In this episode of the Campus and Character Podcast, host David M. welcomes two dynamic student leaders from Commonwealth University’s Bloomsburg campus: Hannah and Lauralei. Together, they share their academic journeys, leadership experiences, and involvement across campus.

Hannah, a communication studies major with double minors in health communication and sport management, originally arrived at Bloomsburg interested in medical imaging. After discovering a passion for communication through a first-year seminar, she shifted her path and now combines her interests in athletics and health promotion. She serves as vice president of the National Communication Association Student Club (NCASC), works in athletics communications, and is a certified peer educator with the Office of Student Wellbeing.

Lauralei, a psychology major with minors in communication studies and Black studies, followed her curiosity into interdisciplinary learning. Inspired by courses in interpersonal communication and anti-racism, she embraced opportunities that aligned with her passion for social justice and her goal of becoming a school psychologist. She serves as NCASC treasurer and is also a resident assistant and marching band member.

Both students participate in the William and Elizabeth Bent Leadership Program, where they are mentored by alumni and explore values-based leadership. They reflect on how mentors, professors, and lived experiences have shaped their leadership styles, emphasizing that there is no single “right” way to lead.

The episode also highlights NCASC’s upcoming Communication Day on March 11, featuring campus speakers and an internship panel designed to connect students with professional opportunities.

From time-management tips and follow-up email advice to favorite study spots and beloved pets, this conversation showcases how involvement, intentional habits, and community engagement help students grow as leaders in both character and career.

In this episode of the Campus and Character Podcast, we sit down with Christopher Algard, a junior media and journalism major at Commonwealth University’s Bloomsburg campus, whose passion for sports and commitment to excellence have made him a standout campus leader.

A Bloomsburg native and graduate of Bloomsburg High School, Christopher chose to stay close to home for college—drawn by both community ties and the unique opportunities available at a smaller university. That decision has paid off. In just three years, he has become the play-by-play broadcaster for football, men’s and women’s basketball, and baseball; a social media leader for the baseball team; and a student assistant supporting the coaching staff. He also volunteered at the 2026 College Football National Championship, expanding his professional network and gaining valuable industry experience.

Baseball is at the heart of Christopher’s story. A lifelong first baseman, he realized near the end of high school that playing at the collegiate level might not be his path. Instead of stepping away from the game, he found a new way to stay connected—through broadcasting. He shares how storytelling enhances the fan experience and how preparation is key, especially during long baseball doubleheaders that can demand up to seven hours on the mic. For Christopher, broadcasting isn’t just about calling plays; it’s about creating meaningful experiences for athletes and their families.

One of the major themes of this episode is initiative. Before he even began college, Christopher reached out via email to administrators and coaches to express his interest in broadcasting baseball. That early outreach secured him a play-by-play role as a freshman. His advice to other student leaders? Send the email. Make the call. Take the extra step. Opportunities often go to those who show genuine interest and follow through.

Mentorship has also shaped his journey. He reflects on learning from veteran broadcaster Jim Doyle, whose decades of experience elevated Christopher’s preparation and professionalism. He also studies the craft of New York Mets broadcasters Gary Cohen, Keith Hernandez, and Ron Darling, modeling their preparation and storytelling approach.

Listeners will enjoy hearing how a surprise childhood trip to Citi Field—thanks to his uncle—sparked Christopher’s lifelong devotion to the Mets and inspired his dream job: becoming the play-by-play voice of the New York Mets. More broadly, his goal is simple: to work in sports every day in a role that never feels like “work.”

In a rapid-fire segment, we discover more about Christopher’s personality: a passionate left-handed first baseman, a fan of the CBS series FBI, an admirer of Francisco Lindor’s leadership, and someone deeply motivated by his biggest supporter—his mom.

This episode highlights the power of passion, preparation, and character. Christopher’s journey is a reminder that leadership begins with initiative, grows through mentorship, and thrives when fueled by genuine love for what you do.

In this powerful episode of the Campus and Character Podcast, host David sits down with Tom Schaeffer, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at the Bloomsburg University Foundation, to explore how storytelling fuels leadership, generosity, and lasting impact in higher education.

A proud graduate of Bloomsburg University, Tom shares his journey from communication studies major to senior leadership. After launching his career in healthcare marketing with Geisinger and later transitioning into tourism promotion, Tom felt a calling to return to his alma mater. When an opportunity opened at the Foundation during the public phase of the “It’s Personal” campaign, he stepped in—and ten years later, he’s still helping shape the narrative of student success.

At the heart of this conversation is the power of authentic storytelling. Tom explains how building meaningful relationships across campus—faculty, athletics, advancement, students, and alumni—creates a pipeline for discovering stories that inspire action. Whether highlighting scholarship recipients, profiling generous donors, or amplifying student-athlete success, Tom emphasizes that every compelling story begins with trust.

One standout moment from the episode captures storytelling’s tangible impact. Early in his tenure, Tom wrote a feature about a major scholarship commitment from then-university president Dr. Soltz. Within days of publication, a donor contributed $10,000 to the same scholarship after being moved by the story. That experience cemented what Tom believes deeply: when stories are shared well, they don’t just inform—they activate generosity.

The conversation also explores the evolving landscape of higher education. While external pressures and post-COVID shifts continue to reshape institutions, Tom notes that one thing remains constant: students. First-generation students, in particular, often become both scholarship recipients and future donors. That full-circle thread—students supported today becoming supporters tomorrow—is what fuels the Foundation’s mission.

Tom also discusses the Foundation’s robust internship program, which gives marketing, sales, communication, and media students real-world experience through call center engagement, video production, social media campaigns, and annual giving initiatives. Programs like the “All In Day of Giving,” which recently surpassed its goal with an astounding 2,810 donors in a single day, demonstrate how strategic messaging and campus-wide collaboration can mobilize an entire community.

Beyond strategy, the episode dives into leadership. Tom describes his style as relational and empowering—helping people feel comfortable sharing their stories without feeling boastful. He believes leadership is less about titles and more about presence. “You’re not a leader until someone follows you,” he says, emphasizing the importance of simply showing up—prepared, consistent, and committed.

In a rapid-fire segment, listeners get a glimpse into the personal side of Tom: reliable, inspired by his wife’s relentless kindness, a former basketball player, and a fan of pen-and-paper preparedness.

This episode is a masterclass in mission-driven communication. Whether you’re a campus leader, student, alumni professional, or aspiring storyteller, you’ll walk away inspired by how intentional messaging, authentic relationships, and servant leadership can transform a university community—one story at a time.