Aidan Ralko, a film, video and media studies major at Western Michigan University, graduated on April 29 with a full-time job offer from Kalamazoo-based production company Overneath following several successful internships and academic achievements.
Ralko’s journey at the university began by chance when he joined the photography table at a campus meet-and-greet, which led to new opportunities in media. “It ended up being the photography table. I had never touched a professional camera before,” Ralko said. “But I’m so glad I sat where I did. It ended up being the perfect choice.” He credits his education for preparing him for future success: “Western prepared me for the future by presenting me with opportunity,” he said. “You have to actively pursue those opportunities; they’re not just given to you. But here at Western, if you’re willing to take that step, you have a support system while you pursue them.”
Ralko grew up in Howell, Michigan, making movies with his siblings and acting in plays before deciding to study film at Western Michigan University (WMU). His experiences included participating in international programs such as the Collegium for Le Giornate del Cinema Muto silent film festival in Italy—a trip fully funded through travel grants from WMU’s College of Arts and Sciences and Lee Honors College—and earning scholarships like the Bronco Merit Scholarship and Peter and Laurel Northouse Leadership Scholarship.
While attending WMU, Ralko completed multiple internships that helped him build an extensive multimedia portfolio. He won first place in the 2025 Michigan Student Broadcast Awards for a public service announcement about drunk driving while working with student newspaper Western Herald as its multimedia editor. His involvement there allowed him to create content and develop leadership skills within student organizations.
Ralko also interned with NowKalamazoo through Broncos Lead Internship Program—funded positions supported by Empowering Futures Gift—which provided professional newsroom experience without financial strain. At Overneath production company, he gained hands-on experience across all aspects of video production before receiving his job offer.
In addition to professional work, Ralko explored filmmaking as part of Bronco Studios’ inaugural 24-hour film challenge and created documentary projects focused on community storytelling under faculty guidance. For his honors thesis project titled “Pictures of Us,” he wrote, directed, and edited a short coming-of-age romantic comedy reflecting lessons learned during college.
“I just kept getting opportunities to improve my work or build on my skills across the media field,” Ralko said about his time at WMU. As he prepares for post-graduation life, he reflected: “Western set me up for success by challenging me… there was real work and focus involved every step of the journey, and that has been invaluable to my character and determination moving forward.”
According to the official website, Western Michigan University fields 16 Division I varsity sports as a Mid-American Conference member; supports inclusive excellence; promotes sustainability through LEED-certified buildings; has earned top-100 rankings nationally for several graduate programs; enrolls more than 17,000 students; and emphasizes learner-focused education that is research-oriented and globally involved.