Advertise on podcast: Beyond The Tassel

Join Alex Csedrik, a 2008 DeSales University alum and Creative Writing Award winner, as he explores the intersection of professional success and artistic passion. A seasoned writer, former professor, and comedian, Alex brings unique insight into pursuing what you love while navigating career demands. In this episode, Alex dives into the importance of confidence, connecting with your audience, whether in the classroom or on stage, and making thoughtful choices that distinguish impulsive moves from career-driven decisions. He inspires listeners to embrace both ambition and creativity in building a fulfilling life.

Take a journey with us as we unpack the meaning of faith-based leadership with DeSales alumni Guilherme and current Director of Campus Ministry at Newman University. In this week’s episode, we learn of the impact faith can have on the journey from college to career. In this episode, we uncover how faith shapes our search for meaning and purpose in our careers and how trusting in God’s plan can lead us down unexpected, yet deeply fulfilling, paths.

On this episode of Beyond The Tassel, we engage with Ramon Garcia, a graduate of the Sport and Exercise Physiology program from the class of ’21. One of the highlights from his journey at DeSales was his ability to merge his passion for helping others with his enthusiasm for exercise and strength training. Tune in to discover how he became a Clinical Exercise Physiologist for St. Luke’s Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation!

On this episode of Beyond The Tassel, we feature Chad Bruckner, Criminal Justice ’15, Masters in Digital Forensics ’20. His journey includes military service, law enforcement, and getting his degrees through the ACCESS (Adult Studies) program. After his time in the police force, he transitioned to entrepreneurship and motivational speaking. Now, he has gone full circle, joining the DSU Police Force! Take a listen to him sharing his diverse path and the successful factors that helped him grow! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadbmotivates/

On this episode of Beyond The Tassel, we speak to Chris McGinnis, ’10 Musical Theater. Chris's passion for directing shaped his academic journey through both undergraduate and graduate studies, ultimately leading him to his current role as General Manager of Second Stage Theater. His pride in the theater's accomplishments shines through as he discusses their Tony Award-winning production of "Appropriate”! Join us for an engaging conversation that delves into the vibrant world of performing arts, offering insights into Chris's experiences and the creative process behind successful theatrical productions.

On this episode of Beyond The Tassel, we connect with Lauren Karch. She graduated in 2012 with a double B.S. in Marketing and Business Management, and a minor in Biology. Staying true to her love for the sciences, she combined everything into her career now as a Learning and Development Consultant for Organon. During her time at DeSales, she switched majors a few times. She is very happy with all of the experiential learning and the continued education she did. Listen in to hear her wonderful story!

On this episode of Beyond The Tassel, we chat with Daniel O’Connell, a personal injury attorney at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb in Philadelphia. He credits Professor Cocozza for sparking his interest in pursuing law school and to branch out of being a marketing and sports management major. Listen in to hear how family, sport, and values helped him to grow in his career!

On this episode of Beyond The Tassel, we go overseas to London to chat with Sean Crosby ’15. He grew up surrounded by the Diocese of Allentown and that led him to pursue his B.A. in Theology. After watching the documentary Somm, he found a new calling. Listen in to how he became the Assistant Head Sommelier at Restaurant Story!

This episode of Beyond The Tassel features Frank Alvarado, ’17. After transferring from Northampton Community College, he graduated with a B.A. in Business Administration. He believes the resources at DeSales have helped him grow in his current job as the Director of Research and Data Management at the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. Listen to his journey and how he got to where he is! https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-alvarado/

On this special episode of Beyond The Tassel, Nina interviews her parents, Anthony and Sheila Viglianti! Both of them started out wanting to do different things but ended up becoming teachers. Anthony teaches mathematics at Easton Area Middle School and Sheila teaches physics and chemistry at Whitehall High School. Listen in to how they both navigated being a student, figuring out the teaching scene, and what they are doing now!

This episode of Beyond the Tassel features Nakia Jones, who graduated from DeSales in ’09. She started out not knowing what she wanted. As she experienced DeSales, she pursued a B.A. in Dance and then went to graduate school to pursue Higher Education. Listen in as she speaks about her college life, background, family life, and all the special experiences that got her to where she is today as the Graduate Program Director at UPenn’s Graduate School of Education!

This episode is features Doctor Sarah Hulse, Communication '09, who is now an Assistant Professor at DeSales University for the Theology Department. During her coursework at DeSales, a theology class caught her interest. After completing her internships at CBS in communication, she decided to chase a graduate then a Ph.D. in Theology. Listen in as she discusses following her passion that led to her current role as a Theology Professor at DeSales University.

On this episode of Beyond the Tassel, we feature Haided Estevez, a member of the Sport & Exercise Physiology, class of 2018. Haided is now an injury prevention specialist at St Luke’s University Health Network, and is working as an industrial athletic trainer. She was set on becoming a physical therapist when entering her undergraduate program but as she explored the Sport and Exercise Physiology major, she realized she did not have to limit herself to just that. Now she is thriving in her field more than ever!Connect with Haided: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haided-estevez-ms-atc-lat-ceas-i-7a34681a3/

On this episode of Beyond the Tassel, we introduce (as a guest this time!) Annie Pagano! Annie completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing here at DeSales and has a job right out of graduation. She is now a Corporate Event Coordinator at Lutron Electronics. As a former Career Ambassador for the Career Development Center, Annie feels the knowledge she gained from working with students plus the skills she gained from her internships and other experiences at her current occupation added to her success. She stresses that making connections early on in any field is the way to rise to the top! To add to this episode, Annie passes on the torch beyond HER tassel to Nina Viglianti, who is now the new host of Beyond The Tassel. Stay tuned to hear more stories about alumni and how they succeeded after their times at DeSales.Connect with Annie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annamaria-pagano/

On this episode of Beyond the Tassel, please welcome Jason Schiffer! Jason is a graduate of the DeSales class of 1999 with his degree in Criminal Justice. Jason is now the Assistant Vice President for Campus Safety and Chief of Police at Lehigh University. Jason has been educating himself for many years and has a firm belief that no education is ever wasted. Jason shares his insights about going back to school as an adult when he mentions how he graduated from the Temple University Beasley School of Law in 2008. Listen in as Jason discusses his passion for working toward creating an equitable community and doing what he can in the law enforcement profession to continue working toward his goal.Connect with Jason: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/schiffer