June 1, 2007

The Duquesne University department of athletics announced today that Ryan Gavatorta has been named assistant director of media relations. Gavatorta, who will handle media relations responsibilities for DU's women's sports, will assume full-time duties on June 4.

A 1997 Duquesne graduate, Gavatorta has worked in the athletics media relations office since September while taking classes toward his graduate degree in sports leadership. He is scheduled to complete his master's later this summer.

A native of Pittsburgh and graduate of Keystone Oaks High School, Gavatorta has worked as a producer for Red Zone Media and the Robert Morris University radio network. He has also worked with the Nauticom Sports Network and Yahoo! Broadcast.

"To work in the athletic department at my alma mater has been a dream of mine since I stepped foot on campus," said Gavatorta. "I am very proud to be a part of the Duquesne family and look forward to the challenges ahead."

Gavatorta served as sports director for WDSR radio while completing his degree in communications (specialty in media studies) as an undergrad at Duquesne. He was also a member of the Dukes' tennis team in the fall of 1993.

Gavatorta, 32, and his wife, Amy, reside in the South Side area of Pittsburgh.