Megan O'Connor, a 2018 Northern Michigan University graduate, has joined WZMQ-TV 19 for a weekly segment that launched earlier this month. O'Connor talks about popular events and top Upper Peninsula trends in “What's UP with Megan,” which airs at 6 p.m. each Tuesday.
Recent examples of subjects she covered included a fashion show that she was participating in and the inaugural Camp Cannabis, which she served as volunteer coordinator.
O'Connor will retain her full-time job as outreach and development specialist for the Lake Superior Community Partnership (LSCP). She is also a graduate student at NMU, pursuing a master's in public administration to add to her bachelor's in communication studies.
While attending NMU as an undergrad with a music minor, O'Connor enjoyed singing in operas and European cathedrals, and playing the harp. She participated in the Student Leader Fellowship Program and also helped to create the NMU Food Pantry, which she considers her favorite memory.
“It was the experience that shaped me the most, and the most rewarding," said O'Connor, who continues to volunteer extensively in the community. "It made me realize how important community development and community outreach were to me. The word ‘community' like is my buzzword. ‘Philanthropist' is my buzzword.
“Northern definitely shaped my experiences with the news. It got my foot in the door. Right out of college, I went and worked for TV6 as their weekend anchor, but actually got that position from a job fair at NMU. What I like about my segment on WZMQ is that it's just a fun thing to do. At the end of the day, I'm just like another person living in Marquette, but I get to show everyone the awesome things to do here.”
O'Connor serves her community as a cantor at St. Peter Cathedral and as a volunteer for events including Blues Fest, Iron Range Roll, South Shore Fishing Association, UP Veteran's Fishing Day and more. She is a member of the South Shore Fishing Association, Marquette Veterans Alliance and Connect Marquette. She was recently awarded the Tom Baldini Scholarship, which recognizes local individuals who have shown an interest in community and civic engagement.
