Beyond The Brown & Gold: Recent Episodes
Rowan Radio
Beyond the Brown & Gold will deliver a dose of nostalgia and alma mater pride by highlighting the lives and memories of Glassboro State College and Rowan University alumni. Join hosts Rob Lightfoot ’00, M’01 and Jessica Kanady ’08, M’15 as they sit down with graduates spanning the decades and learn more about their unique college experiences, career paths, life lessons and more!
Hosts Rob Lightfoot and Jessica Kanady chat with Rowan alum Jessica Lundrigan '08 about her path from art student to packaging designer for major toy brands, including Barbie and Disney. Jess explains the packaging design process, sustainability and production challenges, trends like blind-box collectibles, and how internships and networking launched her career.
The episode also touches on Jess's personal story—meeting her husband, leading a creative team, and her ambitious reading habit—plus practical advice for aspiring design students.
Rowan University graduate Adam Chazen '08 joins Beyond the Brown & Gold to share his path from Old Bridge, New Jersey and Rowan’s Radio, TV, & Film program to a career in visual effects. He discusses early college experiences (including booking shows for Bob Saget and Zach Galifianakis), internships at The Onion, moving to Los Angeles, working on Game of Thrones in Northern Ireland, and his current role on Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Adam reflects on mentorship, the realities of working in TV and film, building a network of Rowan alumni in the industry, and advice for students considering creative careers.
Liz Faircloth '00 joins Beyond the Brown and Gold to share her path from psychology major and student government leader to real estate investor and entrepreneur.
She discusses building a national portfolio, founding InvestHER to support women investors, lessons from the 2008 crash, practical investing tips (house-hacking, team-building, financing), and her continued ties to Rowan University.
InvestHER Con and resources for women seeking to grow wealth via real estate are highlighted.
Chanelle Rene '99 discusses her winding path from biochemistry and broadcasting studies to a career in communications, wellness, e-commerce, and finally full-time visual art. She explains how classes and internships shaped her skills (including advice she received from a Rowan professor), and led to unexpected pivots.
She describes teaching herself painting during the pandemic, creating portraits, murals, and public installations, and designing the New Jersey Devils' 2024–25 Black History Celebration jersey. She shares lessons on resilience, entrepreneurship, and pursuing creative passions at any age.
For more information Chanelle's journey, you read more at chanellerene.com
Brianna "Bree" Jacobs '19 joins the latest episode of Beyond the Brown & Gold. Jacobs, an accounting major and dance minor during her days at Rowan University, spends her time these days working at KPMG as an audit manager. However, she spends her down time cultivating her passion - dancing.
On the new show, Jacobs discusses how she fell in love with dancing, the process of starting her own dancing company, and how dancing can be therapeutic.
Jacobs is the founder and director of hip-hop/contemporary company ‘Empire Dance.' Under her leadership, the company has delivered captivating performances in New York City, Philadelphia, Boston, and their home state of New Jersey, as well as placing in the top 10 at World of Dance.
Hear all about her journey from Rowan University to the dance floor on a new episode of Beyond the Brown & Gold.
Ed Delesky ’18, MD ’22 spent his days at Rowan University balancing biochemistry with being a track and field athlete. Years later, Delesky is now a family medicine physician with Cooper University Hospital and an Assistant Professor of Family Medicine.
The newest episode of Beyond the Brown & Gold welcomes Delesky in to discuss his time as a Rowan University student and why he decided to jump into the family medicine field. Also, he explains mental challenges of medical school and offers advice to future patients.
Delesky, host of Your Checkup! Patient Education Podcast, shares tips for future medical students and how patients can change their thinking about medicine.
Steve Calabro '80 traded in the chilly weather of New Jersey for the sunny skies and warm weather of Florida. However, his passion and career path did not change. Calabro has been a part of the casino and entertainment industry since the 80s. These days, Calabro is an executive vice president and General Manager at Hialeah Park Casino in Florida.
A new episode of Beyond the Brown & Gold catches up with Calabro, who discusses his time in the Atlantic City casino scene; attending then-Glassboro State College including a stint at WGLS-FM (Rowan University's campus radio station); and more.
Also, he talks about working with entertainers in the music business as a part of his work in the casino field and working with Donald Trump.
Claudia Abate '93 joins the Beyond the Brown & Gold to share her incredibly unique journey from Glassboro to working for the United Nations. Abate's desire to work for the United Nations began at a young age and eventually developed into a reality.
During this episode, she talks about how her worldly experiences at the UN led her to meeting presidents and notable political figures along the way.
Abate is a respected and trusted advisor to Heads of State, Heads of Government, and Sovereigns. Her expertise and recognition encompasses working with philanthropists, governments, the United Nations, and non-profit organizations. Her work has been honored with a nomination for the Seoul Peace Prize. Today, the Foundation for Post Conflict Development is a leading organization for advocacy, education, and project delivery in fragile and conflict-affected countries.
Learn about her incredible career on a new episode of Beyond the Brown & Gold.
