Beyond The Brown & Gold
Education & Explainer
About
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!
Episodes
- Brianna "Bree" Jacobs '19 on Her Love of Dancing & Owning a Dance Company
Brianna Jacobs '19, an audit manager at KPMG, discusses her passion for dance and her company, Empire Dance. She shares her journey from Rowan University, the process of starting her company, and how dance can be therapeutic.
- Ed Delesky '18, MD '22 on the Life of a Medical Student & Becoming a Physician
Ed Delesky '18, MD '22 joins Beyond the Brown & Gold to share his experiences as a Rowan University student, his journey into family medicine, and provides advice for aspiring physicians and patients. He also touches on the mental aspects…
- Steve Calabro '80 on Working in the Casino Business
Steve Calabro '80 shares his experiences in the casino and entertainment industry, detailing his career path from New Jersey to Florida, his time at Hialeah Park Casino, and collaborations with musicians and Donald Trump.
- Claudia Abate '93 on Working for the United Nations & World Travel
Claudia Abate '93 shares her career path to the United Nations, detailing her work with governments, philanthropists, and non-profits, including her role in the Foundation for Post Conflict Development. Her work has earned her a Seoul Peac…
- Prof Sweethearts 2026 Edition - Part 2
Part 2 of the Prof Sweethearts 2026 Edition features Rowan alumni sharing love stories and experiences of commitment and challenges. Couples from various graduating years, including 1983, 1984, 2000, 2010, 2012, 2020, and 2022, are highlig…
- Prof Sweethearts 2026 Edition - Part 1
Part 1 of the Prof Sweethearts 2026 edition features Rowan alumni sharing their love stories, including longtime commitments and challenges. The episode includes stories from alumni across generations.
- Dr. Hettie Williams '94 on AI, African-American History, & Student Anxiety
Dr. Hettie Williams shares her path from Glassboro State College to Monmouth University, discussing her research on African-American history, books, podcasts, and teaching strategies in the context of student anxiety and AI.
- Jon Vogel '11 on Becoming an Entrepreneur, Rowan Alumni Board, & Connecting With Students
Jon J. Vogel
- Dr. Laura Grossi '11 on Forensic Psychology & How to Pursue A Mental Health Career
Dr. Laura Grossi shares her journey into forensic psychology, detailing her work in evaluating trial competency and insanity defenses. Her experience at Rowan University played a key role in shaping her unique career path.
- Rasheed Daniel '00 on Creating a TV Production, Relationship Building, & Being a Dad
Rasheed Daniel, CEO and founder of TeamSheed Productions, discusses his experiences at Rowan University, his start in the television industry, and creating the reality competition series Deb's House. He also shares insights on inclusion in…
- Josh Schneider M '18 on Living with Blindness & Playing Hockey
Josh Schneider M’18 shares his experience of vision loss while studying at Rowan University, which led him to blind hockey and co-founding The Dented Puck Foundation to support the U.S. Blind Hockey Team.
- Chris D'Angelo '07, M'10 on Alumni Engagement, Forging Forward, & His Love for TV
Chris D'Angelo, Director of Alumni Engagement at Rowan University, shares his experiences at Rowan, including meeting his wife, the influence of mentors, and the university's Forging Forward campaign. He also touches on his passion for his…
- Devón Coles '21 on Being an Online Student, Performance Training, & Court Services
Devón Coles '21 shares his experiences as a Rowan University online student and his career path, including his work as a probation officer. He also discusses his business focused on training young basketball players.
- Danielle Roberts '11 on Being an Anti-Career Coach, Hustle Culture, & Severance
Danielle Roberts '11, known as the Anti-Career Coach, shares her experiences and insights on workplace culture, hustle culture, and the TV show "Severance" relating to the modern workforce.
- Joe Marakowski '18 on Being Joey Cannoli, Life in Government Work, & Cooking
Joe Marakowski '18, known as "Joey Cannoli," shares his experiences in government logistics, his book, a scholarship he created, and his cannoli business. His path included Camden County College and Rowan University, leading to a career wi…
- Brian Kulak '98, M'12 on The Hot Seat, Connecting with Students, & Education
Brian Kulak '98, M'12 shares insights on his career in education and the creation of his concept 'The Hot Seat,' designed to foster student connection. His new book, also titled 'The Hot Seat,' explores this idea, with experiences from a f…
- Jon Lavengetto '14 on Creating Content in the New Orleans Sports Scene
Jon Lavengetto '14 discusses his career in sports content creation, from his time at Rowan University to his role with the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans. He shares advice for students interested in the sports and content creation field.
