Nathan Aamodt
Mass Communications (broadcast and print) major from Horace, North Dakota
An early start
Nathan has worked in a press box since he was in 7th grade. Dad Al is a local broadcast legend who is currently the WDAY Radio Noonday host. He opened doors and showed his love of the media world to his son, who has amassed an amazing portfolio of his own: statistician and spotter at NDSU football games for WDAY Radio; sports reporter for the Grand Forks Herald; and production assistant at Fox TV News . He was even voted MSUM’s Campus News Reporter of the Year, selected by the Campus News producers. “I know I want to do something with sports and would love to some day work for a professional team. I learned how to read by reading the sports section of The Forum.”
Where everyone knows your name
A transfer student from another well-respected journalism school, Nathan found his place at MSUM. “At my other school I didn’t get hands-on experience because classes were 50 students. Here there are about 20 students in class and the professors know us by our first names.” He learns from the area’s best professionals, including two-time Emmy winner Kevin Wallevand and anchor Kerstin Kealy. “We’re learning from professionals who do this kind of work everyday.”
Greatest influence: In praise of Dad
Father and mentor Al and his son did a Twins Tuesday radio show together and currently do a Vikings View show on Mondays. “It’s pretty cool. I have class at 1:30, but we’re not done with the show until 1:45 so I’m late for class. But the professor says it’s fine because it’s what I’m in school for. My dad always tells me how proud he is of me, but what he doesn’t realize, even though I tell him, is how proud I am to have him in my life.”
Best advice
“Go to class. Once you start skipping it doesn’t stop. And realize that every decision you make will most likely affect what you’re doing with the rest of your life. Once you figure out what you want to do, things become easier and more fun.”
Favorite pastime
Just about anything to do with sports—watching ESPN, Sports Center, etc. “I’m really my father’s son because we go to the garage and listen to games on the radio together. My favorite team is the Minnesota Twins because they have won a championship and they haven’t broken our hearts as much!” He’s also a big Seinfeld fan, having collected all eight available seasons.
Little known fact
“I have a pretty good memory. I can read something three times and it sticks in my head forever. One of my friends calls me Rain Man because I can remember things from 6th or 7th grade.”
What a deal
Nathan saved a bundle of money when he transferred to MSUM, another great reason for his move! “It was about $7,500 a semester at XXX, and here tuition is about $5,100. It’s much better than what I expected.”