Billy Walker ’26 Taking on the World of Media

As featured in the Fall 2025 issue of Manhattan Magazine.

Since enrolling in Manhattan University, Walker has amassed a long and impressive résumé of extracurricular roles, organizations and activities. Walker is no stranger to a busy lifestyle.

He grew up visiting New York City often, attending theatrical performances and immersing himself in the hustle and bustle of city life. Walker’s frequent visits to the city fostered a love for the city environment and the performing arts, which led to his interest in Manhattan University. “I loved the school’s proximity to the city and its urban feel,” said Walker. “The campus still has greenery, which was important to me. It’s not just brick walls and skyscrapers everywhere.” But it was Walker’s meeting with Andrew Bauer, director of performing arts, that sold him on the University. “That meeting really left an impression on me,” said Walker. “I wasn’t even enrolled yet, and here was this professor, taking the time to meet with a random student on a Saturday.”

Walker, a communication major with a concentration in media production and a minor in theater, has certainly kept himself busy. As president and co‑founder of the Manhattan Media Network, a campus media organization, Walker produces Quadcast, a podcast where students share their perspectives and stories about the University. He also produces Bussin or Disgustin and Perfection or Rejection, two food review segments that feature students trying different meals on and around campus. He’s also behind Manhattan on the Move, a fast‑paced, vox‑pop series filmed around campus, and Campus Cupid, a game show that tests friends’ knowledge of one another.

Walker’s involvement with the media world doesn’t end there. He also works at WRCM Radio, Manhattan University’s student‑run, independent radio station. Along with his friend Brooke Della Rocco ’26, Walker hosts a radio show called B Squared. He’s also involved in WRCM Spotlights, a series of videos that showcase the station’s unique programming. As a part of an Advanced Sports Media course, Walker helps broadcast University athletics events on ESPN, working on graphics and serving as a technical director and camera operator. He also assisted with the University’s on‑campus fashion show, which he shares on YouTube along with red carpet interviews.

“I love being able to share people’s stories,” said Walker. “I want to give everyone a platform. Two of my professors, Dr. Michael Grabowski and Dr. Michael Plugh, really instilled this idea in me of using platforms to tell the best stories possible.”

When he’s not working in media, Walker serves as the vice president of Lambda Pi Eta ‑ Psi Beta Chapter, the communication honor society of Manhattan University. Through this role, he organizes events for current communication students and arranges trips to see live tapings of television shows in New York City. He also works as the vice president of communication for the Student Government Association, ensuring that the student body is aware of events on campus, such as sports games and concerts, via email and social media. Lastly, Walker shows prospective and new students around campus as a tour guide for the University’s Admissions office.

“Being a tour guide is actually one of my favorite things,” said Walker. “I love when students come up to me and say that they remember having me as their tour guide and that I influenced their decision to attend Manhattan University. Those interactions mean so much to me.”

Feeling exhausted yet? Walker isn’t. In the 2025‑26 academic year, he’ll add technical director of WRCM Radio to his résumé, ensuring smooth production of various shows and the upkeep of the radio station. He’ll also serve as events coordinator for LOTUS, Manhattan University’s fashion magazine. How does Walker balance all these extracurricular activities with his school workload? “It’s all about dedicating specific time and days to certain tasks and roles,” he said. “It’s all about managing my time in the best way possible.”