Ahead of Valentine's Day, Beyond The Brown & Gold gets you in the mood for love. Listen to the 2026 edition of Prof Sweethearts stories from Rowan alumni across generations, featuring tales of longtime commitments and surprising challenges.
Part 2 of these heartfelt love stories includes:
- Lisa (Williams) ’83 & Kevin Crichton ’84
- Kelly (Fitzpatrick) ’00 & Wayne Trojanowski ’00
- Sydnee (Gould) ’20 & Ben Afflitto ’22
- Steph (Taraschi) ’10 & Erika Knorr ’12
Ahead of Valentine's Day, Beyond The Brown & Gold gets you in the mood for love. Listen to the 2026 edition of Prof Sweethearts stories from Rowan alumni across generations, featuring tales of longtime commitments and surprising challenges.
Part 1 of these heartfelt love stories includes:
- Colleen (Kulik) ’03 & Tom Marroletti ’04
- Diane (Lisa) ’69, M’80 & John Mazzei ’69, M’75
- Aaliyah Wiggins ’22 & Lesego Harrison ’23
Dr. Hettie Williams '94, an associate professor, author, and podcaster, discusses her journey on a new episode of Beyond the Brown & Gold. The MLK Unsung Hero Award winner details her journey from Glassboro State College to a tenured position at Monmouth University. She shares memories of influential mentors, her research on African-American history and how programs like EOF/MAP and AmeriCorps shaped her path.
The conversation covers her books (including The Georgia of the North), her podcasts, her popular course on the History of Love and Marriage, and how she approaches teaching today amid student anxiety and new tools like AI.
For more on Dr. Williams, head here
Jon J. Vogel '11 is an entrepreneur, marketer, philanthropist, and educator who earned his BS in Entrepreneurship from Rowan University and an MBA in Marketing from Drexel University.
He is the co-founder and principal of 215 Marketing, an award-winning Philadelphia-based marketing agency recognized on the Inc. 5000 list of Fastest Growing Private Companies in America (2023), Adweek’s Top 50 Fastest Growing Agencies in the World (2025), and the Philadelphia Business Journal’s Fast 50 list of the fastest-growing private companies in the Greater Philadelphia region (2025). Together with its sister agency, Units Franchise Marketing, 215 Marketing has also been a back-to-back winner of Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top Franchise Suppliers.
Vogel joined Beyond the Brown & Gold to discuss his days at Rowan University and his rise in the entrepreneurship world. He shared methods on connecting with students, lessons in marketing, why Disney World is one of his favorite places, and much more.
Dr. Laura Grossi's path to becoming a forensic evaluator at a state psychiatric hospital was not a straight path. Her varied educational background, which included psychology, led her into the world of law & justice. Grossi's job includes performing forensic evaluations to assess competency of people to stand trial and evaluations to see if defendants qualify for the insanity defense.
The newest Beyond the Brown & Gold episode takes a deep dive into Grossi's unique profession and how her time at Rowan University led her to such a unique and distinguished career.
Rasheed J. Daniel '00 is the CEO and founder of TeamSheed Productions, an independent Black-owned company dedicated to advancing inclusion in the television industry. Daniel is the guest on a new episode of Beyond the Brown & Gold.
He recounts his fun days at Rowan University; how Dr. William H. Myers impacted his life in Glassboro; and how he got started in the television industry. Also, he covers the challenges of creating reality television, what he tries to teach his children, and much more.
As a part of TeamSheed Productions, Daniel co-created a new music competition series called Deb's House, which he also details in the show.
Meet Josh Schneider M’18, a podcaster, advocate, and proud College of Education alumnus. While pursuing his master’s degree at Rowan University, Josh began to experience vision loss: an event that would reshape his path and inspire his life’s mission. Josh shares his story of navigating his vision loss to discovering the world of blind hockey. Hear how his experiences led to co-founding The Dented Puck Foundation and supporting the U.S. Blind Hockey Team.
Chris D'Angelo '07, M'10, Rowan University's Director of Alumni Engagement, joins the latest edition of Beyond the Brown & Gold. Family has always been a big part of Chris's Rowan story. Whether it was following the footsteps of his twin sister or building a family environment in Rowan's Alumni Engagement office, D'Angelo's passion for his position started long before becoming a Rowan University employee.
D'Angelo discusses the mentors who influenced him throughout his career; how he met his wife at Rowan; the university's new Forging Forward campaign; his love of television; and more in an action-packed episode.
Devón Coles '21 stops by Beyond the Brown & Gold to share his experiences as a Rowan University online student. Coles gained his Law & Justice degree from Rowan University and parlayed that into a career as a probation office. His talents are not limited to one kind of court. Also, Coles trains basketball players and currently has a business that develops the next generation of hoops talent.
Coles offers wisdom regarding training in youth sports, what it was like being an online student, and much more in an entertaining episode of Beyond the Brown & Gold.
For more information on his business, you visit his website: devoncolestraining.com/
Danielle Roberts '11 is known as the Anti-Career Coach. Her professional experiences led her to thinking about how people work and workplace culture. As a TEDx speaker with a vast knowledge of social media platforms, she continues to help shape the future and humanize workplaces everywhere.
