TV-11's "Duke" Schneider has love for his students

by: Chris Hassel
Staff Writer

It was April 14, 2004. Don “Duke” Schneider was playing soccer with his daughter Ingrid. Suddenly, he felt nauseated and began to sweat profusely. He realized something was wrong, and was rushed to the hospital. Schneider was having a heart attack.

Schneider was stabilized at the hospital and was able to come home within 48 hours. The doctor told him to stay home from work for a week or two, but Duke didn’t listen.

“I was back two days later,” said Duke. “I just couldn’t stay away; we had too much stuff going on.”

Duke is the TV Operations Manager for Ambrose’s TV-11. He has a love for his job that is not easily matched. He comes to work every day with a smile on his face and is willing to help anyone and everyone.

“The most enjoyable part of my job is working with the students,” Duke said. “I’ve had the privilege of teaching some pretty talented people.”

One of Schneider’s former students, Amy Hoover, who graduated from SAU in 2002, now shares an office with Duke as production coordinator.

“Duke has taught me so much,” Hoover said. “Almost everything I know, I learned from him.”

He is known by most as someone who is always busy, but will still find time to sit down and talk. He always makes himself available to his students, and wants nothing but the best from them.

“It’s funny because I’ve never seen him sitting down relaxing,” said junior communications major Nick Bitting. “I don’t think the guy ever sleeps.”

Schneider comes to work early, and goes home late. Some days he spends over 15 hours on the job, but to him it’s worth it.

“I can’t imagine doing anything else,” Schneider said. “I love what I do and everything that comes with it. When I see students leave here and become successful, I know I’ve done my job.”

Duke has a wife, Gale (’74), and his daughter Ingrid is in seventh grade.

“I spend a lot of time at the station,” Schneider said. “But when I have free time, I spend most of it with my family.”

Schneider graduated from SAU in 1972 and currently resides in the basement of Galvin. He helps to produce coach’s shows, newscast, and live sporting events on TV-11. He also teaches a couple of classes including TV practicum and radio and TV production.

“If you ever need to know anything about TV, he’s your man,” Bitting said. “He’s just a class act.”