Night Live. With 70 assignments to choose from, Rubin remembers this assignment fondly.

Page 20

After his year as a Page, Bryan enjoyed the three-month job placement period.

While networking and again staying in contact with previous assignments, Rubin wanted Sports Marketing and TV Production. Bryan Rubin now works at ESPN as a

Production Assistant in Bristol, Connecticut.

Rubin learned to dream big from the Page Program. He saw from where his mentors came and to where they went and felt inspired. Bryan aspires to run ESPN’s

Fantasy Sports. The Fantasy area within ESPN allows Rubin’s creative juices to flow. In this gray area of production the options are limitless. Rubin enjoys this challenge and can truly see himself thriving within the industry (Rubin, 2016).

The most enjoyable part of his experience was the uncertainty and unknown.

Each day brought Bryan somewhere different intellectually and physically. The Page

Program introduced Bryan to 25 immediate friends with similar interests to him.

Robbie Winston truly encompassed the essence of what it means to be an NBC

Page. The Page Program solidified Robbie’s interest in sports marketing and partnerships. He feels very comfortable in the sports group environment.

NBCUniversal recruited on-campus for the Page Program at Vanderbilt

University. Robbie’s brother is an aspiring singer and actor, and really excited Robbie about the entertainment industry. Robbie was hired in July 2015, and graduated a year later in 2016.

Page 21

After meeting with many people across many platforms, he feels widely connected and confident. Winston is confident in his ability. He is no longer going through the motions. Robbie Winston is empowered.

His Page experience was filled with Hale and Hearty salads, numerous Metro

North train rides, and many teachable moments (Winston, 2016). He was on a production set, and noted how different a taped show is from a live show. He worked for NBC Sports, and understood what generating revenue truly means. Robbie Winston now works for Madison Square Garden as a marketing coordinator for the New York

Rangers. Robbie is living out his dream.

Nicole Gaddie was attending an Asian American Journalism Convention when she first heard about the Page Program. Six months later, Gaddie was working the

Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio. She felt like she was part of history. While taking it all in, she had a realization she was part of a groundbreaking election. Her participation made a difference, to someone. She witnessed people from all over the world who traveled to voice their opinions. She witnessed young outspoken college students and a SWAT Team side by side. Gaddie also made Page Program history as she became the first Golf Channel Page in Florida (Gaddie, 2016).

Allison Field took one tour of the Universal Lot and thought, “this is what I’m supposed to do.” As a campus representative for NBCU at the University of Arizona, the company was no stranger to her. Field created student films and worked as the

Page 22

tennis manager for the Wildcats. After writing her Page Application, she was asked back for a video interview. In order to differentiate herself she put her stuffed Minions in the background to show who she really is. She knew she could bring a unique aspect to the company, and subsequently she was accepted; her dream became a reality,

August 2015.

Allison Field views LA as the Mecca for Entertainment. As an aspiring Director,

Allison is also passionate about Sales and Promotion and looks to combine both in some way in the future. What Allison remembers so vividly was her time in Universal

Publicity. She worked for the events on Kubo and the Two Strings as the Puppet

Advancer. Field would take them to and from each promotional place, and adjust each puppet accordingly.

Allison’s easy transition to New York included a ten-minute Subway ride to work each day. She had made instant best friends on Day One. Each Page wants something different, so the competition is limited. The Pages root for one another. The Pages act as a family. Allison Field is inspired each day. Everyone is so good at what he or she does, and everyone loves the job. “You can’t not catch it (Field, 2016).”

Erica Getto had toured 30 Rock multiple times before deciding to apply for the

Page Program. After a Spring Semester MSNBC internship, Getto knew she wanted to stay within the company after graduation.

Page 23

After receiving the question over and over: you see famous people a lot, Erica had created a logical answer. One does not become famous through osmosis. One cannot become somebody by standing next to a celebrity. Everyone walking the halls can be famous. The public just might know him or her by face. The Page experience is humbling. Gratefully, she was able to be in the room where it happens.

Erica was the first ever Harry Connick Jr. Show Page. She came in on a blank slate, unknowing where the year would take her. There are all ways of getting to where she wanted to go. She decided one path.