Roberts joins the Beyond the Brown & Gold crew to share her experiences at Rowan University as a student and former employee. Elsewhere, Roberts talks about how the popular TV show Severance is relatable to today's workforce; and the concept of hustle culture.
Joe Marakowski '18 works in government as a logistics management specialist but that is not his claim to fame. Marakowski created and donated a scholarship, published a book, and even started his own business. Known as "Joey Cannoli in the wedding entertainment, Marakowski parlayed his love of fun and food into a side business that allows people to share in his love of cannoli.
Before his business took off, Marakowski spent time at Camden County College before landing at Rowan University. His Rowan University experience eventually led to a job with the Navy and the government. Find out about Joe Marakowski's path to success on the latest episode of Beyond the Brown & Gold.
Brian Kulak '98, M'12 turned an educational concept into a new book and he shares his wisdom a new episode of Beyond the Brown & Gold. Following his days at Rowan University, Kulak embarked on a career in education. As a teacher, he wanted to connect with students and developed "The Hot Seat" - a thought-provoking concept that allowed his students to freely share their thoughts.
Kulak explains how The Hot Seat (also the title of his recently released book) came to be. He is joined by one of his former students in-studio - Kaylee Collins, who described her experiences in The Hot Seat.
Kulak also describes the secret to connecting with students in the classroom, books that do and don't work in the classroom, and the BTBG crew puts Kulak on their version of The Hot Seat.
Long daily commutes from the Jersey Shore to New York City didn't stop Jon Lavengetto '14 on a path towards working in sports. Currently, his hard work and dedication landed him a position as the senior content manager for the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans. The newest episode of Beyond the Brown & Gold finds Lavengetto talking about his work in The Big Easy and his days at Rowan University in the Radio, Television, & Film department.
Plus, Lavengetto provides tips for providing good social media content and offers advice to students on how to succeed in the competitive sports/content creation field.
Troi Barnes '17 currently serves as the director of media relations at the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, the nation's premier legal organization. Also, she Is a part of the Rowan University Black Alumni Network.
A new episode of Beyond The Brown & Gold highlights her time at Rowan University and what the Glassboro means to her family - including why it has a special meaning to her parents. Also, Barnes describes her time and influences at Rowan University while earning a degree in public relations.
Lastly, Barnes discussed how internships helped shape her career and how they led to her current career path that includes battling for democracy.
Acclaimed financial advisor and best-selling personal finance author Ric Edelman ’80 hosted the country’s longest-running personal finance radio show, The Ric Edelman Show, and subsequent podcast, The Truth About Your Future with Ric Edelman. Jean Edelman ’81 is an author and host of the Self-Care with Jean podcast. They continue to build a legacy at Rowan University and beyond.
The latest edition of Beyond the Brown & Gold welcomes the co-founders of Edelman Financial Engines, the largest investment management firm in the nation, to the show. The Edelmans take us on their path, from Glassboro State College to the top echelon of personal finance; crypto; and the relationship between parents, children, and money.
Also, they explain how and why they continue to support Rowan University and its students – including the marvelous Jean & Ric Edelman Fossil Park & Museum of Rowan University. They reveal how the park came to be and how it will benefitgenerations to come.
Come discover the couple’s dynamic story and how they became two of the most influential figures in the asset and wealth management field.
Steve Feinberg '90 is a seasoned music industry professional with a remarkable career spanning over 24 years. His journey in the arts started when he relocated from Philadelphia to New York, where he became an integral part of the entertainment landscape. A new episode of Beyond the Brown & Gold catches up with Feinberg and his amazing run in the entertainment industry and how he landed back at Rowan University to further develop the Rowan Music Group.
A career that included managing Good Charlotte and working with Academy Award-winning actor Kevin Kline takes center stage on an exciting new episode.
Initially working with Academy Award-winning actor Kevin Kline to produce Shakespeare in the Park, Steve quickly found a place in the television industry, running the script department for network television’s #1 drama, Law & Order.
Chrissy Buteas '04 made the most of her time at Rowan University. Buteas won a national championship as a member of Rowan University's field hockey team. Her success extended past the field as she explained in a new episode of Beyond the Brown & Gold.
Buteas, the President & CEO of the HealthCare Institute of New Jersey (HINJ), joined the podcast to discuss her career in government; how she arrived at her chosen career path; continued work at Rowan University; and much more including her time as a Rowan University athlete.
Karl Jurman ’78 and Mary (D’Arcy) Jurman ’77 joined Beyond the Brown & Gold to share their experiences at then-Glassboro State College and more. These Prof Sweethearts detail the story about how they met; and how the arts has played an important part in their lives. Plus, hear from Karl Jurman '78 on life working on Broadway and his vast experiences as a music director. Mary Jurman covers her work in voice performance and the pivotal moments that helped shape her career
Lu Reyes '20 and Jay Reyes '13, known as The Super Poor Kids, are an accomplished art duo hailing from Camden, NJ, whose artistic pursuits span over a decade and a half. During their time at Rowan, they joined the Xi Gamma chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated and remain active members of the organization today.
