Three Western New England University Communication alumni are earning some of the highest honors in broadcast journalism, demonstrating the impact of a program that prepares students to tell meaningful stories and make a difference in communities across the country.
From television stations in Boston and Birmingham to Seattle, graduates of Western New England University’s (WNE) Communication program have built distinguished careers behind the camera and in the newsroom, earning Emmy Awards and other prestigious industry recognition for their work.
Among them is Brittany Decker Mattsson '11, a journalist with WVTM 13 in Birmingham, Alabama, whose work has earned multiple Emmy Awards. Last year, she returned to WNE to receive a Distinguished Alumni Award in recognition of her professional accomplishments and contributions to the field.
"Brittany Decker Mattsson's success reflects the dedication and talent that she demonstrated as a student," said Lisa Mastrangelo, professor and chair of the Department of English and Communication. "She continues to make an impact through her work and serves as an inspiration for our current students."
Former Communication professor Brenda Garton-Sjoberg recalls recognizing Decker Mattsson's potential almost immediately.
"I knew Brittany would be successful the moment she delivered her first public speaking assignment," Garton-Sjoberg said. "She possessed a professional presence well beyond her years."
While a student at Western New England, Decker Mattsson created a video project for the Harold Grinspoon Foundation that took her to Cambodia to document schools and medical facilities serving underserved communities. Beyond her successful career in television news, she has remained deeply committed to community service, volunteering with nonprofit organizations throughout Alabama and serving as a role model both on and off the air.
On the West Coast, Tyler Unwin, Class of 2014, has built an award-winning career as a photojournalist with KIRO 7 in Seattle. His work has earned both Emmy recognition and the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award, one of the highest honors in broadcast and digital journalism.
According to Garton-Sjoberg, Unwin helped elevate the University's media program through the quality of his reporting and production work.
"Students like Tyler helped our media program grow to new heights through the high-quality reports he produced in our media classes and his award-winning work in our annual Media Festivals," she said. "Years after Tyler graduated, I continued showing his reports in class as examples of best practices for current students."
A captain of the Golden Bears tennis team, Unwin combined strong storytelling skills with firsthand insight into athletics, helping him excel in both sports and news coverage. Internships and early television experience paved the way for opportunities in larger media markets before he established himself in Seattle.
Closer to home, Bobby Souza, Class of 2010, has built a distinguished career as a photographer at Boston's WCVB, helping cover some of New England's biggest stories and sporting events. His work has earned Emmy recognition and showcases the power of visual storytelling in today's media landscape.
Garton-Sjoberg remembers meeting Souza as a first-year student when he shared his dream of working in Boston television.
"I still remember when Bobby, as an 18-year-old, sat in my office and shared his dream of working at a television station in Boston," she said. "I told him we would do everything we could to make that dream a reality."
Through strategic coursework, internships, and hands-on projects, Souza gained early professional experience that helped launch his career. While still a student, he produced a video for the Volleyball Hall of Fame that was featured at its annual awards banquet in Holyoke.
"From the beginning, Bobby was one of those students who excelled in everything he did," Garton-Sjoberg said. "Now that he's covered Stanley Cups, Super Bowls, NBA Championships, and the World Series, it proves that at WNE, dreams really do come true."
The accomplishments of Decker Mattsson, Unwin, and Souza reflect Western New England University's longstanding commitment to experiential learning and professional preparation. Communication students gain practical experience in journalism, media production, visual storytelling, digital content creation, and strategic communication while working closely with faculty mentors.
"The success of our alumni demonstrates what students can achieve when they combine creativity, curiosity, and strong communication skills," Mastrangelo said.
For Garton-Sjoberg, the success of these alumni represents one of the most rewarding aspects of a career in education.
"Nothing gives a professor a greater sense of purpose than meeting students as teenagers and watching them develop into accomplished professionals, especially in highly competitive careers," she said. "Seeing their success is a reminder of why we teach: to help students discover their potential, pursue meaningful careers, and achieve their dreams."
That impact remains personal. Garton-Sjoberg stays in touch with all three alumni and continues to celebrate their accomplishments. Recently, Souza and Unwin shared a social media post from an NFL game assignment that reminded her how far they had come from their days as Communication students at Western New England.
"There are moments that bring tears to your eyes," she said. "Their success is a reminder of what is possible when talented students are given opportunities, encouragement, and the confidence to pursue their goals."
For current students considering careers in journalism, broadcasting, filmmaking, or digital media, the achievements of Decker Mattsson, Unwin, and Souza provide a powerful example of where a Western New England education can lead.
Today, the University's Communication alumni can be found in newsrooms, media organizations, agencies, and businesses across the country, telling stories that inform, engage, and connect communities.
