Brian Christiana ’20: Central Penn College Communications Alumnus Becomes a Hype Man for Humanity
When Brian Christiana ’20 appeared on screen for a recent Teams interview, he looked exactly as many sports fans across Pennsylvania would expect.
Headphones on. Microphone nearby. Enough energy to fill a stadium, even through a laptop screen.
On his lunch break from teaching ninth- and 10th-grade English at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School, his high school alma mater, Christiana reflected on a career path that has made him a recognizable voice throughout central and northeastern Pennsylvania before the age of 30.
By day, he is an educator. By night and on weekends, he is an in-game host, sports announcer, podcaster, game show host and community personality whose enthusiasm has made him a fan favorite with organizations including the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Lancaster Stormers and Harrisburg Senators.
But Christiana says his favorite title is much simpler.
“I want to be everyone’s cheerleader,” he said. “I just want people to feel good about themselves.”
For Central Penn College, Christiana’s story is more than an alumni success story. It is a powerful example of how the Central Penn College Communications program can help students find their voice, build confidence and turn passion into opportunity.
Finding His Voice at Central Penn College
When Christiana arrived at Central Penn College in 2017 to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Corporate Communications, he was not immediately the outgoing personality many people know today.
“My first term, I did nothing,” he admitted. “I didn’t know anyone.”
He spent much of his time playing video games in his residence hall room and frequently returned home on weekends. Everything changed when former staff member Janet Bixler encouraged him to work in the campus box office.
That simple invitation transformed his college experience.
Christiana began staying on campus on weekends, becoming more involved in student life and exploring his passion for broadcasting. By the end of his first year, he had become deeply involved with the college’s media outlets and student clubs.
He joined the Knightly News Club, eventually serving as president of the student media club for three years, and helped launch sports livestream broadcasts for Central Penn College athletics. He is now a member of the Knightly News Hall of Fame.
Christiana credits much of that growth to Dr. Paul Miller, his adviser and communications professor.
“Ninety percent of the stuff I did at that school was thanks to Paul,” Christiana said. “He’s done a lot for me.”
Miller saw Christiana’s potential almost immediately.
“From Brian’s first day on campus, I knew he would be an all-star,” Miller said. “He had a love for broadcasting and sports and used that passion to help us develop our sports broadcasting initiative with Knightly News.”
More importantly, Miller said, Christiana had an unrelenting work ethic and a rare ability to make people feel valued.
“He has a natural ability to make others feel comfortable and engaged in conversation,” Miller said. “He builds meaningful relationships quickly and maintains them.”
Central Penn College Athletic Director Kasey Hicks has seen those same qualities in Christiana.
“Brian is a natural leader,” Hicks said. “He is electric as a sports announcer. One of the best things about announcers is when you can feel their energy and passion, and Brian brings that every time, especially at Central Penn events!”
Hicks also commended Christiana’s compassion, likability and work ethic.
“He has strong people skills, a contagious energy and a hardworking mentality,” Hicks said.
From Communications Student to Sports Entertainment Professional
Christiana’s broadcasting journey began even before college. At Our Lady of Lourdes High School, he delivered morning announcements over the school intercom and developed an early interest in public speaking.
During college, he continued building experience. He worked for iHeartMedia and announced games for local sports teams, gaining practical communications experience while still completing his degree.
After graduating from Central Penn College in 2020 during a virtual commencement ceremony amid the COVID-19 pandemic, his career path briefly took an unexpected turn.
He accepted a management role at Weis Markets and considered a more traditional career path.
Then his mentor, veteran broadcaster Bob Hauer, who had spoken at Christiana’s high school graduation, called with an opportunity to work for the Lancaster Barnstormers, now known as the Lancaster Stormers.
Christiana had some initial self-doubt.
“I told him I didn’t have enough experience,” he said.
Hauer disagreed.
He vouched for Christiana, helped train him and opened doors that would change everything.
When the Barnstormers returned after pandemic disruptions, Christiana hosted 15 to 20 games in his first season.
“That’s when I realized, ‘I’m meant to do this,’” Christiana said.
Becoming a Familiar Face for Pennsylvania Sports Fans
In 2022, Christiana saw a Facebook post for an in-game host position with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees.