Getto left the Page Program to go to Los Angeles and get a feel for the city. She wanted to become a Writer’s Assistant or Production Assistant. She left the Program without a job. Ideally in the future, Erica Getto wants to write and develop her own television series (Getto, 2016).

Bridget Jackson was a Page for about ten months in 2015-2016. As a junior at

Oswego State, Bridget applied for and received a “New York Women In

Communications Inc.” Scholarship. The NYWICI “awards 15 to 20 scholarships to graduating high school seniors and undergraduate and graduate students who intend to pursue or further a career in communications (NYWICI, 2018).” The conferences, people, and events to which she was exposed were remarkable. Then, Jackson took a job offer before hearing back from the Page Program upon graduation. With second

Page 24

thoughts in her mind, Jackson applied a second time, reconnected with people from

NYWICI, and was accepted.

Bridget Jackson recollected her memories as Page, and remembered a very unique experience: a party she helped out at celebrating employees at NBCUniversal for 25 years. Steve Burke was at this event taking pictures with the employees, as was

Steven Spielberg. She also met a couple who met at NBCU as Pages. It came full circle.

As Jackson is still finding her dream job, her heart lies within the Public Relations sector. She truly fell in love with the Page Program because of the people. The people became an instant family to her. Her cohort was special: each birthday celebrated was important. They assigned a birthday leader, and that leader got the birthday Page of the day a gift.

The unity of the cohort is special. They build each other up. The assignments are assigned for a reason. In a very transparent group, Bridget found her cohort prided itself on being supportive of one and other.

One of Jackson’s friend’s, Sara Klein was in the November 2015 Page Cohort.

She joined NBC just in time for her favorite part of the year: Thanksgiving. The Macy’s

Thanksgiving Day Parade is something she has admired since she was a little girl.

Therefore, when she had the opportunity to work the production it was like a dream come true. It was a surreal experience. She said, “I’m working on Thanksgiving, but I’m doing something I’ll never get to do again in my lifetime (Jackson, 2016).”

Page 25

All Sara Klein wants is a good job surrounded by kind-hearted people. She found that in the NBC Page Program. The Program helped her realize that her interests lie in several places. She worked across various NBC Platforms: Saturday Night Live,

Morning Joe, USA Brand Marketing, and more. Today, Sara Klein is a marketing manager for NBCU (Klein, 2016).

Tucker Marsano was no stranger to the NBCUniversal brand. He was an intern for The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon the summer before his Senior Year. Tucker’s dream was to one day grow up and wear a suit. Hosts wear suits. Executives wear suits.

Tucker Marsano as a Page, wore a suit.

With rotations in CNBC and Fast Money, Tucker would go to the New York

Stock Exchange, and be the only person from the production staff on site. He was the lowest person on the totem pole, yet somehow he received the car service luxury. This made Tucker feel like the most important person.

Most of all Tucker remained grateful for his other Pages. Getting to know them was exciting. Meeting inspiring people was remarkable. Well-educated individuals, who did not share the exact same interests as he, surrounded him; eloquent people, who will do great things and have impactful careers, surrounded him (Marsano, 2016).

Sam Freedman attended Northwestern University, and decided to apply to the

Page Program on the West Coast. He is creative and wanted to work with creative people. He wanted to make films. He saw the NBC Page Program as a stepping stone.

Page 26

Sam Freedman enjoyed the Page experience he had. He once pretended to be

James Corden on the E! Emmy’s Red Carpet as Giuliana Rancic interviewed him. He also worked a NBCUniversal Short Film Festival, which he believed to be important for emerging voices.

Sam found it difficult to balance work and his own passion projects. Sam found it difficult to adjust to the LA lifestyle. Sam immensely enjoyed his time on the Universal

Lot though (Freedman, 2016).

Chaz Delgado graduated Syracuse University in May 2017 and started at

NBCUniversal as a Page in June. With many friends as past Pages, Chaz knew the

Program was his goal. Chaz wanted to “find out who he was.” Delgado enjoys learning a lot about people, a lot about the shows, and a lot about NBC. He learns how to interact with very different people, every single day.

