As the ESPN broadcast counted down the waning minutes before kickoff of last week’s College Football Playoff semifinal matchup between Ohio State and Texas, a keen eye could spot in the sea of Buckeye scarlet and gray.

All one had to do was look for the best camera angle and, inevitably, the Elon graduate would be there.

As part of his role as assistant director of creative media for Ohio State Football, Fortunato – in a light blue media vest – stood arm’s length away from Buckeye starting quarterback Will Howard, chronicling every pass and every word of encouragement during the pregame warmup.

While AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, pulsed with anticipation of the evening’s matchup, Fortunato was already hard at work compiling content for his  – a recap that garnered 42,000 views during its first day on YouTube.

“It’s a lot of time and effort to get these recaps done quickly, and to a high standard, but seeing the reactions to it once it’s posted makes it worth it,” he said.

Fortunato will have one more stab at creating a game highlight video this season as Ohio State faces Notre Dame in Monday’s College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Interestingly, Rachel Mikolay ’23, another Elon graduate, will also work the season’s final game.

“It’s exciting to be going to the national championship,” Fortunato said this week. “It’s something that I don’t take lightly and will be an experience I talk about and remember for the rest of my career.”

It isn’t surprising to see the recent Elon graduate on the biggest stage in college sports.

Since cutting his teeth recording ÁńÁ«appąŮ·˝ÍřŐľČë athletic events and producing “Elon Sports Weekly” episodes, Fortunato has steadily risen through the college media industry. After earning his degree in cinema and television arts, Fortunato honed his skills with Rutgers University’s women’s basketball team and then Wake Forest University men’s basketball program. An individual didn’t have to be a college basketball fan to see Fortunato’s immense talent in video and digital content creation.

Since he joined Ohio State’s football program in May 2023, Fortunato’s work has garnered significant attention as he created compelling visual narratives for one of the most recognizable brands in college athletics.

In his role, Fortunato is responsible for creating internal motivational videos for position groups, producing social content like “” and “” videos, and filming practices and meetings for archival purposes.

On game day, the Apex, North Carolina, native coordinates filming operations, ensuring coverage from every crucial angle on and off the field. These shots include pregame scenics and locker room speeches, as well as on-field action and post-game celebrations. As the game heads into the second half, where can you find Fortunato? Usually within earshot of head coach Ryan Day.

Once a game is over, Fortunato’s main focus is completing the aforementioned game recaps. Ideally, he wants the videos published in the next two or three days. It is no easy task considering the amount of quality work his creative media colleagues help produce.

Fortunato said he takes great pride in creating content that resonates with fans and endures beyond the season.

“I do my best to treat every game the same and to focus on doing my absolute best to capture each moment through my lens, and the national championship game will be no different,” he said.

“Through working in social media, I believed I could have the opportunity to facilitate those kinds of meaningful moments,” Lewis said.

Today, the Elon alumnus serves as a social media specialist for Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, an ice cream company founded by Jeni Britton Bauer in 2002 in Columbus, Ohio. In his role, Lewis plans, develops and analyzes storytelling content across all Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams social channels. Lewis’ content has garnered praise since his arrival in January 2019, including being named this fall.

Winning the award confirmed everything he knew about the Jeni’s team, Lewis said.

“I work with a group of magicians,” Lewis said. “We’re a tight-knit, scrappy team and all do a lot … but we care deeply about people and I’m glad that comes through in the work we do.”

During his time at Elon, Lewis worked on research as part of the Honors Fellows program, which taught him about discipline, attention to detail, and how to use social media effectively. These characteristics are what Sara Jerde, Adweek’s publishing editor, wrote about when it came to Lewis’ efforts with Jeni’s.

“In nearly two years, Lewis has helped grow a vibrant team as Jeni’s social media specialist, keeping the ice cream company’s social feeds full of wit and storytelling (including an appealing photo essay explaining the origin of its Pluto Bleu flavor) to keep fans active and engaged,” Jerde said. “All the while, he’s maintained a distinct personality online befitting the Columbus, Ohio-based brand.”

As part of Jeni’s marketing team, Lewis works closely with the art and design staff. He also oversees the brand’s celebrity and influencer outreach and community management, such as responding to comments and direct messages.

“We truly love people and want them to feel loved through the content we share and the connections we make online,” Lewis said. “I believe people feel that wherever they interact with us and, hopefully, it’s helping us to become irreplaceable in their lives and in the lives of others.”

This is not the first time Lewis has been applauded on a national level. In 2016, his Car Window Poetry initiative was featured on “NBC Nightly News.”

Alumni of all generations are encouraged to attend as we kick off a new year of chapter events. Family, friends and guests are welcome to join. Free food and Elon gear will be available at all events. This is an opportunity to connect with other local Elon graduates and hear from chapter leaders about what is in store for the upcoming year.

Learn more and register for your chapter’s event by clicking the name of your city below: 
 

Alumni chapters in Alamance County, the Triad (Greensboro), Richmond, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. hosted events in mid-August. If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Alumni Engagement at alumni@elon.edu or (336) 278-7500.

The Columbus, OH Alumni Chapter will host an #ElonDay Party as part of this global celebration. 

Columbus Alumni Chapter #ElonDay Party
Tuesday, March 7, 5:30 p.m.
The Wine Bistro
1750 W. Lane Ave., Ste. 100
Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221

Please contact Jennifer Boozer, assistant director of regional alumni engagement, at (336) 278-7443 or jboozer@elon.edu with any questions. To learn more about #ElonDay, visit . 

The Columbus Alumni Club will host an #ElonDay Party as part of this banner day for Elon. 

Columbus Alumni Club #ElonDay Party
Tuesday, March 8, 5:30 – 8 p.m.
Eddie George’s Grille 27
1636 N. High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43201

Please contact Joe Ward, coordinator of regional alumni engagement, at (336) 278-7424 or jward18@elon.edu with any questions. To learn more about #ElonDay, visit . 

FREE to the first 15 registrants, $13 per person afterward

Our event will take place at Matt the Miller’s Tavern from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, January 25. Plan to take advantage of the opportunity to connect with alumni in the area. Light refreshments will be served and a cash bar will be available. Whether you are looking for a new opportunity or looking to enhance your current business there will be something for you at our event! RSVP online or by calling 877.784.3566.

is located at 1400 Grandview Avenue in Columbus.