The brother duo joins the latest episode of Beyond the Brown & Gold to talk about their art careers, upbringing, working with the NHL's New Jersey Devils, and much more.
Love is in the air during February for Beyond The Brown & Gold as we salute Prof Sweethearts. Couples who met their significant other at Rowan University share their love stories in a special two-part episode.
Part 2 features the following the couples:
- Avé (Borneo) Altersitz ’77 & Russell Altersitz ’76
- Chris Douglas ’94 & Lourdes (Fernandez) Douglas ’96
- Gina (Bittner) Di Bartolo ’09 & Anthony Di Bartolo ’09
- Angela (Sharp) Tripido ’93 & Anthony Tripido ’93
Enjoy this special look at love courtesy of Beyond the Brown & Gold!
Love is in the air during February for Beyond The Brown & Gold as we salute Prof Sweethearts. Couples who met their significant other at Rowan University share their love stories in a special two-part episode.
Part 1 features the following the couples:
- Brian Ceriani ’99 & Jessica (Striplin) Ceriani ’99
- Charles Morgan ’12 & Stephanie (Holmes) Morgan ’13
- Abby Aretz ’20 & Emily Kertis ’20
Enjoy this special look at love courtesy of Beyond the Brown & Gold!
Dr. Al Lewis '06 developed a career in education as the Superintendent at Weymouth Township School District. He shares his path to success on the latest edition of Beyond the Brown & Gold. Dr. Lewis explains how Rowan University played a pivotal role in his life from the classroom to the ice rink and meeting his future wife. Also, he describes what action he took upon taking on a new job, the position's challenges, surrounding yourself with the right people, and much more.
Angela Brown '98 is the co-founder of Perfecting Ministries in Sewell, NJ and executive director of Loving Our Cities - a community development corporation with a mission to enhance the quality of life and advocate to amplify women's voices. Striving to make the world a better place, Brown shared her joys, struggles, influences, and dreams on the latest episode of Beyond the Brown & Gold. While going through Rowan University as a non-traditional student, Brown managed to stay active in a variety of areas including through the Black Cultural League, Student Government Association, and more. She described life during COVID; how she battled adversity through her college days and beyond.
Walt Walker '05, M '06 is the Vice President and Water Equity Practice Leader at T.Y. Lin | Greeley and Hansen Water Solutions. Walker joined a new episode of Beyond the Brown & Gold to discuss how he landed in the engineering field; Rowan's Engineers without Borders; and taking a risk by moving to New York City to pursue his dreams.
Also, Walker describes the importance of mentors to career development; how marathon running helped him build community; and how is journey through Rowan University shaped him.
Juliet (Williams) Hahn '97 is the Chief Communications Officer (CCO) at FetTech. However, she battled adversity growing up. Despite being a successful two-sport athlete, Hahn's academic career faced a big challenge...dyslexia. Despite the learning obstacles, she built a successful career after college, which includes hosting numerous podcasts and working in the communications industry. Hahn, who graduated from Rowan University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Radio, Television, & Film, joined the podcast to share her trials and tribulations dealing with dyslexia; how she uses LinkedIn to communicate; and advice to students on how to thrive.
Kevin McMahon '06 is the Senior Director of Community Fundraising & Cause Marketing at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. A new Beyond the Brown & Gold finds McMahon recounting his days in Glassboro and what led him to extend his academic career at the University of Tennessee. Also, McMahon shares his experiences with Rowan University's Rec Center; what it was like working with the Philadelphia Eagles; his experiences with Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and offers insights in the world of fundraising.
John Rondi ’89 & Johnny Rondi ’18 are a father-son duo that built a very unique brand called Johnny Drinks. They've shared their love of cocktails and food all over the world and they explain how Johnny Drinks came to be on a new episode of Beyond the Brown & Gold. The pair recounts their personal paths to creating a brand that has become a social media hit with nearly three million followers on TikTok. Also, they reveal challenges faced while developing their popular content and much more.
Fresh off a flight from Key West, Florida, Daniel Jones '05 joins the program to talk about his rocky road from Rowan University to working for Xbox. Besides his work in the world of artificial intelligence, Jones has a love for jiu jitsu and mentoring young engineers. Jones shared wisdom regarding technology, being a parent, and much more during a fun trip down memory lane.
Isha Strasser M'20 traveled all over the country, which includes a stop at Rowan University in Glassboro. Strasser, who is an organizational director, and contemplative teacher, covers her background and the enjoyment of learning. Also, she talked about the challenges of being a non-traditional student while attending Rowan University, working in prisons, resiliency, and much more.
Matt Morgan '06 has an eclectic background that he shares on a new edition of Beyond the Brown & Gold. Morgan's regular job is as a Department of Defense Civilian at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. However, Morgan's career also included time as a writer for Wired and MTV. He discusses his versatile background; why he chose engineering at Rowan University while also being a part of the Rowan Television Network; volunteering; and getting engaged while still in college.
