Spotlight Tv Mike Waltner was born and raised in Erie, Pennsylvania, where his family has deep roots in the working-class community. His Grandfather, an iron worker, was tragically killed in an accident while building St. Vincent's Hospital, where generations later Mike's daughter Elena would be born. His Grandmother put her neck on the line and lost her job because she organized a local hospitality workers union. Today, his mother, now 69, still works the graveyard shift at a gas station, because she can't afford to retire. This family background instilled in Mike a passion for the plight of the people in this district, and compelled him towards a life of service. He graduated from McDowell High School in Erie, and received a B.A. in Religious Studies from Penn State University. After graduating from Penn State, he worked with disabled children at the Sara Reed Children's Center in Erie. Two years later, he left Sara Reed to pursue a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in New York City, an affiliate of Columbia University. He has lectured on world religions at Fordham University and has consulted for numerous news organizations as a commentator on religion and society. He has always been committed to broadening the dialogue on faith and politics. Mike's intentions of entering the ordained ministry changed, however, after September 11, 2001, when he ministered at Ground Zero to provide comfort to the families of victims. This experience led Mike to reevaluate his calling as one of community involvement and public service.
Share on del.icio.us
Share on digg
Share on Technorati
Share on reddit
Share on Yahoo!
Share on Furl