Sia Nyorkor is a multimedia journalist based in Cleveland, Ohio. She was interviewed by Baindu Bayon, PhD, Neal-Marshall Alumni Club Board Member.
When did you attend Indiana University? Why did you choose IU? Which dorms did you live in and to which clubs did you belong?
I attended IU from 1996-2000 and graduated in 2000. Y2K forever! I always wanted to be a Hoosier! IU had one of the best journalism schools (Ernie Pyle School of Journalism) in the country and I knew I would get a well-rounded education. I lived in Forest Dormitory formerly known as the “Virgin Vault.” Funny story: In 1996 there were too many freshmen and not enough dorms. So they made Forest (an all girls’ dorm for decades) co-ed. The day I moved in, the boys were waving and shouting at all the girls from the windows of the other tower and it was so exciting! I thought my father would have a fit! He had worked hard to make sure I had housing at the all girls dorm and his worst fears were realized when he saw all those boys moving in. I was active in the Black Student Union, IU Dance Marathon, a newscaster for WTIU-TV and an IU Ambassador. I was also an RA at Briscoe my junior year and pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in 1998.
What are your fondest memories of your time at Indiana University?
My fondest memories of IU including roaming the campus during the fall and taking in the foliage. I was one of those people who would throw down a blanket and lie in Dunn Meadow (haha). It is such a beautiful campus! One of my favorite spots on campus is the Sample Gates. It is grand!
What have you been up to since your time at Indiana University?
I’ve been busy as a bee since I graduated IU! I’ve lived and worked in New Jersey, NYC, Florida, Kansas and Ohio as a television news journalist for the last 18 years. I’ve been blessed to do the work that I set out to do. I’ve won several awards for my reporting, including an Emmy award. I’m also active in the National Association of Black Journalists where I mentor young, aspiring journalists.
How do you stay connected to friends you made while at Indiana University?
I’m very connected to my friends from IU, even before social media! When I visit home in Indianapolis, my parents always open their home to my circles and we reconnect and catch up over home-cooked African food. I try to get back to Bloomington at least once a year too, usually homecoming or Old School Reunion.
What is the best thing about being a Hoosier?
One of the best things about being a Hoosier is that I can go anywhere in the world and almost everyone knows and respects IU: education, sports, culture, campus, distinguished alumni – we have it all! I am a proud Hoosier!