Far and Widener

This episode of Far and Widener features Andrew Proctor and Dakarai Daniel, Emmy Award-winning creatives and Widener University alumni who work for the Washington Commanders. Andrew, a game presentation producer, and Dakari, a motion graphics designer, share their journeys from Widener’s Freedom Hall to the NFL, reflecting on how their experiences in communication studies and campus media shaped their careers. They discuss the creative process behind their Emmy-winning intro video for the Commanders, which reimagined the team’s game day experience and energized fans and players alike. The conversation explores their early influences, the challenges they faced after graduation. They share how their Widener connections and a shared passion for storytelling helped them break into professional sports media and enhance fan engagement. The podcast is hosted by Greg Potter, associate vice president for University Relations at Widener University.

On this episode, Belle Nicholas, Miss New Jersey 2025 and founder of the Shout Our Struggle initiative shares her personal story about mental wellness and the impact it had on her journey. Her initiative creates open dialogue about mental health through school presentations, community engagement, and legislative work. As Miss New Jersey 2025, she has taken the opportunity to champion mental wellness on a larger platform, becoming an inspiring voice working to break down the stigma around mental health. Belle received her bachelor’s degree in musical theater from James Madison University. And fueled by her own experiences with mental wellness and a desire to help others, Belle is now a graduate clinical psychology student working on her PsyD at Widener University. The interview is conducted by Greg Potter, associate vice president of University Relations at Widener University.

On this episode, Delorean Andrews, senior aircraft instrumentation electrician at Boeing, discusses the unique path that led him to his current role ensuring the quality and safety of sophisticated aircraft. Giving back to his community has been a touchpoint throughout his career, as evidenced by his founding of the Release the Brakes Foundation. The organization mentors young men who need strong male role models by providing the guidance and skills they need to make positive life choices. Andrews also serves as vice president of the Boeing Leadership Association, President of the National Society of Black Engineers Philadelphia Chapter, and a director of the Tuskegee Airmen of Philadelphia. The interview is conducted by Marcus Bagby, associate director of Alumni Engagement at Widener University.

On this episode, Brett Rosenblum, chief development officer at Water by Women, discusses the organization's mission to raise funds and deliver water filters into the hands of women across the world. Water by Women also trains women to use and maintain these water systems, which are in great need in many countries. Despite modern water delivery systems, nearly 1,000 children are still dying every day from dirty water. Water by Women also supports domestic needs when communities are stricken by disasters like hurricanes and flooding that can compromise water systems. Brett attended Widener university as an undergraduate, and received his degree from Radford in 2015 with a bachelor's of science in outdoor education, recreation, parks and tourism.

The interview is conducted by Greg Potter, associate vice president of University Relations at Widener University.

On this episode, Commander Jason Duff, Director of the Midshipmen Development Center at the US Naval Academy, talks about his journey from a Widener nursing graduate to an expert clinical psychologist providing care at the highest levels of the military and the government. A cancer survivor, CDR Duff founded MISSION: Possible to raise awareness and funds for Cancer Support Community Greater Philadelphia. Through this service and his career, he champions the importance of self-care and prioritizing psychological health.

CDR Duff earned his bachelor’s in Nursing from Widener in 1996, and then worked as a nurse, a psychiatric nurse practitioner, and adjunct professor in Widener’s School of Nursing. He went on to earn his MSN from MCP Hahnemann/Drexel University and an MS in Clinical Psychology and PsyD from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

The interview is conducted by Greg Potter, associate vice president of University Relations at Widener University.

On this episode, Matthew Stranix, certified financial planner and founding partner of Precision Wealth Partners, talks about his passion for retirement planning and supporting his clients before and after this important milestone. Matthew co-authored a book with his partners called Retiring Soon, Now What? It helps guide readers to retirement confidently and comfortably by breaking down the many financial tools available and offering strategies to manage them. The book also introduces the PLAAN Method for successful retirement planning.

Matthew received his bachelor’s in management and marketing from Widener University in 2017, and his master's in taxation and financial planning at Widener in 2018. Early in his career, he focused specifically on working with pre-retirees, and went on to earn his Retirement Income Certified Professional designation from the American College of Financial Services in 2022.

The interview is conducted by Greg Potter, associate vice president of University Relations at Widener University.

On this episode, Richard Roberts, president of Young Men and Women in Charge (YMWIC), discusses how a career in engineering and project management eventually led him to found a non-profit that's making a significant impact in the lives of young people. He founded YMWIC with the the vision of supporting African American and Latino students to develop academic skills and gain the social supports needed to be successful in college and in their careers. Today, YMWIC is serving more than 200 Scholars and has over 60 alums, all of whom have or are currently earning their undergraduate degrees, continuing post-graduate studies, or pursuing a professional career after graduating from college. Richard is a three-time Widener alum who received his bachelor's in electrical engineering in 1985, his master's in engineering in 1989, and his masters of business administration in 2000. Before founding YMWIC, he led a successful career in engineering, project management, and finance.

The interview is conducted by Greg Potter, associate vice president of University Relations at Widener University.

On this episode, Andrew Burkhardt, head coach of Widener's rugby team and a project manager at Penn Valley Constructors, discusses how his Widener experience led him to successful careers in engineering and coaching. Burkhardt describes how his time playing and coaching rugby shaped his leadership style, and he shares lessons learned that have helped him inspire young athletes to succeed. Burkhardt received his degree in civil engineering from Widener in 2012. During his time at the university, he was president of the Widener rugby club, a member of the Presidential Service Corps, and a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. Under his leadership as head coach, the Widener rugby team won a championship in November 2024. The win marked Burkhardt's 46th victory since taking on head coaching duties in 2014. He has taken a special interest in growing interest and participation in the program from Widener rugby alumni. Interested rugby alumni are encouraged to share their information by visiting https://forms.gle/fjnYiGa9KSqfduDK7.

The interview is conducted by Marcus Bagby, associate director of alumni engagement at Widener University.

On this episode, Francis Doran, a cardiac ICU nurse at Penn Medicine and a nurse practitioner student at Thomas Jefferson University, discusses the current state of nursing post-COVID. He shares his insights about the impact of new technology on the profession, as well as the continued gender gap among nurses. Doran also describes the impact he's made volunteering for the Kensington Project, a non-profit organization providing health care, meals, clothing, and other needs for the homeless in Philadelphia's Kensington neighborhood. Doran received his bachelor's degree in biology from Widener in 2018. He is also a 2024 recipient of the 2024 Independence Blue Cross Celebrate Caring Award, which recognizes caregivers who have gone above and beyond for their patients, families, and communities. The interview is conducted by Greg Potter, associate vice president of University Relations at Widener University.

On this episode, Richard Massi, vice president of DTC reliability and performance at Peacock, takes listeners behind the scenes of the global platform responsible for some of the biggest events in streaming. Massi discusses how leadership and teamwork ensure the reliability of some of the world's most viewed content, including the 2024 Olympic Games. He also shares how the Fight on Makenna Foundation, created in memory of his daughter, is making an impact of the lives of pediatric cancer patients. Massi received his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Widener in 1997. The interview is conducted by Marcus Bagby, associate director of alumni engagement at Widener University.