As a member of the Campus to Careers team, Chaz must improvise daily. He has to go with his gut and make decisions on his own. It hasn’t been all roses and sunshine as he recollects some failures and mistakes he made within the first six months. However, the constantly changing environment keeps Chaz on his toes.

At various events, Chaz always finds a way to meet new people, make more relationships, and further advance his career. The company barbecues and internal networking events, all help Chaz meet people within the company and externally.

Page 27

Chaz views the endless opportunity as a positive. In a culturally exciting work environment, Chaz enjoys the challenges thrown his way. The Page team looks to each other to solve each problem like fitting pieces together in a puzzle.

Through the most rewarding and invaluable experience he will ever encounter in his eyes, the Page Program has taught Chaz how to navigate issues, how to mesh his interests together, and how to broaden his horizons. With a support system of 24 other

Pages, Chaz is motivated even when he has a bad day. Originally wanting to go into

Marketing and Production, Chaz has developed an affiliation for the Campus 2 Careers side of the business. He is eager to continue onto his next assignment and learn more

(Delgado, 2017)!

Page 28

Chapter Nine: The Rest is Still Unwritten

Over the last 85 years, the NBCUniversal Page Program has grown and groomed the past, present, and future media leaders in the industry. Friendships were formed, and long-lasting career-related relationships were nurtured. Mentors were established. In turn, the mentee became someone else’s mentor. This intertwining web of Page connections goes on for generations. There is a certain enigma that is attached to the Page title.

No matter the decade, no matter the Cohort, the Page Program brought like- minded people together. It transformed the past, current, and future leaders of the media industry into who they are today and who they will be.

The Page Program may have evolved throughout the years, but its principals have remained the same. The life-long friendships are formulated. The hangouts after work may not be at Hurley’s, but elsewhere.

This story began on a brisk autumn day in October 2016. I was not sure how this would look, how this story would come together, if there even were a story. However, as this story does come together it is fascinating to see how the lives of so many intertwine. Although the time period varied, the stories are consistent. NBC executives mentored the Pages. The Pages grew up to become those mentors, and Eric Gurian mentored me.

Page 29

The hosts have changed. The people delivering the news may vary, but the same Democratic and Republican head to head combat remains. Over the last 85 years, the NBC Pages have worked arduously behind those scenes fact checking whether it be 1944 or 2004.

The world has grown digital. The typewriters are antiquated, the iPhone is now ubiquitous. In 85 years from now, who knows if the iPhone will be extinct and what is next to come.

The tasks are transferrable from time period to time period. The people come in and out of the Program like a revolving door. However, the memories are indispensable. The friendships are unbreakable.

Each of these abovementioned Pages, and the thousands of other Pages entered the doors of 30 Rockefeller Center, the RCA Building, or GE Building. Each

Page saw Jose Marie Sert’s “American Progress” mural behind the information desk, and each Page wore a Page uniform. The year may change, the material may alter, but the name never will. A Page is a Page.

The NBCUniversal Page Program is unequivocally a foot in the door to a tremendous career in media. Each Page has succeeded in his or her own special way.

Each lesson learned was carried in high regard. Each mistake turned into new opportunities. Each opportunity turned into a new exciting experience.

Page 30

Pages have their own level of respect for one another only Pages can understand. It is like an elite club that the few lucky candidates get to experience. On the other hand, Pages Through the Ages taught me that help could be provided when asked for it. With persistence, I followed the lives of these interesting Pages, and I am not one of them.

This chapter remains unwritten, as I have my own career path and journey ahead. I wish nothing more than to be a part of this fascinating historic program. This piece, Pages Through the Ages, is forever a work in progress. There is always another person to speak with. There is always another path to take. Always another adventure to go on.

Who knows where my journey will lead? With big aspirations and a persevering attitude, I believe my dreams can too come true.

