Thursday evening, Bradley University announced plans for the establishment of the Charley Steiner School of Sports Communication, which will be the first named sports communication school in the nation.
Charley Steiner, the namesake and benefactor, is a National Radio Hall of Famer and Bradley alumnus ’71 that began his sports radio career in 1969 while studying speech and theater at Bradley.
The Hilltop’s current academic programming offers sports communication as a major in the Slane College of Communications and Fine Arts. Steiner’s contribution will expand Bradley’s sports communication offerings through internships, lectureships and symposiums.
His career in the sports communication field led him to opportunities with the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, ESPN and the accumulation of four Emmy Awards.
In a 2011 interview with Bradley writers, Steiner talked about how he used his years at Bradley to ‘dig in and get his nails dirty.’
“When I came to Bradley, I was just an average kid with average dreams, but I knew what I wanted to do,” Steiner said. “Whatever it is you love and want to do, you just have to go out and do it.”
Sports communication junior Aaron Freeman weighed in on the announcement, saying he was ecstatic to hear the news and is looking forward to what will come of it, especially with the guidance of Steiner.
“This is incredible for the university and for Slane [College of Communication and Fine Arts],” Freeman said. “I think our already great sports communication program is going to evolve into the best in the country.”
Los Angeles Dodgers Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Lon Rosen said he is excited for Bradley to name the sports communication school after Steiner.
“Charley Steiner is one of the most popular and well-respected sports broadcasters in the country and the Dodgers and our fans are very fortunate to have him on our team,” he said. “What better way to honor the accomplishments of a true sports radio legend, but by naming the School of Sports Communications at Bradley University after Charley.”
A formal dedication of the Steiner school is expected to take place at Bradley March 31.
