David Benzing
Class of 1990

From dreaming . . . to doing

“My ‘leap’ came about when professors at Trevecca encouraged and challenged me. My professor of theatre mentored me to pursue ‘what gives you the most relevance—not what might make you the most money.’

“At Trevecca I made the leap from being a young man with a dream to a man who has had many of his dreams come. The irony is that classes that I felt were irrelevant at the time became the ones that most influenced my life. Pursuing degrees in theatre and human relations, I was at a crossroads during my junior and senior years and did not know which road I should take following graduation.

“My advisor and the chair of the communication department went out of their way to arrange my class schedule around three employment opportunities at theaters and radio stations around town. They recognized that real-world experience was invaluable and that nothing should stand in the way of an ambitious spirit.

“Thanks to their leadership and vision at Trevecca, I was able to make my decision and carve a way into a career in broadcasting. I am now working on a series of children’s books as well. I have learned to live by the words of Saint Francis of Assisi: ‘Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary use words.’”

Dave, "Dave James"  during his Trevecca on-air days, is “Big Wave Dave---BWD” to the 350,000 people who listen daily to Southern California’s KFSH 95.9-The Fish in the second largest radio market in the country. Dave was production-creative services director for WSIX-FM, WRVW-FM, WNRQ-FM, WLAC-AM and WUBT-FM before moving to Los Angeles in 2002.  In 2006 Dave earned his MBA from Hope International University. He and his wife, Claire, have four children.

 

 

Empowering Students to Make the Leap

Trevecca is committed to empowering students to make the leap. Those leaps are as unique as the persons who make them, but all leaps involve growth or change in the life of a student. Some of those leap stories are presented here, and more stories will be added.
Do you have a "leap" story? If you do, Trevecca wants to have your story. Please send your story to myleap@trevecca.edu.