Clocktower Circle Member Spotlight

AUGUST 2026

Dr. John Lombardi & Melanie Lombardi '98

Dr. John Lombardi, Professor, Digital Media and Visual Arts, and Melanie Lombardi '98, Cable Channel 3 Manager: 4 years of consecutive giving and 13 years of giving overall.

For Melanie and Dr. John Lombardi, giving back to Frostburg State University is a natural extension of the careers and lives they have built within the institution. Together, they have dedicated more than 50 years to supporting students, fostering innovation, and creating opportunities that prepare graduates for success beyond the classroom.

A 1998 graduate of Frostburg State, Melanie Lombardi has served as the Cable Channel Manager for the Emerging Media program in the Department of Digital Media and Visual Arts for over 26 years. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to expanding experiential learning opportunities for students, believing that hands-on experience is one of the greatest advantages they can have as they begin their professional careers.

"I began giving back to the program and the channel to help expand experiential learning opportunities for our students," Melanie said. "The hands-on experiences they gain through activities within the department help them stand out to employers. Seeing our students grow, find success, and thrive in their careers is incredibly rewarding."

That commitment to student success is shared by Dr. John Lombardi, who has been a faculty member at Frostburg State for more than 26 years. He sees the Frostburg State University Foundation as an essential partner in supporting initiatives that traditional funding sources often cannot.

"The work that the Foundation does is incredibly important," John said. "At its core, the Foundation aims to fill gaps that traditional revenue streams cannot."

For the Emerging Media program, those gaps often involve creating meaningful, real-world learning experiences. Recognizing the value of experiential education, John helped establish the 3 State Community Media Center, providing another avenue for students to develop professional skills through FSU-TV3 and community-based media production.

"Experiential learning opportunities are vital for student career readiness," he said. "The Center and FSU-TV3 provide significant opportunities for students to gain additional real-world experience. The ability to offer those experiences is the primary reason that I continue to give."

While neither points to a single defining moment from their years at Frostburg State, both take pride in seeing the university evolve to meet the changing needs of its students. They believe that continued support from the Foundation plays an important role in helping programs innovate, adapt, and provide students with the experiences that prepare them for successful careers.

Together, Melanie and John Lombardi's dedication reflects a shared belief that investing in students today creates opportunities that extend far beyond graduation, strengthening both the university and the communities its graduates go on to serve.