Before Blake Winston Rice '12 created critically acclaimed short films for the Cannes Film Festival, he roamed Bozorth Hall at Rowan University as Radio/TV/Film major. He joins Beyond the Brown & Gold to talk about his path through the entertainment world including working as a stand-up comedian; and beginning his journey as a filmmaker. Rice details his inspiration and thought process on creating films. Also, Rice shares his thoughts on how students can achieve success as filmmakers.
Rowan University alum Sara Rizzo '10 took an unusual path to land in her current position as an assistant professor & Data Services Librarian at National Louis University in Chicago. Rizzo discusses her journey (which included living in Kazakhstan) and why she decided becoming a librarian was the career path for her. Also, she talks about the importance of taking risks, her time at Rowan, and much more.
Tony Racioppi '04 spends his time developing the next generation of quarterbacks as a coach with Test Academy. Before he became a coach, Racioppi was one of the greatest athletes to ever to play at Rowan University. The former record-setting All-American quarterback paid a visit to Beyond the Brown & Gold to talk about his playing days as a Prof including his team's remarkable run; a big coaching change during his senior year; and the team's controversial, headline-making loss to Bridgewater College in 2001. Also, Racioppi discusses being a part of renowned Manning Passing Academy; challenges faced by today's athletes; and much more.
Teray Johnson MBA '17 is the Director of Data Automation and Transformation at Lifepoint Health. She joins Beyond the Brown & Gold to talk about her unique career path that involves being a healthcare professional while also earning an MBA from Rowan University. Also, she discusses how she became a novelist; how data plays a big part in her work; why she opted to pursue an MBA at Rowan University; and some of her influences while completing the degree.
Julia Lechner '09 is quite a creative force, who has a love for comedy and storytelling. The Rowan University graduate took decided to pick up and move out to the west coast where she hopped into the entertainment industry. A new Beyond the Brown & Gold finds Lechner discussing the transition out west post-graduation, the importance of storytelling, her time at Rowan Radio, sharing a surprise about her college days, and more. Find out how she maximized her skills and opportunities while living in California.
Fresh off of speaking at Rowan University's 2024 College of Education Commencement ceremony, Jeannine Frisby LaRue '74 is a guest on Beyond the Brown & Gold. Currently, Senior Vice President of the Kaufman Zita Group and an accomplished leader in New Jersey, LaRue shares her wisdom and insight on a new episode that should not be missed. She details her emotional journey as a student upon arriving to Glassboro State College and how she turned adversity into triumph. Also, LaRue talks about making the transition from education to a lobbyist; being a part of Rowan's Black Alumni Network; the famous Johnson/Kosygan summit in Glassboro; and much more.
Dr. Kathleen Wickham, Ed.D. '71 wears many hats including being a professor in the School of Journalism & New Media at Ole Miss. Before building a career down south, Dr. Wickham attended then-Glassboro State College. Recently, she returned to campus for a visit and stopped by Beyond the Brown & Gold to talk about her career and time in Glassboro. Dr. Wickham discussed writing for The Whit, which included covering the Vietnam War; the importance of journalism and diversity; and much more.
Charity Herndon '19 is a skilled and passionate author. A new Beyond the Brown & Gold finds Herndon talking about her road to Rowan and how she became a writer. Herndon discusses her debut novel - Other Side of the Tracks. Also, she outlines her writing process and how she balances writing along with teaching children.
You can find a copy of Other Side of the Tracks online.
Philadelphia Phillies public address announcer Dan Baker is a Delaware Valley institution. Baker has been a fixture on the Philadelphia sports scene and at Phillies games for over 50 years. The latest edition of Beyond the Brown & Gold finds Baker sharing his keys to success with announcing; his days at Glassboro State College; how he overcame a career-threatening illness in 2021; and turning his love of sports into a lifelong career.
Bob Catania '76 has a love affair with music. Whether it was his early days at WGLS-FM at then-Glassboro State College or working with U2, Catania always found his way back to music. A new Beyond the Brown & Gold catches up with the music industry veteran. Learn how a job in a mailroom became a wonderful career. He talks about his career with various record labels and musicians including Lisa Loeb, Melissa Etheridge, and more.
Deirdre Breakenridge ’88 is an author, reads 50 books per year, and can analyze your body language in the blink of an eye. A new Beyond the Brown & Gold finds the communications specialist talking about the art of body language, how to read another person, and what your body language says about you. Elsewhere, she discusses the Glassboro party scene in the 80's; writing books; the motivation behind them; and what meditation means to her. It's a revealing new episode of Beyond the Brown & Gold!
The second part of the #ProfSweethearts edition of Beyond the Brown & Gold is here. Find out how heartbreak, chance encounters, and chemistry led Profs down the road of love.
The couples interviewed include:
Chris & Violet Leak Martin
Rob Friedman & Caroline Robertson
Constantine Dean Pella & Kate Juniewicz
Nicole Rowe & Lamont Nutter
Love is in the air as the Beyond the Brown & Gold crew visit with three couples that found love at Glassboro State College/Rowan University as a #ProfSweethearts edition of the podcast. These stories provide the love, triumph, and heartbreak that comes with dating in college.
