The most popular TU stories of 2020

Readers discovered Towson University in viral videos, on game shows and because of the community's giving spirit

By Matt Palmer on January 5, 2021

wheel of fortune
Erin Brockmeyer was a winning contestant on "Wheel of Fortune" on April 7, 2020.

Towson University was everywhere in 2020.

National media shared the news of a generous gift from alumni and that TU is one of the top public universities in the country.

In addition, people discovered Towson University in unpredictable places, and it resulted in some of the most-read TU Newsroom stories of the year, according to Google Analytics.

During her participation in an April 7, 2020, College Week episode of “Wheel of Fortune,” Erin Brockmeyer beat contestants from Washington State University and Arkansas State University to advance to the final round. She won $12,108 in the three-person competition by solving three puzzles and was the most read TU Newsroom story, according to Google Analytics.

Another story people couldn't get enough of was about a viral video starring Deion Broxton, '15.

broxton
Deion Broxton, ’15, learned the ropes of TV journalism in his Towson University classes and internships.

Broxton, now a TV reporter in Iowa, went viral in March 2020 when he posted a video of himself outside Yellowstone National Park to Twitter. At the time, Broxton was working for a Montana news station and was recording a stand-up, which is when a reporter talks  directly to the audience. While he recorded, Broxton’s eyes kept darting back and forth, and the video ended with him grabbing the camera while it is still recording and getting it quickly in his car.

His comment “Oh, no, I ain’t messing with you,” became synonymous with the video, which has 12.4 million views to date.

Stephen's Hall
Towson University has helped many members of the community during the pandemic.

The largest story in the world during 2020 was the COVID-19 pandemic. It had significant impact on the TU community, which answered the call to help those facing financial hardships. It also resulted in one of the most-read stories of the year.

Through the Student Emergency Grant Fund, TU made nearly hundreds of thousands of dollars available for student emergencies and hardships through the Student Emergency and Food Insecurity Fund. This fund is made possible entirely by TU’s community: faculty, staff, alumni and friends.

Be sure to see the top photos and videos of 2020.

This story is one of several related to President Kim Schatzel’s priorities for Towson University: TU Matters to Maryland.