- Troi Barnes '17 on Working in Public Relations, Rowan University Family Ties, & Making Change
Troi Barnes '17 shares her experiences in public relations at Rowan University, her connection to the Rowan University Black Alumni Network, and her current position as director of media relations at the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, highlight…
- Jean ’81 & Ric Edelman ’80 on Financial Literacy, Edelman Fossil Park, & Self-Care
Jean and Ric Edelman, founders of Edelman Financial Engines, share their journey from Glassboro State College to becoming leaders in personal finance. They discuss financial literacy, crypto, family finances, and their ongoing support for…
- Steve Feinberg '90 on Good Charlotte, Rowan Music Group, & A Life in the Music Industry
Steve Feinberg '90, a music industry professional, shares his career journey including managing Good Charlotte, working with Kevin Kline, and his role in developing the Rowan Music Group at Rowan University.
- Chrissy Buteas '04 on Working in Government, Playing Field Hockey, & Advice for Students
Chrissy Buteas '04, President & CEO of the HealthCare Institute of New Jersey, discusses her career in government, her time as a national champion field hockey player at Rowan University, and offers advice for students.
- Karl Jurman ’78 and Mary (D’Arcy) Jurman ’77 on Falling in Love, Broadway, & A Life in the Arts
Alumni Karl Jurman ’78 and Mary (D’Arcy) Jurman ’77 share their college experiences and how they met. They discuss the role of the arts in their lives, with Karl detailing his Broadway music director experiences and Mary discussing her voi…
- Lu Reyes '20 & Jay Reyes '13 on Art, Working with a Sibling, & Being The Super Poor Kids
Lu Reyes
- Prof Sweethearts Edition - Part 2
Part 2 of the Prof Sweethearts Edition features Rowan University alumni couples Avé & Russell Altersitz, Chris Douglas & Lourdes Fernandez Douglas, Gina Bittner Di Bartolo & Anthony Di Bartolo, and Angela Sharp Tripido & Anthony Tripido sh…
- Prof Sweethearts Edition - Part 1
Beyond The Brown & Gold's Prof Sweethearts Edition, Part 1, features love stories from couples who met at Rowan University. Featured couples include Brian and Jessica Ceriani, Charles and Stephanie Morgan, and Abby Aretz and Emily Kertis.
- Dr. Al Lewis '06 on Becoming a Leader, Life as a Superintendent, & Playing Ice Hockey
Dr. Al Lewis '06 shares his journey in education, becoming Superintendent at Weymouth Township School District. He highlights the influence of Rowan University on his life and career, including insights on leadership and building the right…
- Angela Brown '98 on Being a Non-Traditional Student, Resiliency, & COVID Challenges
Angela Brown '98, co-founder of Perfecting Ministries and executive director of Loving Our Cities, shares her journey as a non-traditional student at Rowan University, highlighting her involvement in campus organizations and her resilience…
- Walt Walker '05, M '06 on Engineers without Borders, the Importance of Mentors, & Building Community
Walt Walker shares his experiences in the engineering field, including his involvement with Engineers without Borders and his move to New York City. He also highlights the significance of mentors and how marathon running helped him build c…
- Juliet (Williams) Hahn '97 on Battling Dyslexia, the Power of LinkedIn & Parenthood
Juliet (Williams) Hahn '97, Chief Communications Officer at FetTech, shares her experiences overcoming dyslexia, building a career in communications and podcasting, and utilizing LinkedIn. She also offers advice for students.
- Kevin McMahon '06 on Working with the Philadelphia Eagles, CHOP, & Fundraising
Kevin McMahon '06, Senior Director of Community Fundraising & Cause Marketing at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, shares insights on his career, including his time with the Philadelphia Eagles and his experiences with fundraising.
- John Rondi ’89 & Johnny Rondi ’18 of Johnny Drinks on Building a Brand
John Rondi ’89 and Johnny Rondi ’18 discuss the creation of their brand, Johnny Drinks, a popular cocktail and food brand with a significant social media presence, particularly on TikTok.
- Daniel Jones '05 on his Rebellious College Days, Jiu Jitsu, & AI
Daniel Jones '05 joins Beyond The Brown & Gold to share his experiences, including his path from college to working for Xbox, his involvement in artificial intelligence, and his dedication to jiu jitsu and mentoring.
- Isha Strasser M'20 on Self-Discovery, Punk Rock, and Working in Prisons
Isha Strasser M'20 shares her experiences with self-discovery, punk rock, and working in prisons. She also touches on her time at Rowan University, highlighting the challenges of being a non-traditional student and the enjoyment of learnin…
- Matt Morgan '06 on the Challenges of Being an Engineer, Board Games, & Gaming Conventions
Matt Morgan '06 shares his diverse experiences, including his work as a DoD Civilian and former writer for Wired and MTV. He also reflects on his engineering education at Rowan University and his college activities.