The couples interviewed include:
Phil & Kari Janisse
Scott & Katie Stys
Eric Avedissian & Elnie Boyer
Rowan University graduate Michael Licisyn '06 never intended to have a life working in sports. However, years after graduating, the Radio/TV/Film major found himself working for his favorite sports team - the Philadelphia Phillies - and winning two Emmys. A new Beyond the Brown & Gold covers Licisyn's rise through the ranks to become Video Content Manager with the Phillies. Elsewhere, he outlines his time at Rowan University; how his time at Rowan Radio helped shape him; and talks about what the team's 2022 National League Championship ring means to him.
Rowan University graduate Taylor Henry '18, M'21 cultivated her love of music and writing in Glassboro. These days, she devotes her time to teaching at Rowan University and being a radio on-air personality. A new edition of Beyond The Brown & Gold catches up with Henry, who details how she found her voice at Rowan Radio, developed a tremendous vinyl record collection, and became a writer. Also, she even shows off some of her vast music knowledge.
Once a Rowan University student, Robert Baumgartner '06, M'11 is now giving back to his alma mater as a history teacher. The newest Beyond the Brown & Gold catches up with Baumgartner, who describes his transition from teaching at high school to teaching history at Rowan University. Also, he talks about his favorite era, his love of history, working as a tour guide for Battleship New Jersey, and even sprinkles in a little Taylor Swift.
Betty (Bowe) Castor '63 is a legend in the Glassboro area and a female trailblazer. The new Beyond The Brown & Gold visits with Castor as she recounts her days in the 'Boro and how the Bowe name became such a fixture in Glassboro. Also, she explains the challenges of being a working female in the 60s and beyond; being appointed to the Fulbright Scholarship Board by President Barack Obama; and how she is still giving back to Rowan University.
Alex Pollock '15, MA '17 and Caroline Kubach '15, MA '17 met at Rowan University as freshmen guitar majors. Recently married, the couple stops by Beyond The Brown & Gold to discuss their journey of love and music. Along with playing as a musical duo throughout the country, the couple also finds time to teach music to children in Kennett Square PA. Find out how they became Prof Sweethearts, cultivated their love of music as the Dulcet Guitar Duo, and discuss how to teach kids how to play an instrument.
Michael Connallon, Jr. '00 is currently executive director and senior relationship manager with JP Morgan Chase & Co.'s Agency Securities Finance business. He stops by to chat on a new episode of Beyond the Brown & Gold. Connallon shares his worldly business experiences that landed him in London and Hong Kong. Furthermore, Connallon discusses what he is doing to give back to his alma mater including his work with the Rowan University Foundation Board and the Rowan Innovation Venture Fund.
Stephanie Poe-Cerdan '19 says there is no such thing as a bad day. Find out why from the College of Humanities & Social Sciences graduate on a new episode of Beyond the Brown & Gold. She covers her road to a Rowan University degree as a non-traditional student and how she started caring for people at nine years old. Serving as CEO & Executive Director of Devani Home Care Solutions, the energetic Poe-Cerdan discussed what it is like working in the hospice care field and why it is so important to her.
Once upon a time Joe Wagner '04 was working towards a computer science degree at Rowan University. Now, he is a Cloud Architect at Vanguard. A long and winding road that includes his days as a Rowan University student, jiu-jitsu, and working overseas in England is detailed on a new episode of Beyond The Brown & Gold. Also, he offers thoughts on how to navigate cloud-based storage, ChatGPT, and the craze involving artificial intelligence (AI).
Find out why the arts has played such an important role in the life of Maureen (Maguire) St. John '78, '87 on a new episode of Beyond The Brown & Gold. St. John is a studio artist, photographer and retired art educator, who loves to educate on the finer points of art. The two-time Glassboro State College graduate shares her unique experiences growing up in South Jersey including seeing some legendary rock concerts in Glassboro including Black Sabbath, Bonnie Raitt, and many more. Also, she talks about what drove her into the art field; the importance of the arts; her love of music; and why Angelo's Diner is one of the many things that makes Glassboro a special and unique place.
Rowan University Homecoming 2023 kicks off on Monday, October 9 and lasts until Sunday, October 15. As Rowan University celebrates its 100th anniversary, find out how you can be a part of a once-in-a-lifetime spectacular from Jessica Kanady and Rob Lightfoot in a special Beyond the Browan and Gold minisode!
How does a South Jersey native end up in the Pacific Northwest? Let Hannah Battiste '15 tell you all about it in a new episode of Beyond The Brown & Gold. As a Rowan University student, Battiste spent her time as a part of Student University Programmers, Rowan After Hours, and more. She shares her memories of Rowan and life after Glassboro which included working with animals. Plus, Battiste discusses her multiple jobs; and talks about how cultivating her love of dance and theater at a young age led to becoming a choreographer for children.
If you're a Glassboro State College/Rowan University alum, you can update us on your life by filling out a Class Notes form.
