Triton College’s Alumni Association Selects TV/Radio Journalist and Media Specialist Michele Fiore as a 2025 Wall of Fame Inductee
RIVER GROVE, Ill. – The Triton College Alumni Association has selected TV/Radio Journalist and Media Specialist Michele Fiore as one of four Alumni Wall of Fame inductees. This honor is awarded to individuals who have made a significant impact in their profession, community and beyond.
“It’s such an honor and a thrill to be nominated,” said Fiore. “My legacy is going to live on at Triton. I couldn’t be happier.”
Fiore’s introduction to Triton began at an early age. As a middle schooler growing up in Elmwood Park, she met Dr. Eugene Schlabach, head of the music department and an accomplished classical pianist. Under his instruction, she learned to play works by Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Mozart and Scarlatti.
In addition to studying music during high school, Fiore hosted local TV shows in Elmhurst and Elmwood Park. Combining her love of writing, performing and television, she decided to pursue journalism at Triton College, where she received a full scholarship.
“At Triton, I studied journalism under Jackie Pledger-Skwerski, who became one of my most beloved instructors,” she said. “I was also the editor-in-chief of the Fifth Avenue Journal. I worked part time at WRRG-AM, Triton TV and Elmwood Park Cable Television News.”
Fiore described Pledger-Skwerski’s teaching as “powerful,” giving her the foundation to become a strong journalist. By gaining hands-on experience as a Triton student, she felt she had an early advantage in her field.
“Jackie worked for a local newspaper and invited me to be an intern,” said Fiore. “As a 19-year-old college student, I was able to get real experience in journalism. That was truly a gift.”
After Triton, Fiore attended Northern Illinois University (NIU), where she majored in broadcast journalism and minored in women’s studies.
Since graduating, her career has taken off, with roles as an anchor and reporter in both radio and television. She has worked for stations in Chicago, Milwaukee, Springfield, Ill., and Decatur, Ill. Currently, she is an on-air reporter for CBS58 in Milwaukee.
Throughout her career as a journalist, Fiore has covered a variety of challenging topics. She credits her classes at Triton, especially those under the instruction of Pledger-Skewski and Dr. Schlabach, for helping her develop the skills needed to succeed in journalism.
“Triton College is so close to my heart,” she said. “It means so much to me knowing that I’ll be a part of the college’s Wall of Fame history. It’s incredible.”
View a short video featuring Michele Fiore: www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWCJXd96yh0
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Media Contact:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper | melissacooper@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3692
Maryann Dibari | maryanndibari@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3202
ABOUT TRITON COLLEGE Triton College is an institution of higher education dedicated to student success. Triton offers more than 120 degree and certificate programs designed for students to realize their career aspirations and effectively compete in a global economy. The college campus spans 110 acres in River Grove, Illinois, holds classes at satellite locations and offers online learning opportunities. Triton’s exemplary faculty and staff work to provide high-quality, convenient and affordable educational opportunities to more than 10,000 students each year. Triton College is a member of The Community Colleges of Illinois and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Learn more at triton.edu/.