Alumni Spotlight
Michael Milazzo, Class of 2011
From CMJ student to partner at an international law firm, Michael Milazzo ‘11 continues to give back to the Kean community. During his time at Kean University, Michael was inspired by his parents and professors Jack Sargent, Ph.D. and Fred Fitch, Ph.D., whose mentorship helped him build his confidence and find his footing. In their honor, he established the Martha Gillen and Budd Milazzo Endowed Scholarship with a $50,000 donation to support communication students as they work toward completing their degrees. As a former CMJ Student of the Year and active department volunteer, Michael understands the lasting impact that mentorship and support can have on a student’s journey. Today, he is paying that support forward by investing in the next generation of Kean communication students.
Giving back is a way to pay it forward and honor those who have given to you.
Erik Parker, Class of 2001
Erik Parker ‘01 has built a career around storytelling that challenges perspectives and inspires social change. As an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, Parker focuses on documentaries and television projects that explore social justice and cultural issues.
In 2022, Parker served as director and executive producer of the six-part Netflix documentary series Race: Bubba Wallace, which explored the racial divide within NASCAR through the story of Wallace, a Black driver who became an agent of change. The series earned Parker and his team a Sports Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary Series. His other projects also explored social justice issues, including the 2017 documentary L.A. Burning: The Riots 25 Years Later, which was nominated for an Emmy, and Smoke: Marijuana + Black America, which examined the impact of marijuana on the Black community.
His involvement in campus organizations and his role as student government president helped shape Parker's worldviews and develop leadership skills. In his academic journey, he enjoyed learning about communication theory, presentation skills, and television and radio production. His internships at The Source magazine and Jive Records, along with a summer fellowship at BET through the Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars, helped him build a professional network and gain valuable industry experience.
When reflecting on his time at Kean University, Parker credits the university with helping him recognize his full potential and providing him with the resources and opportunities to pursue his goals.
Today, Parker continues to use film and storytelling to make a cultural impact, challenge perspectives, and inspire meaningful change.