Rowan University graduate Matt Graifer '08 is many things including a father, a high school history teacher, and notably the on-field host for the notorious Savannah Bananas baseball team. Dubbed "The Young Professor" and "Chief Potassium Enthuasist," Graifer stopped by Beyond The Brown & Gold to share some wisdom on how a flashy wardrobe and outgoing personality have paid dividends for him so far. Also, he talks about his upcoming book project, how working at the Rowan University Rec Center impacted his life, and even flashes a good Hulk Hogan impersonation.
Once upon a time, Michael Facchin '08 was serenading students with songs while living at Rowan University. Now, he takes the Beyond the Brown & Gold crew inside the Badger Den.
Facchin covered his time living in South Korea, his love of music, and the world of e-commerce. He shared his experiences while being a Rowan University student and how he went from the world of biology to talking Amazon and all things e-commerce on his podcast. Plus, he explained what the Badger Den is all about.
Balancing a career in human resources, being an author, and a single mom is all in a day's work for Alexandra (Carella) McGroarty '12. The newest edition of Beyond The Brown & Gold catches up with McGroarty, who graduated from Rowan University in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies. She shares her trials and tribulations of raising two children while managing a career, which includes writing books. Also, she outlines the challenges for women in the workplace and talks about managing grief after losing her husband.
You can find McGroarty's books available at booksellers or by heading to the links below:
Bridging The Gap: Reducing Gender Bias in the Workplace
So Now What?: Harnessing Grief After Life's Major Losses
Jason Levin '97 has traveled the world and established meaningful relationships despite spending parts of his life out of the country. A new Beyond The Brown & Gold catches up with Levin, who explains how to build relationships with people; how frozen yogurt played an important part in his college experience at Rowan University; balancing a $1 million budget as a student; and how to keep up with people by using postcards.
Also, Levin discusses the writing process for his book "Relationships to Infinity: The Art and Science of Keeping in Touch" and how his wife played a motivational role in the experience.
Dr. Keisha Stephenson Taylor '98, M'00 is the Senior Director of Alumni & Postsecondary Engagement at NAF. She stays on the go but managed to stop by Beyond The Brown and Gold to talk about her time as a Rowan student, her career in education, and more. As Find out how she managed to balance a career, family, and find time to obtain her doctorate degree. Plus, she provides parenting tips, how she met her husband, and tells us how her parents impacted her decision to attend Rowan University.
Jason Dennen '98 is an author and a thrill-seeker but most importantly, he is a survivor. A nearly fatal skydiving accident almost cost Dennen his life. However, he lived to tell the story and he does just that on a new edition of Beyond the Brown & Gold. Dennen discusses his time at Rowan University in the late 90s and how he became a triathlete. Also, he talks about how his ill-fated skydiving accident led to his own holiday; learning experiences from the injuries he suffered; and becoming the author of a book called "8 Days Till Sunrise."
Beyond the Brown & Gold welcomes its first graduate from Rowan University's School of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Kay Yoon-Flannery. Dr. Yoon-Flannery reveals the difficulties of balancing family and becoming a surgeon. Also, she discusses her motivation for becoming a doctor and her parents' thoughts about tackling a challenging career path. With a background in breast surgical oncology, Dr. Yoon-Flannery offers advice on when to screen for breast cancer as well.
A member of a Glassboro State College/Rowan University legacy family, Steven Calakos '08 stops by Beyond The Brown & Gold to talk about the world of theater and how his education background helped him in the arts industry. Elsewhere, Calakos covers life in Naples, Florida during the COVID pandemic, a stop in reality TV thanks to Grease, his unique proposal to his wife, making a career change, and more.
Adam Woodhull '03, M'07 spends time supporting all things brown and gold by serving as a member of the Rowan Alumni Board. Also, Woodhull cultivates his love of cars by working at Subaru. In a new episode of Beyond the Brown & Gold, Woodhull reflects on his time at Subaru so far, his time at Rowan University, meeting his wife, cars, and more.
Meet two Rowan alumni behind a new South Jersey brewery on the newest edition of Beyond the Brown & Gold. Megan Brown '02 and Mike Melniczuk '03 are two of the people behind Farmers and Bankers Brewing in Woodstown, New Jersey. Melniczuk (an owner) and Brown (the brewery's Director of Outreach & Events) talk about how Farmers and Bankers Brewing came to be including their unlikely meeting thanks to their children. Also, the duo discusses their time at Rowan, how it impacted the creation of the new brewery, challenges, and more.
Dr. Peter B. Contini '66, M'71, the longest-serving president in the 50-year history of Salem County Community College, joins Beyond the Brown & Gold to talk about his career in education. He takes us back to his days at then-Glassboro State College including how he met his wife on campus, the Boro Boys, and much more. Also, Dr. Contini discusses the difference in students during his long and storied career in education.
John Sadak '00, M '03 almost ended up taking a far different career path than sports broadcasting. While he originally had eyes on the math and science field, sports broadcasting became his calling. A new episode of Beyond the Brown & Gold finds Sadak detailing how he became a nationally renowned sports broadcaster. From his roots at Rowan University and Rowan Radio to his current job as the television play-by-play voice of Major League Baseball's Cincinnati Reds, Sadak covers all points in between. Also, he offers advice to young broadcasters, talks work/home balance, traveling on the road, and more.