He applied, and BOOM, he got the job.
Today, Christiana has become a familiar face at RailRiders games, often working in front of thousands of cheering fans while leading contests, conducting interviews and energizing crowds.
That visibility led to another opportunity with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
Speaking in front of thousands of hockey fans does not raise his anxiety level, he said.
“The only thing I’m nervous about is falling on the ice,” he joked.
Before each game, Christiana arrives hours early, not for the spotlight, but for the people.
He takes time to chat with ushers, concession workers, retail employees and fans throughout the venue. He believes everyone has a story worth hearing.
“I want to be everyone’s cheerleader and hype person,” he said. “I’m just lucky that I’m in front of the camera. Without them, none of what I do happens.”
A Teacher at Heart
Despite his growing visibility in sports entertainment, Christiana remains committed to education.
At Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School, he is helping build a media program for students and introducing them to broadcasting opportunities. He even purchased podcasting equipment so students can learn firsthand how media production works.
He also teaches public speaking courses through Luzerne County Community College.
For Christiana, success means creating opportunities for others.
“CPC gave me the first little taste of success and made me want more,” he said.
That is one of the reasons his story stands out among Central Penn College alumni success stories. Christiana is not only building a career in communications, broadcasting and sports entertainment. He is using that career to help others discover their own confidence.
Staying Grounded While Lifting Others Up
Christiana has interviewed celebrities, met athletes and celebrated on the field when the Lancaster Stormers won the 2022 Atlantic League Championship.
But one of his most meaningful moments happened when fans asked him to sign a jersey.
Instead of simply autographing it, Christiana flipped the script and asked the fans to sign his jersey instead.
Why?
Because he believes they are the real stars.
“Brian gets most excited when he is shining a spotlight on somebody else,” Hicks said.
In an industry often fueled by ego, Christiana remains refreshingly grounded.
“I’m just Brian,” he said.
And if he has his way, that is exactly how he will always be remembered.
“As someone who was kind, brought out the best in others and made people happy.”
Brian Christiana’s Advice for Future Knights
Christiana has plenty of wisdom for current and future Central Penn College students, especially those considering a degree in Communications.
His advice is simple, direct and rooted in experience:
- “Take advantage of the small campus. Take advantage of every opportunity in front of you.”
- “Say ‘yes’ every time.”
- Do not take the summer off. Go see the Harrisburg Senators and the Hershey Bears.
- “Just be nice.”
- “Make people feel like they mean something.”
- Realize how lucky you are and give back. “I just want to give back to every community that impacted me.”
Why Communications at Central Penn College?
For students interested in media, broadcasting, public relations, digital marketing, public speaking, sports communication or storytelling, Central Penn College’s Communications program offers opportunities to build practical skills and gain hands-on experience.
Christiana’s journey shows what can happen when students get involved, build relationships, say yes to opportunities and use their voice to make an impact.
From Knightly News to professional sports venues across Pennsylvania, Brian Christiana ’20 has turned his Central Penn College Communications experience into a career filled with energy, purpose and community connection.
He is an announcer. A teacher. A host. A storyteller.
And above all else, he is still doing exactly what he set out to do.
He is making people feel good about themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Brian Christiana study at Central Penn College?
Brian Christiana ’20 earned his bachelor’s degree in Corporate Communications from Central Penn College.
How did Central Penn College help Brian Christiana start his career?
Central Penn College helped Christiana build confidence, gain broadcasting experience, become involved with Knightly News and develop relationships with faculty and staff who supported his goals.
What does Brian Christiana do now?
Brian Christiana is an English teacher, in-game host, sports announcer, podcaster, game show host and community personality. He has worked with organizations including the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Lancaster Stormers and Harrisburg Senators.
Is Brian Christiana a Central Penn College alumni success story?
Yes. Brian Christiana’s career is a strong example of Central Penn College alumni success. He used his Communications degree, campus involvement and broadcasting experience to build a career in education, media and sports entertainment.
What can students do with a Communications degree from Central Penn College?
Students in Communications can build skills in writing, public speaking, media production, digital content, broadcasting, public relations, marketing and storytelling. These skills can prepare graduates for careers in media, business, sports, education, nonprofit organizations and other communication-focused fields.
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