Giacomo Luca

Journalism major Giacomo Luca doesn’t graduate from Roosevelt University until May 2, but he’s already working as a weekend news anchor in the nation’s 187th largest market.

Luca, 21, commutes four hours each way between Chicago and Lima, Ohio (population 40,000), where he’s been anchoring and producing the 6 and 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday newscasts on NBC affiliate WLIO-TV since March 9.

"Journalism isn't a career, it's a lifestyle,” Luca declares on his bio. “I've decided to dedicate my life to seeking truth and reporting it."

The Cincinnati native most recently held a morning news internship at Tribune Broadcasting WGN-Channel 9, where his mentor was news anchor Larry Potash. “Giacomo has a passion for broadcast journalism that, in my experience, most interns don’t have,” Potash said in a statement. “Because of his knowledge of technology and his work ethic, I gave him the freedom to coordinate segments and stories. He gained valuable experience in writing and producing that many interns miss.”

Luca has been honing his skills since high school when he worked as a reporter, editor and videographer for the student-run television station while doubling as editor-in-chief of the student newspaper. He later landed college internships at stations in Jacksonville, Florida, and Cincinnati.

Roosevelt doesn’t even offer a broadcast major, making Luca’s achievements all the more remarkable. He’ll begin working full-time at WLIO right after he graduates.

“Once I figured out that TV was what I wanted to do, it’s been full steam ahead,” he said. “It’s a bit overwhelming for me to not only be graduating but also to be achieving my career dream.”

Here are highlights of Luca’s on-air work: