Podcast: Gators on Purpose

Episode 01 Transcript

Episode Description

Guest: Dr. Ron Cole ’87, President of Allegheny College

In the inaugural episode, host Briana Lewis sits down with Dr. Ron Cole ’87, President of Allegheny College, to reflect on his journey from student to alum to institutional leader. President Cole shares insights into his undergraduate experience, the mentors and moments that shaped him, and how the Allegheny philosophy of combining disciplines continues to influence his leadership and career.

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Follow Gators on Purpose to hear stories from Allegheny College alumni whose paths demonstrate how unusual combinations of major and minors lead to extraordinary outcomes.

Episode 02 Transcript

Episode Description

Guest: Katie Shipp ‘09

In this episode of Gators on Purpose, Briana Lewis talks with Katie Shipp, Executive Director of I Have the Right To and Pittsburgh Magazine 2025 40 Under 40 Honoree. A psychology major and religious studies minor, Shipp reflects on how Bonner service, AmeriCorps, and law school shaped her path advocating for survivors of sexual assault. After more than a decade practicing law, she shifted to prevention and education work nationwide. Shipp shares insights on community, courage, experiential learning, and building a meaningful career at the intersection of passion and purpose.

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Follow Gators on Purpose to hear stories from Allegheny College alumni whose paths demonstrate how unusual combinations of major and minors lead to extraordinary outcomes.

Episode 03 Transcript

Episode Description

Guest: : Isaac Gittens ’14

In the third episode of Gators on Purpose, host Briana Lewis sits down with Isaac Gittens ’14, who translated his passion for football into a career with the National Football League (NFL). Gittens’ journey to Allegheny was sparked by a positive interaction with the football coaching staff, and he worked in the athletic department as a student.

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in managerial economics with double minors in communication and Black Studies, Gittens pursued a graduate assistantship at Baylor University with the American Football Coaches Association. Today, Gittens manages pipelines for coaches, officials, and players. He is particularly proud of his work in flag football, as he creates pathways for women in the sport and sees the game reach the 2028 Olympics.

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Follow Gators on Purpose to hear stories from Allegheny College alumni whose paths demonstrate how unusual combinations of major and minors lead to extraordinary outcomes.

In Episode 04, Mike Newman ’94 shares how his liberal arts education prepared him for entrepreneurship in technology and media and helped him remain adaptable in an ever-changing field.

Release Date: April 28, 2026