Bethany, W.Va. (Nov. 18, 2025) – When Evelyn del Cerro arrived at Bethany College in the fall of 1981, she carried with her the determined spirit of a New Yorker ready to build something meaningful. Born and raised in New York City, she quickly found her place among the campus’ tight-knit community, immersing herself in student media, athletics, and leadership, all experiences that would propel her into a distinguished career in broadcast journalism.
At Bethany, Evelyn embraced every opportunity to learn, grow, and lead. She joined Zeta Tau Alpha, played on the softball team, contributed to “The Tower” newspaper, and became an active member of the Women in Communications collegiate chapter. But it was behind the microphone and soundboard at WVBC, the College’s radio station, where she found her calling.
She served as the station’s student manager and hosted a weekly radio show, “The Magic Bus,” sparking a love for broadcasting that would guide her professional life. “I have so many favorite things about my time at Bethany,” Evelyn shared, “but if I had to narrow it down, I would say my time at WVBC, the life-long friends I made, my Comps experience, and the impact so many faculty members had on my development and my career.”
Evelyn came to Bethany for a degree and left with lifelong connections and a sense of purpose. “I believe that Bethany was not just a college I attended but rather a nurturing community that I lived in while attending college,” she said. “I credit so much of my successes to my Bethany experience.”
That foundation led her to ABC/Disney in 1988, marking the beginning of an extraordinary career. She started in the publishing division before serving 12 years as an E.N.G. production manager for “World News Tonight with Peter Jennings.” During that time, she helped cover some of the most defining news moments in modern history, including the attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. For her role in the coverage, she earned both a George Foster Peabody Award and a DuPont-Columbia Award, two of journalism’s highest honors.
In 2003, she transitioned to WABC, the local ABC affiliate in New York, where she now oversees local programming, FCC compliance, and music rights and licensing. Her work contributes to producing the nationally beloved daytime show, “Live with Kelly and Mark,” Evelyn’s leadership and creativity have earned her five New York Emmy Awards for programming focused on breast cancer awareness and child protection.
Even as her career soared, she stayed connected to the place where it all began. Since graduating in 1985, Evelyn has been a constant presence in Bethany’s communication community, serving as an inaugural member of the Communications Wall of Fame, speaking in classes, leading as the Grand Marshal of the 2010 Homecoming parade, keynoting the 2012 Keresty Lectures in Journalism, participating in the 2023 Bethany Connect Speaker Series, and moderating the 2025 Women in Leadership Symposium panel on networking. In January 2024, she joined the Bethany College Board of Trustees, continuing her service to the institution she credits with launching her journey.
“I stayed in touch with several of my professors for many years,” she noted, reflecting on the lifelong mentorships and friendships built in Bethany’s hills.
More than 40 years after arriving on campus, Evelyn del Cerro remains a shining example of what it means to be a Bethanian, grounded in community, driven by curiosity, and committed to elevating others. Her broadcast career, marked by excellence and impact, began with a college radio microphone in West Virginia and grew into a legacy that continues to inspire future generations of Bethany students.
Info
Visit
Apply
Deposit