- Blake Winston Rice '12 on the Anatomy of Filmmaking & Advice to Students on How to Succeed
Blake Winston Rice '12 discusses his filmmaking career, starting from his time at Rowan University and leading to success at the Cannes Film Festival. He shares insights into his creative process and offers advice for students pursuing fil…
- Sara Rizzo '10 on Living in Kazakhstan, Working in Data Services, & How Students Can Take Chances to Succeed
Sara Rizzo '10, a Rowan University alum, shares her journey to becoming a Data Services Librarian at National Louis University, including her experiences living in Kazakhstan. She emphasizes the value of risk-taking for career success.
- Tony Racioppi '04 on His Rise with Rowan Football, Becoming a Quarterback Coach, & Working with Athletes
Tony Racioppi discusses his time as a record-setting quarterback at Rowan University, including the team's 2001 season and a coaching change. He also shares insights on his coaching career with Test Academy and the challenges faced by mode…
- Teray Johnson MBA '17 on Working in Health Care, Getting Her MBA, & Being A Novelist
Teray Johnson MBA '17, Director of Data Automation and Transformation at Lifepoint Health, shares her career path in healthcare, her MBA experience at Rowan University, and her work as a novelist. The episode also touches on the role of da…
- Julia Lechner '09 on Moving to California, Storytelling, & Being a Mascot
This episode features Julia Lechner '09, discussing her transition to California after graduation, her passion for storytelling and comedy, and her time at Rowan Radio. She shares insights into maximizing skills and opportunities while liv…
- Jeannine Frisby LaRue '74 on Being an Educator, Lobbyist, and Commencement Speaker
Jeannine Frisby LaRue '74, Senior Vice President at Kaufman Zita Group, joins Beyond the Brown & Gold to discuss her experiences as an educator, lobbyist, and commencement speaker. She shares her journey from student adversity to triumph a…
- Dr. Kathleen Wickham, Ed.D '71 on the Importance of Journalism and Writing for The Whit During the Vietnam War
Dr. Kathleen Wickham, an alumna and professor, shares her experiences writing for The Whit during the Vietnam War and discusses the significance of journalism and diversity. She visited the campus and spoke about her career path.
- Charity Herndon '19 on Being an Author, Teaching, & How Writing Became Her Superpower
Charity Herndon
- Phillies PA Announcer Dan Baker '68 on Following His Passion, Baseball, & Overcoming Adversity
Philadelphia Phillies announcer Dan Baker shares insights on his career spanning over 50 years, including his keys to success, his college days, overcoming a serious illness, and building a career from his love of sports.
- Bob Catania '76 on His WGLS Days, Working in the Music Industry, & Today's Music
Bob Catania '76 shares his extensive music industry journey, starting from his time at WGLS-FM and progressing through various record labels and work with notable musicians.
- Deirdre Breakenridge ’88 on What Your Body Language Means & How To Read People
Communications specialist Deirdre Breakenridge '88 discusses the art of body language, how to interpret it in others, and what your own signals convey. The episode also touches on her experiences with the Glassboro party scene in the 80s,…
- BTBG Special: #ProfSweethearts Edition - Part 2
This episode, the second part of the #ProfSweethearts edition, explores the love stories of several couples, detailing how factors like heartbreak and chance encounters influenced their relationships. Interviews include Chris & Violet Leak…
- BTBG Special: #ProfSweethearts Edition - Part 1
Beyond the Brown & Gold's Prof Sweethearts Edition features interviews with three couples who met at Glassboro State College/Rowan University, sharing their experiences with love, triumph, and heartbreak during college.
- Michael Licisyn '06 on Working for the Phillies and Life as a Filmmaker
Michael Licisyn '06, a Rowan graduate, shares his journey from unintended sports career to becoming Video Content Manager for the Philadelphia Phillies, including winning two Emmys. He also reflects on his time at Rowan University and the…
- Taylor Henry '18, M'21 on Her Love of Music, Writing a Book & Teaching
Taylor Henry, a Rowan University alumna, discusses her passion for music and writing, her experiences teaching at the university, and her role as a radio personality. She also shares insights into finding her voice, building a vinyl collec…
- Robert Baumgartner ’06, M’11 on Being a History Teacher, His Favorite Era, & Taylor Swift
Robert Baumgartner, a Rowan University alumnus, now teaches history at his alma mater. In this episode, he discusses his transition from high school teaching, his passion for history, and his favorite historical period.