BETHANY, W.Va. (Oct. 10, 2024) — Bethany College is welcoming two exceptional alumni, Jennifer (Fleahman) Rohrig ‘11 and Anthony Sparks ‘13, as the newest inductees into the Communications Wall of Fame. Rohrig and Sparks have each excelled in their respective careers and continue to reflect the values and spirit of Bethany.
Rohrig, regional manager for the West Virginia Department of Economic Development in the Northern Panhandle, has built an impressive career in business retention and expansion. As a certified business retention and expansion coordinator (BREC), Rohrig helps manufacturers and industries access state and local resources, promoting growth in W.Va. She collaborates with regional economic development organizations and educational institutions to address workforce opportunities and strengthen the local economy.
Rohrig previously served as a partnership specialist for the 2020 Census, managing a seven-county territory and partnering with various organizations to ensure an accurate population count for the state. She also had a successful career at AstraZeneca, where she earned recognition as a top pharmaceutical sales specialist. Rohrig holds a Bachelor of Arts in communication from Bethany College and a master’s degree in strategic communication from American University. She is currently an adjunct professor at Bethany and is actively involved in her community through various board and volunteer roles.
Sparks discovered his passion for communications during his freshman year seminar on Sports Broadcasting. This initial exposure led him to announce football, volleyball, and soccer games, which sparked his journey as a communications major. Following his graduation, Sparks began his career at WVRC Media, formerly known as West Virginia Radio Corporation. As a video producer and later a video supervisor for WVMetroNews, Sparks covered sports and news across the state and handled live web-streaming for popular programs such as “Talkline with Hoppy Kercheval” and “Sportline with Tony Caridi.”
In 2015, Sparks transitioned from the fast-paced world of journalism to creative marketing, launching his own business, Sparks Productions. Initially focused on wedding videography, event coverage, and brand photography, his business quickly gained recognition in North Central West Virginia and Southwestern Pennsylvania. By 2020, Sparks expanded the company’s services to specialize in commercial video production and other media projects. Now operating as Sparks Media Agency, the company has taken on a range of high-profile projects, including filming live medical surgeries, producing a TV special for the Travel Channel at the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, and working on various commercial shoots in unique environments like coal mines. Over the past decade, Sparks has been part of teams that have won over 25 Telly Awards, which recognize excellence in video and television production. One of his most recent Telly Awards was in collaboration with fellow Bethany alumnus George Manahan ’83 and his company, The Manahan Group.
Bethany College is honored to celebrate the achievements of these two outstanding alumni with their induction into the Communications Wall of Fame. The induction ceremony for Rohrig and Sparks will take place during Bethany College’s 63rd Annual Communications and Media Arts Celebration at 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 11, at the Communications Office, located inside Bethany House.
About Bethany College
Founded in 1840, Bethany College is a private liberal arts college in Bethany, West Virginia. With a commitment to academic excellence, a strong sense of community, and a rich history of tradition, Bethany College prepares students for lifelong success through a comprehensive education that emphasizes critical thinking, leadership, and service.
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