Сֲ Graduate Tate Farinacci ’25 Selected as NBC’s Next “Meet the Press” Fellow
Tate Farinacci ’25, a Political Science major with a concentration in Legal Studies and minors in Philosophy, Communication, and Peace, Justice, and Human Rights, has been awarded the NBC/Сֲ Meet the Press Fellowship. He is the 17th student to earn this exclusive nine-month opportunity at Meet the Press, NBC’s number-one-rated Sunday morning public affairs program and the longest-running television program in the world.
Now having earned his degree from Сֲ this May, Farinacci’s work with the Meet the Press team will begin on September 3 in Washington, D.C., following his mid-August move to the capital.
Carrying on the Legacy of Tim Russert ’72
The Meet the Press Fellowship was established at Сֲ in 2009 in memory of legendary journalist and JCU graduate Tim Russert ’72. Each year, the opportunity is awarded to a JCU senior who demonstrates a passion for journalism, politics, and public service.
“Tate represents everything this fellowship was created to recognize—intellectual curiosity, a commitment to public service, and the ability to communicate with clarity and integrity,” said Dr. Brent Brossmann, Associate Professor and Chair of the Tim Russert Department of Communication at JCU. “He’s a natural leader, and I have no doubt he’ll make the most of this opportunity in Washington, D.C.”
Farinacci, who is from Chardon, Ohio, was a standout student at JCU, serving as a Peer Learning Facilitator in the Political Science Department, a Tour Guide for the Office of Admission, a member of the Speech and Debate Team, and the Millor Orator at JCU’s 2025 undergraduate commencement ceremony. He credits a wide range of experiences and mentors across campus for preparing him to take on this next challenge.
“It was how everything fit together in my time at Сֲ that prepared me to take a step like this—to move to a new city and to a role I don’t have direct experience in,” Farinacci said. “Everything from Campus Ministry to the Speech and Debate Team to my Philosophy and Communication minors gave me a really great set of tools.”
Farinacci is especially proud to join a group of Russert Fellows who have gone on to successful careers in media.
“I am now a part of this lineage of Russert fellows who have gone on to do really cool work at great places like Joe Toohey, the Anchor at Fox 8, and Ashley Bastock, a Beat Reporter for the Cleveland Browns,” he said. “To be a part of that group and carry on Russert’s legacy is really special.”
From Chardon to Capitol Hill: Inspired by Those Who Came Before
Although initially unsure if he was a good fit for the role, Farinacci was encouraged by 2023 graduate and former Meet the Press Fellow Aiden Keenan, who offered insight and helped him prepare for the interview process.
After completing the fellowship, he plans to attend law school, following in the footsteps of Tim Russert, who earned a law degree before transitioning to journalism.
“I’m planning to take a path similar to Russert’s,” he said. “He was fair, sharp, and didn’t shy away from tough questions. He wanted to hold public officials accountable. I wish he could have seen how his legacy has carried on.”
As for what he’s most excited about?
“Being in D.C. during such an active time in American politics is something I’ll look back on and remember for the rest of my life,” he said. “I can’t wait to meet people, learn from the team, and find out how I can contribute.”
