As New Orleans gears up to host the highly anticipated Super Bowl LIX, Xavierites are seizing unmatched opportunities to participate in the vibrant programming and activities that will make the Super Bowl an iconic event. 

CG Consulting partnered with the NFL and launched its inaugural Media Scholars Program for Super Bowl LIX. Among the 17 students selected to participate, are five students from Xavier University of Louisiana and a Class of 2004 alumnus – seniors Skylar Stephens and Kennedy Wells, juniors Ashton Broden and Zora Thomas, sophomore Ja'lyn Jones, and alumnus Scott Lipscomb.  

The program gives students hands-on experience, allowing them to engage with NFL-sponsored events, network with industry leaders, and craft compelling narratives around the Super Bowl. Participants will play an active role in capturing the energy and excitement of Super Bowl LIX while gaining invaluable insight into the dynamic field of sports media.  

"Being selected for this program represents a culmination of my entire college experience. I am a graduating senior majoring in mass communication, and I am aspiring to work in broadcast journalism," Wells said. "To be in this city, at this time, to experience this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is full circle for me because I would have never imagined this as a freshman." 

The majority of Xavierites chosen for this program are Mass Communication majors. Xavier’s Mass Communication program offers a solid liberal arts foundation and specialized courses to prepare students for careers in fields like sports media. Our faculty supports students in developing essential professional skills, while encouraging participation in internships and hands-on experiences to gain a competitive edge in the industry. 

"The NFL Super Bowl Media Scholars is a once in a lifetime experience our students will gain during their college journey at Xavier to gain professional experience working in entertainment and sports media, putting the skills they have gained in the classroom into the real world. The six scholars who were selected out of hundreds demonstrate that our Xavier Mass Communication students are among the top students trained and prepared to work in communications fields," said Dr. Shearon Roberts, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Mass Communication. 

With bold enthusiasm and fresh perspectives, these Xavierites will craft compelling media stories from their exclusive behind-the-scenes access to Super Bowl LIX events. 

"Being in this room will push me forward, allowing me to continue creating opportunities for those as passionate and overlooked as I am. I hope to leave a lasting impact on New Orleans—not just through football, but by celebrating the city's culture, Black success, and the Super Bowl's significance here," Broden said. "As CEO of my multimedia company and a mass communication major at Xavier University, I've learned that perseverance is key to being seen and heard. I'm excited to build a network that creates lasting opportunities for future creatives in my city." 

The energy in the city is electric -- from planned lively gatherings with friends and family to those filling up seats in the Superdome -- everyone in the city is buzzing with anticipation for the Big Game, which is making a return to the city after more than 10 years.  

"I'm currently interning with NFL Films, so the opportunity to work for the league and return to New Orleans for Super Bowl week—especially in the city where I'm attending school—is truly an honor. It's exciting to network with some of the top sports production companies and connect with fellow scholars who share my passion for media. I'm hoping this first Super Bowl experience will be the start of many more to come," Thomas said. 

Students from Dillard University, Southern University of New Orleans, Tulane University, the University of New Orleans, and Loyola University of New Orleans will also participate in this prestigious program. These driven students–passionate about sports media, journalism, content creation, public relations, and event management–represent the future of the industry.