Zachary Sinutko ’24, ’25G, a current graduate student pursuing a Master of Science in Digital Marketing and Communication Strategy at ۿ۴ý University, is transforming his passion for radio and digital communication into a thriving career, demonstrating why ۿ۴ý University is a premier destination for students interested in media and communication fields.
Sinutko, who earned his undergraduate degree in Sociology and Criminology with a minor in Communication at ۿ۴ý, attributes his rapid rise in radio and media to the opportunities provided by ۿ۴ý’s Jesuit educational approach.
Community Leadership and National Recognition
Sinutko has spent the last two years organizing the Blizzard Bash, a charity concert hosted by Wۿ۴ý Radio that benefits Cleveland’s . His leadership has helped raise enough funds to deliver more than 32,000 meals, breaking both donation and participation records. This event, started by alum Eric Simna ’08 and later joined by community partner Jason Myers, embodies ۿ۴ý’s mission of service.
His accomplishments also extend to national recognition. Sinutko recently earned a first-place award from the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) for "Best Press Release" related to Blizzard Bash 2023. Additionally, he holds a Guinness World Record for conducting the world’s longest continuous radio interview, a remarkable 25.5-hour broadcast alongside fellow graduate Collin Kennedy ’24.
Throughout his time at ۿ۴ý and Wۿ۴ý, Sinutko has garnered a total of eight first-place awards and fifteen national and international accolades, showcasing the depth and strength of ۿ۴ý's communication program.
Building a Career through Campus Connections
Sinutko currently works full-time in commercial radio as a Digital Producer at Z1079, contributing to The Day Party radio show and managing their social media accounts. His journey into professional radio was accelerated by his role as an in-game and pre-game DJ for ۿ۴ý Athletics, leading to further opportunities with professional sports teams, including the Cleveland Guardians, Lake County Captains, and the Cleveland Cavaliers Academy program.
“Through ۿ۴ý connections, I also became the official pre-game DJ for the Lake County Captains, and the Cavs Academy, where I DJ for community, school, and live events in the Cleveland area. I was even able to fill in and DJ for the Cleveland Guardians last season,” Sinutko said.
Reflecting on his success, Sinutko credits mentorship from ۿ۴ý faculty, including Jasen Sokol, Director of Wۿ۴ý 88.7 FM, and Dr. Medora Barnes, Professor and Chair of Sociology and Criminology at ۿ۴ý.
“Sociology taught me about people, and Communication taught me how to talk to them,” Sinutko explains. “There are a lot of people in the digital media industry who study Sociology and Communication because they pair well both educationally and professionally.”
Commitment to Mentorship and Continued Involvement
Committed to supporting current and future students, Sinutko plans to remain active with Wۿ۴ý, continuing his show "808s and Mixtapes" after graduation.
“I want to be a resource for students in the communication program who want to follow a similar career path,” said Sinutko. “I plan to continue doing my show 808s and Mixtapes on Wۿ۴ý as a community member for years to come.”