March 11, 2026

by Lauren Ferguson

Broadcast legend Don La Greca ‘92 had a pinch-me moment on the campus of Ramapo College of New Jersey this week, when he broadcast his popular ESPN Radio Network show from the very college radio booth that sparked his career dreams.

“It’s all kind of just amazing. I sat in this chair, fantasizing about doing the things that I’m doing right now, and it’s a pinch-myself moment,” La Greca told his co-hosts and the audience of the “Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg” sports talk radio show, as he sat in the studio of WRPR-FM, Ramapo College’s official radio station. “It is really cool to be back in the place that I said, ‘Boy, am I ever gonna get a chance to be on, like get paid, to be on radio?’”

Although it took him six years to earn his degree in communications, because he cut classes to gain hands-on experience and spend more time at the station, La Greca told listeners: “I think it worked out, and this is where it all started.”

Don La Greca ’92 spent his college years at WRPR-FM, Ramapo College’s official radio station.

It certainly did work out.

The prominent broadcaster has spent nearly 25 years with ESPN Radio, including more than two decades as the co-host of the “Michael Kay Show” with New York Yankees announcer Michael Kay. He also covered New York Rangers games, hosted pre- and post-game shows and acted as a backup play-by-play announcer for MSG Radio Network. And in July, La Greca secured a dream job, when MSG Networks made him the television play-by-play voice for the New Jersey Devils – a team he has rooted for since he was a child growing up in Hawthorne, NJ.

“If you had told me in 1991 that one day I would be calling their games, or any games, I would have thought you were crazy, but it just shows you how many doors can open up if you pay attention and you work hard … It’s been a dream come true,” to call the Devils’ games, he said.

La Greca was back on Ramapo’s Mahwah, NJ campus, not only to broadcast his show, but to reflect on his journey, share his story, and offer insights to current Roadrunners. Prior to the broadcast, La Greca sat down with Ramapo College President Cindy Jebb to take part in the Spring 2026 installment of the College’s Presidential Speaker Series.

The distinguished platform brings influential leaders and thinkers to campus, fostering intellectual engagement and dialogue within the community, and aiming to enrich the academic and cultural experiences of students, faculty, staff, and alumni by featuring speakers from diverse fields.

Ramapo President Cindy Jebb spoke with Don La Greca ’92 as part of Ramapo’s Presidential Speaker Series.

During the fireside chat, entitled “Mic Check: Don LaGreca ’92 Live at Ramapo!” La Greca talked with Jebb about topics such as the rise of the popularity of women’s sports,  how analytics are changing both coaching and broadcasting, and the difference in the cultures of winning and losing teams. He also shared his journey of being a first-generation college student – and how Ramapo opened a world of possibilities for him.

“Ramapo offered me the opportunities to do all the things that I wanted to do, and have a chance to be the first college graduate in the La Greca family,” he said.

La Greca said he was once an introvert, but Ramapo “just opened me up. I became a different person, and I thank Ramapo for that, because everybody was so friendly. Everybody came from different places, and everybody had a different story. I wanted to hear their story.”

As a pitcher at Don Bosco Technical High School in Paterson, NJ, La Greca said he chose Ramapo partly because of its successful baseball program, and also because it was close to home, had a beautiful campus, a top-notch communications program and a radio station that “gave me the opportunity to work.”

After being cut from Ramapo’s baseball team, he poured himself into the radio station. He covered Ramapo sports, doing play-by-play, filled in on shows whenever possible, and served as news director and sports director. He also launched a hit show called “The Beast is Unleashed,” where he and his partner played heavy metal music and interviewed local bands.

All the while, he was mentored by beloved communications Professor Andre Perry. Perry, who passed away in 2022, served as advisor to WRPR. “He was dedicated to making sure that if I failed, it was because I failed, not because I wasn’t given the opportunity. He taught me that hard work is the best way to do it, and I am appreciative of him, and Ramapo, and how they are able to aggressively drive the people that want to succeed, to succeed.”

While weaving through his own story, La Greca offered nuggets of advice to current Roadrunners.

He told students that networking can open doors, and to really listen to others. Being open to different perspectives “allows you to really become better in everything you do,” he said. He also said to become as versatile as possible, never be above any job, and if a position opens that is a foot in the door, to take it – even if it isn’t their ideal position. Most of all, he stressed, “hard work beats talent every time … You think you are working hard, but you can work harder. And then when you think you are working harder, you can even work harder than that.”

During his vist to campus, Don La Greca ’92 met with WRPR’s current station manager Ethan Custer ’26.

Roadrunners said they were inspired by La Greca’s words and thankful for the opportunity to meet with him. During his visit to campus, he also had lunch with a select group of students interested in the communications and sports fields.

“He is very knowledgeable on what he does. Listening to him talk gave me motivation and ideas that I want to do myself,” said Isaiah Chung ‘27, a communications arts major with a concentration in digital journalism and writing. Chung, also a forward on the men’s basketball team, creates content on athletes.

Marketing Major Eli Gazarkh ‘27, from Fair Lawn, NJ, is interested in the sports and entertainment industries and appreciated getting insight into the professional sports world. “To see how far he’s come, and he’s come from Ramapo, it’s very, very cool to see,”  Gazarkh said.

As a Yankee fan, growing up with the “Michael Kay Show,” Emily Morra ‘26, a data science major and sports management minor from Mahwah, NJ, admitted she was “a little star-struck.”

“There are so many opportunities here at Ramapo. It is always cool to see an alumni come back, especially someone as influential as him,” Morra said.

Emily Morra ’26, a sports management minor, spoke with Don La Greca ’92 while the broadcast legend was on campus.

President Jebb thanked La Greca for his time and support. “We are just really honored that you are here, and so proud of you carrying the flag forward, and all that you do for Ramapo as you continue to have a stellar career,” Jebb said

To learn more about the Presidential Speaker Series, and Jebb’s previous guests, visit the Presidential Speaker Series website.