’Mid the Pines Podcast

In this episode of Mid the Pines, Zach Jew ’11 welcomes Jeff Bees ’92, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Resources (Health Sciences) and Vice Dean for Finance at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Jeff reflects on his career in nonprofit finance, the importance of stewardship and leadership, and what makes Grove City College graduates stand out. Along the way, he shares insights on mentorship, recruiting talent, investing in people, and building a meaningful career rooted in purpose and service.

In this episode of Mid the Pines, host Zach Jew '11 welcomes Emmalynne (Adrian '10) Waseleski, Assistant Principal at Hillview Elementary School in Grove City, for a timely conversation about starting the school year with confidence and purpose. Emmalynne shares practical advice for students, parents, and educators, covering everything from establishing healthy routines and building strong school-family partnerships to navigating the challenges facing today's learners.

Grove City College President Bradley J. Lingo '00 kicked off the 2026-27 academic year with an Opening Convocation address emphasizing the increased use of Artificial Intelligence and the disruptive technology’s impact and implications for higher education, while encouraging students to pursue the truth, meaning, and wisdom necessary to live a faithful and fruitful life. “Let us build with care. Let us refuse to outsource the work of becoming wise. Let us pursue truth, goodness, and beauty with courage and humility,” he said.

In this episode of 'Mid the Pines, award-winning wedding photographer and Grove City College alumna Hannah (Williams ’13) Bjorndal shares how she turned a passion for photography into a thriving business. From capturing meaningful moments to navigating the realities of entrepreneurship, Hannah offers a behind-the-scenes look at wedding photography, industry trends, advice for couples, and the art of preserving stories that last a lifetime.

Grove City College alumnus Mark Sandvig ’07 joins Mid the Pines to discuss his journey from seminary and pastoral preparation to real estate leadership. Mark shares lessons on career change, calling, leadership, and serving others, offering practical encouragement for anyone navigating transition or seeking purpose in their work.

What does it take to lead in high-stakes environments—and stay grounded in faith and purpose?

In this episode of Mid the Pines, host Zach Jew ’11 sits down with Steve DeCaspers ’97, current Alumni Council President, to explore the lasting impact of alumni engagement at Grove City College. From personal reflections on his student experience to leading the Alumni Council today, Steve shares how graduates can stay meaningfully connected through their time, talent, and resources. Hear stories of mentorship, service, and generosity—and discover how even small steps can strengthen the Grove City community for generations to come. Whether you’re newly graduated or years removed, this conversation offers simple, meaningful ways to reconnect and make an impact.

What does it take to align 1,200 people around a single vision? In this episode of Mid the Pines, Zach Jew sits down with Barbara (Bentz '83) Staniscia, President and General Manager of Bechtel Plant Machinery, Inc., to explore how great leaders turn vision into reality. From her Grove City roots to leading mission-critical work supporting the U.S. Navy, Barb shares practical insights on culture, purpose, and leading people through complexity.