The award-winning WSOC-TV reporter returned to campus during Homecoming Weekend to receive the school’s highest alumni recognition, reflecting on the mentors and experiences that shaped his career.
For more than a decade, Joe Bruno ’14 has built a reputation as one of Charlotte’s most trusted journalists, reporting on breaking news, holding public officials accountable, and keeping his community informed.
On Oct. 9, as part of the university’s Homecoming Weekend, the WSOC-TV reporter returned to his alma mater to receive the School of Communications’ 2026 Outstanding Alumnus Award.
Bruno, the 16th recipient of the honor, was recognized during the school’s Alumni Campus Connect gathering in Snow Family Grand Atrium, surrounded by students, faculty, staff and fellow graduates. Among those in attendance was retired journalism professor Rich Landesberg, Bruno’s longtime mentor, whose presence made the recognition especially meaningful.
Since graduating in 2014, Bruno has established himself as a leading voice in investigative journalism, earning Walter Cronkite, Alfred I. duPont-Columbia, Edward R. Murrow and George Polk awards, along with six Emmy Awards. He was named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in 2020, and his investigative reporting helped expose election fraud in North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District, drawing national attention.
“Without Rich and without this school, this kid from Schwenksville, Pennsylvania, would have never had any of these opportunities,” Bruno said during his acceptance remarks. “Thank you, Elon, for everything you have given to me.”
In presenting the award, Communications Dean Kenn Gaither praised Bruno’s professional accomplishments and his commitment to the communities he serves.
“It is always gratifying to watch an Elon graduate succeed, but there’s something particularly special about watching one of our own become such an important and trusted voice in the community he serves.”
– Dean Kenn Gaither
Gaither also highlighted Bruno’s continued connection to Elon, noting the significance of honoring him in the same atrium where Bruno and fellow alumnus Gary Grumbach ’16 organized a retirement celebration for Landesberg two years earlier.
“That day, Joe was here to honor someone who helped shape him,” Gaither said. “Today, in the very same space, we have the privilege of honoring Joe.”
The connection came full circle when Bruno, visibly moved, spotted Landesberg standing among the attendees and thanked the former professor for his guidance and friendship.
“I also could not have done any of this without my Rich Landesberg, who I consider a member of my family,” Bruno said. “You are a trusted adviser and friend, and you have made such an impact on my life and so many others.”
Gaither also shared praise from Landesberg, who described Bruno as one of the hardest-working students he had ever taught.
“He is tireless in his commitment to holding the powerful accountable and making sure the people of Charlotte know what is happening in and around their city,” Landesberg said.
At home at Elon
During his acceptance remarks, Bruno recalled how his mother first introduced him to Elon, a university unfamiliar to many in his hometown. But during a campus visit, he found himself drawn to the school’s student television studio, where the opportunity to gain hands-on broadcasting experience helped convince him Elon was the right fit.
As a high school senior, Bruno began watching Phoenix 14News broadcasts, eager to join the student journalists he saw on screen. Once he arrived at Elon, he quickly became involved in the student news organization, gaining on-air and production experience within weeks of starting college.
“The best thing about Elon is I didn’t have to wait until my junior year to get involved,” he said. “I was able to hit the ground running right as a freshman.”
Equally influential were the relationships he developed with fellow student journalists. Bruno recalled an environment where students challenged and supported one another, united by their enthusiasm for reporting and serving their community.
“We never competed against each other. We rooted for each other,” he said, explaining that the collaborative spirit continues to shape how he approaches his work today.
Addressing current students, Bruno encouraged them to embrace their interests and make the most of the opportunities available at Elon.
“Whether it’s about news, whether it’s about sports, whatever you do, keep that light under you and pursue what you are pursuing with all of your heart,” he said.
Alumni return to connect with students
Bruno’s recognition was a highlight of Alumni Campus Connect, an informal networking event where eight graduates shared career insights and advice with current students.
Dan Erdman ’06, vice president of creative media at WWE, drew a crowd of students interested in his work in sports entertainment. Nearby, students connected with Los Angeles-based actress, writer and producer Paige Hullett ’16 to discuss careers in Hollywood and Women of the Elon Entertainment Empire (WEEE), the alumni organization she leads. Also returning to campus was recent graduate Anjolina Fantaroni ’26, now a reporter at WAFF 48 in Huntsville, Alabama, who offered a firsthand perspective on transitioning from Elon to the professional newsroom.
Participating alumni included:
- Halle Brennan ’21, Sales Associate Manager, Amazon Ads
- Joe Bruno ’14, Reporter, WSOC-TV
- Dan Erdman ’06, Vice President of Creative Media, WWE
- Anjolina Fantaroni ’26, Reporter, WAFF 48
- Caroline Grell ’17, Program Manager of Product Development Program, Capital One
- Paige Hullett ’16, Los Angeles-based actress, writer, producer, president of Women of the Elon Entertainment Empire
- Becky Lane ’95, Senior Vice President-Marketing Development Manager, Bank of America
- Sarah Stone Richter ’19, Growth Marketing Manager, Quantam Health
