Hello, SRU!

No, this is not a rerun episode of the podcast but instead a conversation about the archives and special collections at SRU’s Bailey Library with Judy Silva, associate professor, librarian and archivist.

Patrick McGinty, SRU instructor of English, steers a conversation about autonomous vehicles, aka driverless cars. As author of a soon-to-be-released novel, titled “Test Drive,” that is centered around the AV industry, McGinty’s become an astute and sought-after observer of the driverless car sector and he has taught seminar classes at SRU on the topic.

SRU alumnus Jordan Grady, ’15, ’16M, checks in to talk about his role as executive director of the Butler County Chamber of Commerce and how he’s partnering with SRU communication students to create videos to promote Butler County businesses and help them recruit employees.

Roxanne Dunn, a 2020 SRU graduate and former pole vaulter, was paralyzed following a car accident just months after graduating. Find out how her rehab and recovery are going and how she remains positive – and realistic – about her life’s circumstances. Also, follow her journey on Instagram (@nicole.roxanne_) and TikTok (@nicole.rox).

Retired FBI agent and SRU alumnus John Ligato, '71, '74M, talks about going undercover with the Italian mafia, authoring five books, creating the state’s first group home, and earning three Purple Hearts after being wounded in combat during the Vietnam War. Not bad for someone who was once expelled from campus only to become one of SRU’s 2021 Distinguished Alumni.

SRU alumna Amanda Howett, ’18, talks about being named to the Forbes Magazine 30 Under 30 for the sports industry. Howett, 25, is the athletic director at Penn State Shenango and she joined a list that includes NFL quarterbacks, Olympians, sports entrepreneurs and more.

Professional ultrarunner Patrick Reagan ’10 checks in following his recent induction into the SRU Athletics Hall of Fame to share his journey from The Rock to becoming one of the top long-distance runners in the U.S., having placed third at the 100-kilometer World Championships and reaching the U.S. Olympic trials in the marathon.

SRU English professor Mark O’Connor describes a community writing program he’s leading where students facilitate a creative writing workshop for people from Butler County in recovery from drug and alcohol addictions.

SRU professors Fadoua Loudiy and Franklyn Charles talk about how they got their students to start an online cooking show called “Soul Food,” and, of course, the conversation turns to everyone’s appreciation for appetizing edibles in advance of the holiday season.