Gators on Purpose

Host Briana Lewis speaks with Jonathan Spencer '79, founder of New Horizon’s House , a Colorado-based nonprofit providing care to survivors of human trafficking and sexual abuse.  He credits developing problem-solving skills and resiliency at Allegheny College — tools he continues to use draw on to champion those in need. Spencer majored in mathematics with a biology minor and was the recipien...

What does a minor in religious studies have to do with technical systems for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)? More than you think! In this episode, host Briana Lewis sits down with Bethany Eppig ’11, who shares her incredible journey from an undeclared first-year to her career at NASA. Eppig notes how her interdisciplinary education at Allegheny College gave her the founda...

In this episode, Briana Lewis sits down with Mike Newman ’94 to discuss how his double major in philosophy and English paved the way for his career in law and high-tech entrepreneurship. Newman shares his journey from a student-athlete recovering from injury to a technology CEO to chairman of the Nicholas Academic Center . He argues that a liberal arts education is the best defense against a rapid...

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 mana...

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...

In this first 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.