For Elijah Bonilla ’26, a passion for music and television became the foundation for a career that is already taking him around the world.
Before graduating from the University of Hartford with a degree in audio engineering technology, Elijah secured a position with WWE. In this role, he supports installations, transmission operations, and production events in diverse locations such as England, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia. It's a position that demands technical expertise, live production experience, and adaptability—all skills Elijah honed during his time at UHart.
“My love for music and television inspired me to pursue audio engineering,” Elijah says. “At UHart, I was able to get all the necessary experience I needed because the school gave me a place to grow and develop my skills.”
Elijah immersed himself in campus life, taking on leadership roles and gaining hands-on experience through organizations that mirrored professional environments. As president of RedTail Records and an active member of the Student Television Network (STN2), Elijah worked in broadcast production, live sound, and studio operations, collaborating with fellow students to produce events and programming.
“Working with RedTail Records and the Student Television Network gave me experience in broadcast, production, and live sound,” Elijah explains. “Helping develop studio settings and putting on shows week after week in different positions provided some of the best experience someone could ask for.”
Elijah Bonilla ’26, College of Education, Nursing and Health ProfessionsWorking with RedTail Records and the Student Television Network gave me experience in broadcast, production, and live sound. Helping develop studio settings and putting on shows week after week in different positions provided some of the best experience someone could ask for.
One of Elijah’s proudest accomplishments was helping revive RedTail Records and bringing live performances back to campus. He recalls the first RedTail Live event in Konover as a defining moment of his college experience.
“We had this big idea of showcasing artists and seeing how they would react to performing in front of a crowd,” Elijah says. “For the first time since before COVID-19, we had homegrown artists performing original songs and covers. I had never seen the UHart community so connected before that day.”
Beyond technical skills, Elijah credits the people he met at UHart for shaping his professional journey. Faculty, staff, and fellow students provided mentorship, encouragement, and opportunities that helped him build confidence and expand his knowledge.
“With the support of Professor Michael DeAlmeida, Professor Dave Shuman, Ethan Abrams, Taylor DePaolo-Daily, Isaac Roper, and Dylan Reyes, I was prepared for more in the world of broadcast and engineering,” Elijah says. “Their support and recommendations throughout my college career helped me make the most of every experience.”
Shuman encouraged Elijah’s vision for revitalizing RedTail Records, while Roper introduced him to STN2, where he connected with student leaders who expanded his understanding of broadcast production. These relationships, combined with the practical experience he gained on campus, helped prepare him for a professional career even before graduation.
Today, Elijah applies many of the same skills he developed at UHart while supporting large-scale WWE productions around the globe. Looking back, Elijah is grateful for the opportunities he embraced and encourages future students to do the same.
“Go for it,” Elijah advises. “Whatever you want to do, go for it and make the most of the experiences you have at the University. I have never felt more secure, more open, and more eager to learn and go into my field. If I had stayed shy and closed off, I would never be who I am today.”
As Elijah prepares to continue his career with WWE after graduation, he carries with him the experiences, relationships, and confidence he gained at UHart, proof that taking advantage of opportunities can lead to extraordinary places.