Center for Sports Media Logo
Sports Media Students

Gala to Inaugurate

Center for Sports Media at Seton Hall University

Thursday, September 15, 2022
6 p.m. Cocktails
7 p.m. Dinner & Program


The Lighthouse
Pier 61 at Chelsea Piers, New York City

In Fall of 2021, renowned sports journalist Bob Ley '76, an original ESPN SportsCenter anchor who spent 40 years at the network, announced a philanthropic donation to his alma mater, Seton Hall University, to launch the Center for Sports Media.

Please join Bob and other early supporters for a magical night as we inaugurate the Center for Sports Media. Your support will advance the field by providing innovative training, state-of-the-art resources, and hands-on experiences to the next generation of sports media professionals.

Honoring Robin Roberts

Lifetime Professional Achievement Award

Robin Roberts

Co-Anchor, "Good Morning America"
President, Rock’n Robin Productions

Robin Roberts is co-anchor of ABC's "Good Morning America." Under her leadership, the broadcast has won numerous Emmy Awards for Outstanding Morning Program, and the 2017 People's Choice Award for Favorite Daytime TV Hosting Team.

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    In 2014, Roberts launched Rock'n Robin Productions, an independent production company creating original broadcast and digital programming.  Current series include the award-winning "Thriver Thursday" digital series,  the "Robin Roberts Presents" banner of scripted and documentary projects for the Lifetime Television Network, and "Turning the Tables with Robin Roberts" for Disney+.

    Roberts began contributing to "Good Morning America" in 1995 and was named co-anchor in May 2005. Prior to that, Roberts was a host of ESPN's "SportsCenter" and contributed to "NFL PrimeTime." 

    Roberts graduated cum laude from Southeastern Louisiana University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications. She was a standout performer on the women's basketball team, ending her career as one of the school's all-time leading scorers and rebounder. In 2012, Roberts was named an inductee to the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame.

    Roberts is the author of From the Heart: 7 Rules to Live By and Everybody's Got Something. Her third book Brighter By The Day: Waking Up to New Hopes and Dreams was released in April 2022.

    Roberts is a native of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and currently resides in New York City. 

Sports Media Gala Committee

Bob Ley '76 in His Office

Bob Ley '76
Executive Founder
Seton Hall University Center for Sports Media

George Bodenheimer

George Bodenheimer
Former President
ESPN

Chris McKendry

Chris McKendry
Tennis Host
ESPN

Jane McManus

Jane McManus
Executive Director, Center for Sports Media
Seton Hall University

Kevin Negandhi

Kevin Negandhi
SportsCenter Anchor
ESPN

James O'Brien

Jim O'Brien '82
Sr. Managing Partner and CEO
Napier Park Global Capital

Jon Paparsenos '99

Jon Paparsenos '99
Vice President for University Advancement
Seton Hall University

Renee Robinsonx222

Renee Robinson, Ph.D.
Interim Dean, College of Communication and the Arts
Seton Hall University

Bardiax222

Bardia Shah-Rais '95
VP of Production
Fox Sports

Leo Zatta '78

Leo Zatta '78
Chairman
Team Walker, Inc.

Chris Berman
(Honorary Member)
NFL Studio Host
ESPN

Larry Ganim
Founder
Ganim Financial

Don Garber
(Honorary Member)
Commissioner
Major League Soccer

Jay Harris
SportsCenter Anchor
ESPN

Jimmy Pitaro
(Honorary Member)
President
ESPN

Sponsorship Opportunities

For more information about becoming a sponsor, please visit our sponsorship page or contact Brian Ruark at Brian.Ruark@shu.edu or (973) 378-2620.

Hall of Fame

$100,000 Level Sponsorship

  • Premier Seating for 2 tables of 10
  • Prime listing in evening journal
  • Podium acknowledgment
  • Premium full-page ad in evening journal
  • Listing on Seton Hall Center for Sports Media Gala landing page
  • Tax Deductible Amount: $94,500

Champion

$50,000 Level Sponsorship

  • Preferred Seating for 1 table of 10
  • Prominent listing in evening journal
  • Podium acknowledgment
  • Preferred full-page ad in evening journal
  • Listing on Seton Hall Center for Sports Media Gala landing page
  • Tax Deductible Amount: $47,250

Most Valuable Player

$25,000 Level Sponsorship

  • Select Seating for 1 table of 10
  • Listing in evening journal
  • 1/2 page ad in the evening journal
  • Listing on Seton Hall Center for Sports Media Gala landing page
  • Tax Deductible Amount: $22,250

Broadcaster

$10,000 Level Sponsorship

  • Select Seating for 1 table of 10
  • Listing in evening journal
  • Tax Deductible Amount: $7,250