Jane Metzler '73

Recording artist Harry Metlzer, aka Ill-Advised, told me this about our next honoree, Jane Metlzer, “If I had to describe my mom in one word, it would be fearless. From shattering the glass ceiling as a woman in news and entertainment to raising me on her own, when she sets her mind to something, she’s unstoppable.”

Moved and seconded, Harry.  Jane is an accomplished communications professional, with decades of well-respected TV and radio broadcasting experience in several major markets and nationally, as well.  The settings have ranged from Fox to MSNBC and just about everywhere in between, in significant anchoring, reporting, and producing roles.  Same goes for the legion of notables with whom she’s interacted, from her on-air and producing association with Don Imus to her track record interviewing every US President from Ronald Reagan to George W. Bush.

Harry shared further that Jane has mentored numerous people who have gone on to have great careers as well, a rarity in what he calls her cutthroat industry.  NBC producer Sumiko Moots told me this perhaps deceptively simple story: 

“Everything I know about make up I learned from Jane…

“Such a silly little thing to remember. As a rookie reporter, I was in awe of this blonde news goddess who was never at a loss for words. Always a ready smile and a twinkle in her eye. I remember thinking she didn’t need the product that she was rubbing all over her face, a thick foundation made for burn victims.

“Watching her prepare for newscasts we often chatted and she imparted little nuggets of wisdom.  More important than those, however, is the way she makes you feel. Like you are the most important person in the room.  Jane truly listens to you.  It’s one of Jane‘s gifts.  Making you feel that you matter and that your story has value.”

Former Good Morning, America and MSNBC producer Patrick Roddy, with whom Jane worked on both the Imus show and the notable Fame and Faith interview series identified Jane’s keen ability to suss out a story, to give it a context, to understand why someone would care about it, and to skillfully communicate it with her audience.  Jane’s work currently is centered in her role as Founder and COO of Metzhane Media, providing both paying and pro bono clients with media production and public relations services.

In post-graduate service to our Lancer community, Jane played a strong, if largely unsung, role over the years as a volunteer judge and mentor for our forensics program, in which Jane herself was a national champion during our student years, earning her full scholarship to Northwestern University.  In recent years, Jane has devoted enormous energy to fostering relationships and camaraderie among our class, primarily but not solely through social media and as reunion leader, continuing to serve informally but no less affectionately regarded as our president.

Jane’s honors span the many facets of her life from her journalistic work to her alumna service to both Northwestern and her sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta.  She has been recognized as a Distinguished Graduate by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.  But the key takeaway from all my reflections on Jane’s life is that the foundations for all she has accomplished are her genuine desire and ability to connect with people and, by so doing, to help make ours a better world.

As Jane’s classmate and her friend, I am proud to have nominated her.  Please join our Alumni Hall of Fame as we welcome the Class of 1973’s Jane Metzler.