Page 31

Sources Cited and Consulted

Ayisi, Erica. "Page Program Interview- Erica Ayisi". New York, NY, 2016. Barbey, Susan. "Page Program Interview- Susan Barbey". New York, NY, 2016. Brown, Julie. "Page Program Interview- Julie Brown". New York, NY, 2016. Buckley, C. (2008). For NBC Pages, ‘Please Follow Me’ Is a Fervent Wish. Nytimes.com. Retrieved 25 April 2018, from https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/14/nyregion/14page.html

Carter, B. (2011). Regis Philbin looks back at long, unscripted career. The Seattle Times. Retrieved 25 April 2018, from https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/tv/regis-philbin-looks-back-at-long- unscripted-career/

Cuozzo, S. (2015). Why 30 Rock is the greatest building in the world. Nypost.com. Retrieved 25 April 2018, from https://nypost.com/2015/07/19/30-rock-is-the- greatest-building-in-the-world/

Debach, Michael. Page Program Interview- Michael Debach". New York, NY, 2016. Delgado, Chaz. "Page Program Interview- Chaz Delgado". New York, NY, 2017. Emmys.com. (2011). Gloria Clyne, First Female Page at NBC. Television Academy. Retrieved 25 April 2018, from http://www.emmys.com/news/news/gloria-clyne- first-female-page-

Eney, Liz. "Page Program Interview- Liz Eney". New York, NY, 2016. Field, Allison. "Page Program Interview- Allison Field". New York, NY, 2016. Freedman, Sam. “Page Program Interview- Sam Freedman". New York, NY, 2016. Gaddie, Nicole. "Page Program Interview- Nicole Gaddie". New York, NY, 2016. Getto, Erica. "Page Program Interview- Erica Getto". New York, NY, 2016. Gurian, Eric. "Page Program Interview- Eric Gurian". New York, NY, 2017. Jackson, Bridget. "Page Program Interview- Bridget Jackson". New York, NY, 2016. Johnson, J. (2011). Life of an NBC page isn’t quite like ‘30 Rock’. Washington Post. Retrieved 25 April 2018, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/campus- overload/post/life-of-an-nbc-page-isnt-quite-like-30- rock/2011/05/11/AFiTX00G_blog.html?utm_term=.cbad0edf89cd

Page 32

Klein, Sara. "Page Program Interview- Sara Klein". New York, NY, 2016. Laub, Lori. "Page Program Interview- Lori Laub". New York, NY, 2016. Lapidus, Sheri. "Page Program Interview- Sheri Lepidus". New York, NY, 2016. Marciano Marsano, Tucker. "Page Program Interview- Tucker Marsano". New York, NY, 2016. Mandelbaum, Joel. "Page Program Interview- Joel Mandelbaum". New York, NY, 2016. McWirter, Stuart. "Page Program Interview- Stuart McWirter". New York, NY, 2016. NYWICI. (2018). NYWICI. NYWICI. Retrieved 25 April 2018, from https://nywici.org

Otis, G. (2010). First woman NBC page tells all. Nypost.com. Retrieved 25 April 2018, from https://nypost.com/2010/03/21/first-woman-nbc-page-tells-all/

Rose, L. (2017). 21 NBC Pages Turned Hollywood Players Tell All: Johnny Carson Sightings, Calls From the President, TV Cameos. The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 25 April 2018, from https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/features/21- nbc-pages-turned-hollywood-players-tell-all-johnny-carson-sightings-calls- president-tv-c

Rubin, Bryan. "Page Program Interview- Bryan Rubin". New York, NY, 2016. Santoro, Jess. "Page Program Interview- Jess Santoro". New York, NY, 2016. Schlobohm, Rich. "Page Program Interview- Rich Schlobohm". New York, NY, 2017. Speyer Properties. (2018). Rockefeller Center History - New York Landmark History | Rockefeller Center. Rockefellercenter.com. Retrieved 25 April 2018, from https://www.rockefellercenter.com/art-and-history/history/

TODAY. (2013). Erica, Lester join NBC Page Program for a day. TODAY.com. Retrieved 25 April 2018, from https://www.today.com/video/erica-lester-join-nbc-page- program-for-a-day-44920387772

Torres, Fran. "Page Program Interview- Fran Torres". New York, NY, 2016. Torres, Joe. "Page Program Interview- Joe Torres". New York, NY, 2016. Winston, Robbie. "Page Program Interview- Robbie Winson". New York, NY, 2016. Vogel, C. (2009). At 30 Rockefeller Plaza, Stripping Away the Darkness From Murals. Nytimes.com. Retrieved 25 April 2018, from https://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/27/arts/design/27rockefeller.html

Page 33