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Matt
Itelson, staff writer in the Office of Public Affairs and Publications,
enjoys pitching -- and not just the kind that takes place whenever his
beloved San Francisco Giants play.
One of Itelson's main duties is to pitch reporters, to contact them and
see if they'd be interested in stories on SF State faculty research, programs,
outstanding students, and more. Like pitching professional baseball, it's
an art that requires practice, talent and good technique and Itelson's
success at it is one of the reasons he was nominated for the staff recognition
award.
Itelson is assigned to work with the colleges of Creative Arts, Humanities
and Behavioral and Social Sciences. He enjoys serving the faculty and
programs of his colleges and developing their stories for pitching to
outside media.
"When you get a story placement in an off-campus newspaper, it can
help their cause," he said.
"Matt is an exceptional publicist with a great track record at matching
good SF State stories with reporters and producers," said Ellen Griffin,
university spokesperson and director of public affairs and publications.
"He has placed many, many positive features on campus programs and
people in the news media. He's appropriately persistent, he follows various
media outlets carefully in order to gain a good understanding of their
interests and priorities, and he’s an excellent interviewer, researcher
and writer."
Itelson also contributes his writing and editing skills to SF State News,
CampusMemo, SFSU Magazine and other campus publication efforts, and he
works with members of the media who are looking for faculty members or
administrators to comment on news stories.
He joined SF State in July 2000, shortly after earning a bachelor of arts
degree in journalism from Humboldt State University. He also works some
Saturdays as a test examiner and proctor at the SF State Testing Center
and takes Spanish classes on campus.
Born and raised in San Francisco, Itelson lives in the Outer Sunset with
his wife Brandi, who works as an admissions specialist on campus. In addition,
both of his parents are alumni and his sister will graduate from SF State
this year with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice.
An avid Bay Area sports fan, in addition to the Giants, Itelson roots
for the San Francisco 49ers and Golden State Warriors. He enjoys running,
hiking, playing basketball and finding new places to eat in the Bay Area.
Please join us in congratulating Matt
and thank him for making such a difference.
As the
STAR of the Month, Itelson will enjoy four free lunches on campus, a free
parking pass or equivalent in one month's public transportation costs,
and more.
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