Duff immersed in Panther News Network

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Stephanie Duff

Updated: March 18, 2012 8:09AM

Purdue University North Central student Stephanie Duff said for most of her life, the only programs on her TV screen were related to sports and news.

“Not the usual television preferences of a child or college student,” she admitted.

Her interest in news and sports reporting motivated her to major in communications and fueled her desire to pursue a career in news or sports reporting or broadcasting.

“Communications opens up many doors that lead to job opportunities in a wide range of fields that interest me — public relations, broadcasting and reporting,” said Duff, who also has a minor in Spanish. “My focus is news and sports.”

She also admitted that when she came to PNC, she initially wondered if she could pursue her interests in sports management, news reporting and broadcasting. As it turned out, Duff found the ideal chance to follow her passions and hone her craft when PNC launched the Panther News Network.

PNN is an online, student-run news network that covers all aspects of Purdue North Central — including student and club activities, breaking campus news and information on navigating student life. PNN airs all PNC sporting events, with students doing the play-by-play, conducting pre- and postgame interviews and running the cameras.

Duff was involved with PNN from its start. Thus far, she has broadcast basketball, baseball, softball and volleyball games, and has written articles on several topics.

“I can say with confidence that I am, slowly but surely, making my way toward my goal,” Duff said. “I have gained nothing but useful experience and lessons throughout my participation within PNN.”

Duff admits she has a passion for sports, calling herself an “extreme athlete” in her younger years. During elementary and middle school, she played every sport available — gymnastics, volleyball, basketball and track. She also was a cheerleader.

“I wore sweats, basketball shorts, sports-related T-shirts, hoodies and tennis shoes nearly every day,” Duff said.

At LaPorte High School, she was on the varsity track and basketball teams all four years. Duff would have played additional sports if time had allowed. If PNC offered a women’s basketball team, she certainly would have tried out.

Today, if she’s not broadcasting games for PNN, she’s watching from the stands.

“I enjoy the intense feelings of competition, motivation and team relationships,” Duff said. “Being an athlete means much more than just playing a sport. You fall in love with the sport you play because of everything that comes with it; there is always something to look forward to.

“Your teammates become almost like your family. The thrill of competing is unreal. I love all of it.”

That is why she wants to continue her sports connection after graduation. Duff knows her PNC studies and PNN involvement will give her an edge in the competitive job market. Her PNN assignments give her hands-on experience that helps academically, too.

“Being a part of PNN is not like being in a classroom listening, reading or watching how to complete coursework; I am actually doing it,” she said. “What can be better than learning about the topics you love?”

Duff is a member of the PNC Dean’s Leadership Group, Lambda Pi Eta communications honor society, and she helps with PNC’s annual Communication Day event.

She works hard to seek new challenges, asks questions and goes beyond what is expected. She thanked the PNC faculty and staff members who have taught her in the classroom, shared their time with her and inspired her.

“They are the reason for my success,” she said. “I never could have reached the point I am at without their help and support. I am thankful to have worked with them and hope to be in contact throughout my time at PNC, as well as in life.”