WPSU Board Member Spotlight: Sherry DelGrosso

The WPSU Board of Representatives is an advisory board of community members that gather on a regular basis to advise the station on programming and other activities. In this blog post series, WPSU Board Member Spotlight, we sit down with these individuals and discuss their love of public broadcasting and its impact in the communities throughout the viewing area.

Sherry DelGrosso lives in Tipton (Blair County) with her family. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Penn State, a Master of Science in Nursing Administration and Patient Care Services from the University of Michigan, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Edinboro University. She has been a nurse for more than 30 years and has experience in the following specialties: legal nurse consulting, hospital management, health care consulting, clinical nursing, academia, research, and speaking engagements. In 2022, she expanded her nursing role as a Legal Nurse Consultant and launched DelGrosso Legal Nurse Consulting, LLC. Sherry loves spending time with family and friends, traveling, fishing, and hiking/biking the trails in Central Pennsylvania.

How long have you been a board member with WPSU? Were you involved with WPSU before you were a board member?

I have been a board member since 2019, and my husband, Michael, served from 2007 to 2019. We have been long-time supporters of WPSU and participated in radio drives, special events, community outreach and education, and government relations. In 2021, Michael and I received the Fisher Award of Distinction for our support of Penn State Outreach and Online Education. The DelGrosso Family of Companies has been dedicated to supporting WPSU for decades, including hosting WPSU Kid’s Day at DelGrosso’s Park, sponsoring the annual Connoisseur’s Dinner, and many other events.

What inspired you to begin volunteering at WPSU?

Michael is a self-proclaimed Public Radio Nerd, owning a t-shirt with the same title. Early in our marriage and for several years, Michael and I loved to listen to Car Talk. We have public radio playing whenever we are in the car together. Our favorites are Morning Edition, Here & Now, All Things Considered, The World, and, of course, classical music in the mornings. This personal connection to WPSU makes our involvement as board members and supporters even more meaningful.

What WPSU programming do you connect with the most? 

Public broadcasting is at the heart of our family’s entertainment. We have fond memories of watching PBS shows like Wild Kratts, Dinosaur Train, and Clifford the Big Red Dog with our daughter. These shows not only entertained us but also sparked valuable conversations and learning moments. They are a part of our family’s story, just as they are for many other families in our community.

PBS Passport allows us to watch our favorites at home or on the road. My beloved programs include WPSU Shorts, Keystone Stories, Culinary Connections, Our Town, Masterpiece shows, and Speaking Grief. As a nurse, I have shared Speaking Grief with patients, families, and my graduate nursing students, as loss and grief are central themes in health care. WPSU has done an extraordinary job validating grief while offering guidance on supporting friends, family, and members of our communities.

As a member of the WPSU Education Committee, I want to take this opportunity to highlight Your Learning Neighborhood, a fantastic collection of online educational resources that are readily accessible for K-12 students, parents, and educators. The videos, lesson plans, virtual field trips, and activities are designed to enhance learning at home, in the classroom, and in the community, ensuring everyone can benefit.

How do you see WPSU positively impacting the communities throughout Central Pennsylvania?

WPSU serves as a key resource, positively impacting the communities across Central Pennsylvania by offering educational programs and resources that support lifelong learning for all age groups. These programs provide access to educational content, documentaries, and news programming but also help residents stay informed, develop new skills, and engage in intellectual development.

Through its diverse programming, WPSU offers various cultural, arts, and entertainment content that reflects the community’s values and interests. Local events, music, and stories help preserve regional culture, connect people to shared histories, and promote understanding of diverse cultures and perspectives. The station also creates opportunities for local artists and cultural groups to showcase their work.

As a PBS affiliate, WPSU serves as a platform for public service initiatives that benefit residents. This includes broadcasting local news, weather updates, emergency alerts, and educational programs focused on health, safety, and well-being. The station often partners with local nonprofits, schools, and other organizations to address community needs, ranging from job training to health awareness.

WPSU is a trusted local news source, helping residents stay informed about critical issues affecting their region. This includes in-depth coverage of local government, education, the environment, and other topics directly impacting the community.

As a board member, what would you like to share with the public about why they should support WPSU? 

In addition to enriching the communities by providing educational resources, fostering cultural awareness, engaging residents, and offering a reliable platform for local news and public service programming, WPSU improves the quality of life and promotes a more informed, connected, and engaged community.

WPSU contributes significantly to local economic development. By creating regional jobs, from media production to administrative roles, and collaborating with local businesses for sponsorships, partnerships, and advertising, the station helps stimulate the local economy. Despite significant budget and funding cuts, WPSU remains a leader in the community and a responsible fiscal steward, a fact that should make our community proud and supportive.

What do you wish people knew about WPSU?

WPSU operates with the community’s best interests in mind. It relies on community support through donations, volunteers, and partnerships. Your support is not just appreciated, it is crucial. It ensures that WPSU remains an accessible and independent resource for everyone. WPSU is a cornerstone of the community, bringing people together, informing them, and providing valuable educational and cultural content. Your support helps us continue this vital work, and we are grateful for it.