Class of 1986

PAUL HOCHMAN gears up for life beyond Today.

"I've made more people choke on their cornflakes in the morning than any other alumnus," says Hochman, explaining his role as "gear editor" for NBC's TodayShow.

His job entails finding "the latest and greatest" equipmentanything from golf and ski gear to wedding accouterments, Karaoke machines and scuba paraphernalia—and showcasing it twice a month. The gear can come in handy on the road: Hochman has covered the Athens and Salt Lake City Olympics, and he plans to cover the next one in Torino.

When he isn't trying out gear, covering the Olympics or working as a contributing editor for Men'sMagazine and Ski Magazine, Hochman is producing programs with his wife, Tricia. They've worked together on two segments for Winter Revolution, a television program showcasing what's new in sports; shows on Resort Sports Network; and a 13-show series for NBC on their own home renovation.

His favorite place, however, is Today's staging area: "It's a real privilege to shoot the breeze with John Updike when no one is around," says Hochman. "Then, in walks an Olympic medalist. It's an interesting way to see the world up close."