Gina (Lemanowicz) Pusloski '03 is one of Rowan University's most enthusiastic alumni. When she isn't promoting the Rowan brand as Rowan Alumni Board president, Gina is an investigator for the State of New Jersey, yogi, and world traveler.
Pusloski talks about her experiences as a Rowan University student; her love of Broadway music; why she supports her alma mater to this day as a part of the Rowan Alumni Board; and more.
Dr. Lillian Lodge Kopenhaver '62 wears many hats in New Jersey and Florida. Kopenhaver is dean emeritus and professor emeritus for the School of Journalism and Mass Communications at Florida International University. Also, she is the executive director for the Center for the Advancement of Women In Communication at FIU.
Meanwhile, she stayed true her roots as a Glassboro State College/Rowan University alumna. In a new episode of Beyond the Brown & Gold, Dr. Kopenhaver talks about her time in Glassboro as a student and what it means to give back to Rowan University now through numerous philanthropic ventures. Plus, she offers advice to young female professionals on how they can get ahead in communication. She even answers a controversial question...does Central Jersey truly exist?
It's a family affair on a new episode of Beyond the Beyond & Gold with David Burgin '82, M'02 and his daughter, Brighid Burgin Hoempler '12. The father-daughter duo talk about their respective roads to Glassboro State College and Rowan University; and how their time in Glassboro shaped them. Also, they explain how they became a legacy family at Rowan - and even share a family requirement related to their college days. Plus, the pair give insight on how important teachers were to them and how educators can continue to be a key for future generations of students.
Dr. Marque Allen '91 is a podiatrist and board certified foot and ankle specialist. He took time from his busy schedule to make the trip from San Antonio, Texas to Glassboro, New Jersey for a new episode of Beyond the Brown & Gold. Allen highlighted his road of self-discovery to getting into sports medicine. He talks about his career pertaining to medicine and professional sports; his days with ECW (Extreme Championship Wrestling); the many turns of his academic career; and more.
Whether it was working with America's Next Top Model, starring in commercials, or being a high school counselor, Janine (Jones) Edmonds stays on the go as an influential member of the South Jersey community. The latest edition of Beyond the Brown & Gold finds Edmonds talking about her career path in television in front of the camera and behind the scenes; how she became a counselor at Oakcrest High School; and offers great advice for high school and college students.
Jeff Hickman '95 is the manager of Disney College & International Recruitment and a proud graduate of Rowan University. He discusses what it's like to work at the happiest place on earth including naming his favorite things in special rapid fire question segment. Elsewhere, he shares details about life at Rowan including how he met his wife; and how he progressed from his day at Rowan Radio to his current role at Disney.
Comedienne Dena Blizzard '94 joins co-hosts Jessica (Ortuso) Kanady and Derek Jones on a new episode of Beyond The Brown & Gold. Find out how a mother and former Miss America contestant, who had an interest in chemistry and biology, landed in the world of comedy. She fondly recalls her days in Glassboro, covers how she got started in comedy, and much more.
Happy Holidays from your from friends at the Rowan University Alumni Association! Jessica Kanady and Rob Lightfoot explain how you can win some cool holiday swag from Rowan to help ring in the holiday season.
Karen Maser '79 stops by Beyond The Brown & Gold to talk about her television writing career including working on the set of ER and what events led to her leaving the east coast for the bright lights of Hollywood. Also, the WGLS-FM Hall of Fame member recounts her days at the campus radio station and life at then-Glassboro State College.
Rowan University graduate Ernie Holtzheimer ’12, MBA '13 joins co-hosts Jessica Kanady and Rob Lightfoot to talk all things business on the newest episode of Beyond The Brown & Gold. Holtzheimer covers his business career, working with the Rowan Innovation Venture Fund, his foray into the restaurant business, offers advice to students, and even chats about what songs help him prepare for a triathlon.
Cumberland County prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae ’91 is a trailblazer in her field and the latest guest on Beyond The Brown & Gold. Webb-McRae details her path to Glassboro State College and the world of law and justice with co-hosts Jessica Kanady and Rob Lightfoot. Also, the Vineland, New Jersey native talks about what it means to be the first female African-American prosecutor in Cumberland County; the importance of mentoring youth; and her love for Game of Thrones.
Jessica Kanady and Rob Lightfoot welcome Dr. Neel Aziz '98 to the show. Aziz is a supervisory veterinary pathologist for the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. He talks about his connection to Rowan University; influences during his college days; spending time in Hong Kong; challenges presented in the veterinary field by COVID-19, and much more.
Rowan University alumni and former American Ninja Warrior contestant Chris Wilczewski '15 is the first guest on Beyond the Brown and Gold. Hosted by Rowan University alumni Jessica Kanady '08, M'15 and Rob Lightfoot '00, M'01, the show details Wilczewski’s experiences on American Ninja Warrior, the show’s physical challenges and how his time as a student at Rowan University impacted his life.
Coming soon...Rowan University alumni Jessica Kanady & Rob Lightfoot host Beyond the Brown & Gold on your favorite podcasting platforms.