Katie Tercek comes home to WOIO 19
‘Dream come true’ as NDES and NDCL graduate returns to Cleveland A true Lion homecoming occurred last summer as Katie Tercek was hired at WOIO 19 as a reporter. For the 2014 NDCL graduate (and 2010 NDES graduate), it was a dream come true. “It was always my plan to come back to Cleveland,” she says. “It happened quicker than I ever thought possible.” Tercek went on to St. Bonaventure University after graduating from NDCL. From there, she got her first assignment in Great Falls, Montana and after that a stint in Evansville, Indiana. Originally a psychology major, she moved to broadcast journalism and knew it was right for her. She gives credits to two individuals at NDCL in particular that gave her the confidence to make the transition and have success. “Ms. Maureen Wahl and Mr. (Joseph) Waler, whether they know it or not, were such influences on where I am as a professional,” she says. “Ms. Wahl’s patience with me as someone who learned differently, and Mr. Waler pulling me aside after too many giggles on video announcements with a friendly reminder to ‘tone it down’ set me on a path. To have such positive influences around me at that point of my life, I am so grateful.” Tercek is one of several in her family to be part of the alumni community. Her grandfather Frank Tercek `42: cousins Jason `92, Matt `95, and Brad `98 Tercek; cousins Andrew `06 and Samantha `09 Lesnick; and her siblings Becca `07 and Ben `10 are all graduates of Latin and NDCL.
“I grew up as an NDCL Lion,” she says. “Uncle Frank (Tercek) would be around campus helping with the fields and my older cousins were into baseball, there was always something to do. The environment around Notre Dame is just like an extended family. Years later, we are great friends with so many who we met through the school.” As a professional, Tercek is attune to the stories and people that shape the daily news cycle. Her passion is a focus on human injustices that surround us in our communities, region, and nationwide. In particular, Tercek is moved by a story she covered while in Montana about missing and exploited women on Native American reservations. “I think the missing Native American women get swept under the rug by the mass media,” Tercek says. “There are few laws on reservations that protect them. Growing up in NE Ohio, I never knew about this. My work continues to bring me places and witness suffering that happens. This shapes me as an individual, as a professional, and as a citizen.” What might Tercek say to the 16-year old version of herself? “What you do with your life will make a difference in people’s lives. Be honest in everything you do, and operate with empathy and compassion. Having these traits will take you places.” Sometimes, it takes you back home.
SEASONS SPRING 2022
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