Beyond The Brown & Gold

Rowan University alum Calista Condo ’08 joins Beyond the Brown and Gold to share her journey from a first‑generation commuter student and journalism/photo major to VP of Partnerships and Communications at Campus Philly. She discusses college involvement, internships, nonprofit work with Big Brothers Big Sisters, and career transitions into higher education and partnerships.
The episode explains how Campus Philly connects students to free events, local career opportunities, and discounts, and highlights regional talent retention efforts and practical tips for Rowan students to explore Philadelphia and build professional connections.

Emily Lampa '03 joins Beyond the Brown & Gold to talk about her incredible road to becoming a television personality. The former RTF major returns to campus after 20+ years to share her journey from small-market reporting through investigative journalism to her current role as a host at HSN. Along the way she discusses commuting to Rowan, moving across the country for early career opportunities, balancing family and career, and how her on-air skills translate to live product presentation.
This episode highlights the risks and rewards of a TV career, the camaraderie of small-market stations, and how education and persistence can lead to unexpected and fulfilling opportunities.

Rowan alum Megan Hilbert talks about launching Red’s Rolling Restaurant, expanding from one truck to multiple units, and shifting to a successful fried‑food menu. She also shares how she bought Eclipse Brewing, learned business lessons on the fly, and now supports other entrepreneurs.This episode covers her college years at Rowan, the challenges of running food trucks and a brewery, staffing and logistics, and practical advice for students and alumni who want to start their own business.

Tony Cattani '98, M'02 details his remarkable journey with co-hosts Jessica Kanady and Rob Lightfoot on a new episode of Beyond the Brown & Gold. Cattani describes his path from playing football at Rowan to a career in education, becoming Lenape High School principal and the 2025 National High School Principal of the Year.
He discusses mentors who guided him, his leadership approach (recognize, acknowledge, extend), hosting the Proud Principals Podcast, and how he builds school culture while supporting students and staff.

Hosts Rob Lightfoot and Jessica Kanady chat with Rowan alum Jessica Lundrigan '08 about her path from art student to packaging designer for major toy brands, including Barbie and Disney. Jess explains the packaging design process, sustainability and production challenges, trends like blind-box collectibles, and how internships and networking launched her career.
The episode also touches on Jess's personal story—meeting her husband, leading a creative team, and her ambitious reading habit—plus practical advice for aspiring design students.

Rowan University graduate Adam Chazen '08 joins Beyond the Brown & Gold to share his path from Old Bridge, New Jersey and Rowan’s Radio, TV, & Film program to a career in visual effects. He discusses early college experiences (including booking shows for Bob Saget and Zach Galifianakis), internships at The Onion, moving to Los Angeles, working on Game of Thrones in Northern Ireland, and his current role on Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Adam reflects on mentorship, the realities of working in TV and film, building a network of Rowan alumni in the industry, and advice for students considering creative careers.

Liz Faircloth '00 joins Beyond the Brown and Gold to share her path from psychology major and student government leader to real estate investor and entrepreneur.
She discusses building a national portfolio, founding InvestHER to support women investors, lessons from the 2008 crash, practical investing tips (house-hacking, team-building, financing), and her continued ties to Rowan University.
InvestHER Con and resources for women seeking to grow wealth via real estate are highlighted.

Chanelle Rene '99 discusses her winding path from biochemistry and broadcasting studies to a career in communications, wellness, e-commerce, and finally full-time visual art. She explains how classes and internships shaped her skills (including advice she received from a Rowan professor), and led to unexpected pivots. 
She describes teaching herself painting during the pandemic, creating portraits, murals, and public installations, and designing the New Jersey Devils' 2024–25 Black History Celebration jersey. She shares lessons on resilience, entrepreneurship, and pursuing creative passions at any age. 
For more information Chanelle's journey, you read more at chanellerene.com