Tom first met Reuben at the International Radio and Television Society Gold Medal Awards held at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. The awards show honored Viacom CEO, Sumner Redstone. Many of Viacom's owned operations including those of UPN, Simon & Schuster, and even Paramount were on hand to pay tribute. Tom was invited to the event after receiving a fellowship from the IRTS and was even acknowledged during the ceremony. Reuben who left ER in 2000, now travels with Tina Turner as her back-up vocalist.

At the IRTS event, there were several stars that Tom encountered including, Laura Linney, Robert Urich, LeVar Burton, and Judge Judy Scheindlin seen here.

Another celebrity at the IRTS gala was sports figure Evander Holyfield who spoke with Tom briefly about his career and graciously posed for this shot.

During his sophomore year at Marist College, Tom was invited to the Val Kill Medal Awards, which takes place annually at the estate of the late Eleanor Roosevelt. The event honors those whose contributions parallel Roosevelts'. There were several recipients at the presentation, including Marist College President Dennis Murray and Queen Noor of Jordan. Another guest invited was Joan Rivers who met Tom alongside fellow student, Meredith Engler.

Ferraro first met Tom in 1996 when she spoke about various women issues during a lecture at Marist College. The following year, Tom interviewed Ferraro for his radio news show on WMCR, Marist College Radio.

During the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1997, Tom had the opportunity to interview Deborah Gibson for his television news show on MCTV, Marist College Television.

In his freshman year of college, Tom was given the chance to assist at a press conference for New York Congresswoman Sue Kelly. The political rally that followed included a special guest, House Speaker Newt Gingrich. As Kelly and Gingrich approached the podium, Tom and fellow student Lark Anton were there to greet them.

In 1997, Tom was invited to the Marist College Lowell Thomas Awards honoring CBS' Dan Rather. There were several guests in attendance, including New York City Police Commissioner Ray Kelly.