When it comes to designing audiovisual systems for campus spaces, Joe Chrobak is known for his "Speedy Delivery." It's a nod to Mr. McFeely, the cheerful delivery man from Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. Chrobak met him years ago and embodies the same positive, can-do energy as his childhood idol.
Chrobak, senior AV/IT systems specialist, has worked for the university for nearly seven years, building innovative technology spaces with his classroom technology services teammates for ÐÔÊӽ紫ý's Office of Information Technology (OIT). The flexible auditorium in the Advanced Engineering Building, the conference room in Dreamscape Learn in the Lied Library, and any RebelFlex classroom on campus — Chrobak played a big part in making them happen.
When he's not designing new technology spaces, Chrobak's spending time in the classroom as a Ph.D. student in ÐÔÊӽ紫ý's curriculum and instruction program. He's using his technology, event production, and PBS broadcast experience to explore how media sciences technology can make learning more engaging. He plans to use his degree to create online content to help students transition from traditional book learning to digital-based learning.
If there's anything you want or need to enrich the student and teaching experience, Chrobak continues to deliver it to you with speed and a smile. That's what it means to him to be a Rebel.
What drew you to ÐÔÊӽ紫ý?
I'd been looking into moving to Las Vegas for a contrasting approach to the weather I'm used to in Pennsylvania, where I grew up. I love the arts and am an avid concertgoer, so Las Vegas stood out to me. How could you not want to live in the Entertainment Capital of the World?
At the same time, I'm a lifelong learner. I've enjoyed the relationship between technology and education, and my background in broadcasting and technical work pushed me in that direction. When I saw an opening at ÐÔÊӽ紫ý to work with AV equipment to support classroom instruction, I pursued it. I was ecstatic to be hired and join the classroom technology services team.
What inspired you to get into your field?
I was always drawn to technology since grade school, from setting up the overhead projector and framing it on the pull-down screen to bringing the rolling AV cart, getting the VCR tape ready, and turning on the computer and loading floppy disks. I volunteered as a stagehand for school events, setting up microphones, working lights, or opening and closing the curtain.
You've been to a lot of concerts. What performer surprised you the most?
I have an eclectic love of music. For me, it's about the songs and instrumentation more than anything else. I keep track of every concert I've been to (as he scrolls and scrolls through a uniquely curated list of names including Ed Sheeran, The Rolling Stones, George Strait, KISS, and Weird Al Yankovic).
When I looked back at my list, John Fogerty surprised me. I've been a fan since I was a kid, memorizing all his songs from his Centerfield album during a cross-country family road trip from Pennsylvania to California. To this day, one of my favorite songs is "Vanz Kant Danz."
I've seen Fogerty perform live in 2006 and 2018. Both times, his performance was electric and energetic. Throughout the set, he ran from side to side with a youthful passion to perform, making sure to engage with everyone in the audience. If ever given the opportunity, I'd see him again.
What concert are you going to next?
I'm headed to New York City to see my teenage nephew play at Carnegie Hall. He's a talented pianist and was invited to play there after winning a local Pennsylvania honors recital. He's going to be on the same stage where The Beatles and Tchaikovsky stood. I'm so proud of him and can't wait to see him perform.
For most of the week, you wear ÐÔÊӽ紫ý apparel, but you bring the fun to Fridays. Why did you start Fun Shirt Fridays in OIT?
I started Fun Shirt Fridays to find a commonality with an adjoining unit. They had a Hawaiian shirt day, and I liked the team-building aspect. It was an opportunity for people to share a little about themselves and learn more about others. I just pulled a Picasso and borrowed the inspiration. I thought fun shirts sounded inclusive. It's not about the shirt; it's about the person behind the shirt.
What's your most prized "fun" shirt?
I love all of my concert shirts. The one that sticks out as prized is my Robert Plant (October 1990) one. Plant was one of my first concerts, but at the time, I could only afford the ticket, not the shirt. So, I recently purchased the concert shirt online.
What would campus look like without you (or your department in general)?
Campus will always continue. It's part of the resilience of the ÐÔÊӽ紫ý culture. Classroom technology equipment will be installed after me. The moments in our test lab when we have a successful deployment that's dependable, scalable, and supportable are a team effort, not something I do alone.
What's something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I've done many things in my lifetime, and all with my best foot forward. While I've flown a plane and have been a radio and TV personality, I'm proud to be an award-winning television producer.
During my time at PBS, I worked on the Emmy Award-winning Remember the Scranton Sirens documentary about a legendary 1920s jazz and dance band from Scranton, Penn., that helped launch the careers of musicians Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey.
I find real enjoyment in this type of storytelling, especially the kind that captures real people and real moments. The hope is to return to making documentaries. I made a New Communication Technology Applications documentary over 10 years ago and would like to make that a full-length version since technology has changed so much in recent years.
