Far and Widener

On this episode, Deb McCracken, president and founder of the Elsie Foundation, discusses how her organization impacts the lives of economically challenged college students by providing computer equipment and financial literacy education. McCracken talks about how her foundation's support is giving students and their communities a better chance at future success. McCracken received her bachelor's of science in accounting from Widener University in 1989, and her law degree with tax honors from Rutgers University-Camden. She is a retired senior counsel for The Vanguard Group and the controller for Safe Monroe. The interview is conducted by Marcus Bagby, associate director of alumni engagement at Widener University.

On this episode, Joe Rauch, assistant medical trainer for the Philadelphia Phillies, talks about advances in medical training and physical therapy technologies in professional sports. Rauch discusses how data, wearable tech, and interdisciplinary teams of medical professionals are not only keeping pro athletes on the field, but helping them to reach new levels of success in their sport. Rauch received his doctor of physical therapy degree at Widener University in 2009. In addition to his experience with the Phillies, he has also served as the head athletic trainer for the University of Cincinnati Department of Athletics, and a physical therapist at NovaCare Rehabilitation. The interview is conducted by Greg Potter, associate vice president of University Relations at Widener University.

In this episode, Greg Potter interviews Amberly Caballero, CEO of Elevated Kids, about the significant need for developmentally-appropriate and effective intervention for toddlers and young children diagnosed with Autism. Caballero, who completed her certification in infant and early childhood mental health at Widener, discusses the innovative, play-based approaches to intervention that her organization offers to families. She explains how increased Autism awareness and diagnosis has led to a higher demand for the research-based services her team is helping to provide in a more timely fashion. Potter is associate vice president of University Relations at Widener University.

In this episode, Greg Potter interviews Dr. Angela Corbo, associate professor and chair of communication studies, and faculty chair at Widener; Dr. Wes Leckrone, professor and chair of political science at Widener; Dr. James Vike, professor, associate dean of social science, and director of the masters of public administration program at Widener; and Kyle Meier, a 2024 political science graduate from Widener, who has also served as an intern for the office of New Jersey Congressman Donald Norcross. The team discusses the current political climate, political engagement initiatives at Widener University, and what impact the 2024 election season will have on political education on college campuses. Potter is associate vice president of University Relations at Widener University. Pictured in the episode graphic, left to right: Wes Leckrone, James Vike, Kyle Meier and Angela Corbo.

In this episode, Marcus Bagby interviews Natasha Camy, a 2010 graduate of Widener's Communications and Media Studies program. Natasha is an NCAA Division I women's basketball referee and officiated games during the history-making 2024 March Madness basketball tournament. She discusses the impact that new interest in women's basketball is having on the sport, as well as her role as founder of the Referee Ready Academy, which aims to improve the expertise, abilities, and self-assurance of referees. She also speaks to entrepreneurship, and her part ownership of the Cape Town Tigers, a team in the Basketball Africa League based in Cape Town, South Africa. Bagby is the associate director of alumni engagement at Widener University.

In this episode, Greg Potter interviews Widener professors Dr. Brian Larson and Dr. Amin Keramati and marketing junior Ben Miller on their research project at the Philadelphia Union. The researchers discuss collecting data on sports fan experience and how interest in the project is spreading internationally, including Barcelona and the Netherlands. They explore the benefits of using human-centric marketing, artificial intelligence, and facial recognition to improve the fan experience while increasing profits and efficiency. Pictured in the episode graphic, left to right: Amin Keramati, Brian Larson, and Ben Miller. Potter is the associate vice president of University Relations at Widener University.

Marcus Bagby interviews Marcia Zaruba O’Connor, president and CEO of The O’Connor Group, a leading outsourced human resources and talent acquisition company based in King of Prussia, Pa. O’Connor has won several leadership awards, including Most Admired CEO and Philadelphia Titan 100, and her company is recognized as one of Philadelphia Business Journal's Best Places to Work. O’Connor earned her accounting degree at Widener in 1990, and she is an active alumna, serving on the Accounting and Information Management Advisory Board. She runs Shadow Her, a mentoring and coaching course for women entrepreneurs, and produces the popular Top Three podcast. O’Connor discusses her journey to success and the challenges she faced, the importance of mentorship, and how HR has evolved over the years and current trends. She also gives career advice for those starting out or starting over. Bagby is the associate director of alumni engagement at Widener University.

Greg Potter interviews Robert Buckley Jr., the president of Buckley and Company, the family-owned construction company that was instrumental in the nation’s record-setting rebuild of the collapsed portion of I-95 in the summer of 2023. Buckley discusses the logistics of the rebuild and the origins, culture, and philosophy of his company. Buckley credits his success to his dedicated team, some of whom have been with him since his college days, and the power of networking. He says, “Your word is your bond, and the handshake is the deal.” Buckley is an advisor for Widener’s new engineering construction management program and a Widener 1981 alumnus. Buckley and Company helped to raise funds for the family of Nathan “Nate” Moody, the truck driver and father of three who tragically lost his life in the accident. To donate to the Moody family’s Go Fund Me, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-the-family-of-nate-moody. Potter is the associate vice president of University Relations at Widener University.

Widener student Anthony Pompilii interviews Dr. Lise Deguire, author of Flashback Girl: Lessons on Resilience from a Burn Survivor about her experience as a TEDx speaker. Deguire’s TEDx Talk “SCARRED Not Scary” confronts the prevailing stereotypes in movies and other media of disfigured people as evil villains and pathetic creatures. These depictions have serious negative consequences, creating bias and fostering discrimination against disfigured people. Deguire seeks to bring awareness and stop this harmful practice. Deguire earned her doctorate in clinical psychology from Widener University. She has appeared on NPR, NBC, ABC, and FOX and has presented for The World Burn Congress, The Security and Exchange Commission, The American Burn Association, and the New Jersey Psychological Association. Pompilii is a communication studies major in his senior year, and he was also a TEDx speaker in 2023. Pompilii’s Talk “A Call for Struggling Athletes to Seek Help” focuses on suicide prevention. Both of their TEDx Talks are available on the official TEDx YouTube channel.

Greg Potter interviews Doug Wolfberg about his new book The Beatles Fab but True: Remarkable Stories Revealed. Both Potter and Wolfberg are avid Beatles fans and passionate musicians. Wolfberg shares some fascinating Beatles information, including how Liberace’s lawyer cost the Beatles approximately 100 million dollars and how the Beatles created an infamous painting together while sequestered during the Budokan protests in Tokyo. Of course, they discuss the last ever Beatles song, “Now and Then.” Wolfberg says, “musically, it’s a good song—culturally, it’s a tidal wave.” Potter and Wolfberg also talk about Wolfberg’s lifetime work in the emergency medical services. Wolfberg became an EMT at age 16 and has been involved in EMS ever since. He is an attorney and a founding partner of Paige, Wolfberg, & Wirth—the leading EMS law firm in the United States. Wolfberg teaches health law classes at the Commonwealth Law School and is a Widener University Board of Trustees member. He received his law degree from Widener in 1996. Potter is the associate vice president of University Relations at Widener University.