How has your University at Albany degree helped prepare you for your career and in life?
I majored in both Political Science and Business Administration, with a minor in Economics. The coursework I took prepared me well for law school and provided a strong foundation for my career as a communications attorney. Learning the workings of various layers of government has aided my legal career by enabling me to more effectively represent my clients before different government agencies. My business education has helped me understand my clients’ businesses, thus making me a better advocate for them. I have been co-managing member of my law firm for nearly ten years now. The skills I learned at UAlbany have helped me be a better manager there, as well.
What do you remember most about your days here at University at Albany ?
I remember the friendships I made while I was at Albany, many of which have lasted to this day. I think back fondly of the intellectual debates we engaged in and the rewarding social activities that were available. While I may be in the minority on this one, I enjoyed the modern Edward Durell Stone architecture of the campus, except for the way it intensified those winter winds on the Podium. The fountains in the center of campus provided a great meeting place when the spring weather came. I can see one of Stone’s other works, the Kennedy Center, from my office window.
Do you have any advice that you would like to share with our current students?
Take advantage of the many activities available at the University. Work hard and play hard. Try to take courses in many different areas. Being well rounded will help you in your future endeavors, whatever they may be. Take courses that will enable you to hone your writing skills. Strong writers will be in demand regardless of the career path you choose.
What would you say to prospective students thinking about attending UAlbany?
If you are interested in government or law, Albany provides many opportunities to obtain practical experience while attending college. I worked at the New York State Assembly and learned a great deal about the legislative process, knowledge that has continued to serve me well in my legal career. Albany provided me with a great all around educational experience.
Is there anything else you would like us to share about you/your career/your family, etc.
I met my wife while attending Albany. She was a Rhetoric and Communications and English major. My sister is also an Albany graduate, and she studied economics.
Biography
Mr. Frank R. Jazzo ’80 is a member of the law firm Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth, P.L.C., which provides legal services in the field of telecommunications. Mr. Jazzo counsels television and radio broadcasters on compliance with the rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission. He provides advice on political broadcasting regulations to broadcasters, political media firms, and major political campaigns. Mr. Jazzo has had extensive experience in the satellite communications field. Mr. Jazzo is currently serving as co-managing member of the firm.
Mr. Jazzo serves as Washington counsel for the Alaska Broadcasters Association, the Arkansas Broadcasters Association, the Mississippi Association of Broadcasters and the New Mexico Broadcasters Association. He has been a regular speaker before other state and national associations. Mr. Jazzo is presently co-chairman of the Federal Communications Bar Association (FCBA) Mass Media Practice Committee. He is serving on the Arlington County, Virginia, Cable Television and Information Technology Advisory Commission. He is an associate member of the Association of Federal Communications Consulting Engineers (AFCCE), and a member of the Society of Satellite Professionals International (SSPI).
Mr. Jazzo serves on the Rockefeller College Advisory Board, where he is a member of the Career Services Committee.
Mr. Jazzo graduated (magna cum laude) from the University at Albany in 1980 with a dual Bachelors degree in Business Administration and Political Science. While attending the University, he interned at the New York State Assembly, he was a member of the Pep Band and was active in intramural sports. He earned his JD from the UCLA School of Law in 1983. While in law school, he was a comments editor on the Federal Communications Law Journal and worked for the U.S. House Telecommunications Subcommittee.
