Beyond The Brown & Gold

Tony Racioppi '04 on His Rise with Rowan Football, Becoming a Quarterback Coach, & Working with Athletes

Tony Racioppi '04 spends his time developing the next generation of quarterbacks as a coach with Test Academy. Before he became a coach, Racioppi was one of the greatest athletes to ever to play at Rowan University. The former record-setting All-American quarterback paid a visit to Beyond the Brown & Gold to talk about his playing days as a Prof including his team's remarkable run; a big coaching change during his senior year; and the team's controversial, headline-making loss to Bridgewater College in 2001. Also, Racioppi discusses being a part of renowned Manning Passing Academy; challenges faced by today's athletes; and much more.

Teray Johnson MBA '17 on Working in Health Care, Getting Her MBA, & Being A Novelist

Teray Johnson MBA '17 is the Director of Data Automation and Transformation at Lifepoint Health. She joins Beyond the Brown & Gold to talk about her unique career path that involves being a healthcare professional while also earning an MBA from Rowan University. Also, she discusses how she became a novelist; how data plays a big part in her work; why she opted to pursue an MBA at Rowan University;  and some of her influences while completing the degree.

Julia Lechner '09 on Moving to California, Storytelling, & Being a Mascot

Julia Lechner '09 is quite a creative force, who has a love for comedy and storytelling. The Rowan University graduate took decided to pick up and move out to the west coast where she hopped into the entertainment industry. A new Beyond the Brown & Gold finds Lechner discussing the transition out west post-graduation, the importance of storytelling, her time at Rowan Radio, sharing a surprise about her college days, and more. Find out how she maximized her skills and opportunities while living in California.

Jeannine Frisby LaRue '74 on Being an Educator, Lobbyist, and Commencement Speaker

Fresh off of speaking at Rowan University's 2024 College of Education Commencement ceremony, Jeannine Frisby LaRue '74 is a guest on Beyond the Brown & Gold. Currently, Senior Vice President of the Kaufman Zita Group and an accomplished leader in New Jersey, LaRue shares her wisdom and insight on a new episode that should not be missed. She details her emotional journey as a student upon arriving to Glassboro State College and how she turned adversity into triumph. Also, LaRue talks about making the transition from education to a lobbyist; being a part of Rowan's Black Alumni Network; the famous Johnson/Kosygan summit in Glassboro; and much more.

Dr. Kathleen Wickham, Ed.D '71 on the Importance of Journalism and Writing for The Whit During the Vietnam War

Dr. Kathleen Wickham, Ed.D. '71 wears many hats including being a professor in the School of Journalism & New Media at Ole Miss. Before building a career down south, Dr. Wickham attended then-Glassboro State College. Recently, she returned to campus for a visit and stopped by Beyond the Brown & Gold to talk about her career and time in Glassboro. Dr. Wickham discussed writing for The Whit, which included covering the Vietnam War; the importance of journalism and diversity; and much more.

Charity Herndon '19 on Being an Author, Teaching, & How Writing Became Her Superpower

Charity Herndon '19 is a skilled and passionate author. A new Beyond the Brown & Gold finds Herndon talking about her road to Rowan and how she became a writer. Herndon discusses her debut novel - Other Side of the Tracks. Also, she outlines her writing process and how she balances writing along with teaching children.
You can find a copy of Other Side of the Tracks online.

Phillies PA Announcer Dan Baker '68 on Following His Passion, Baseball, & Overcoming Adversity

Philadelphia Phillies public address announcer Dan Baker is a Delaware Valley institution. Baker has been a fixture on the Philadelphia sports scene and at Phillies games for over 50 years. The latest edition of Beyond the Brown & Gold finds Baker sharing his keys to success with announcing; his days at Glassboro State College; how he overcame a career-threatening illness in 2021; and turning his love of sports into a lifelong career.

Bob Catania '76 on His WGLS Days, Working in the Music Industry, & Today's Music

Bob Catania '76 has a love affair with music. Whether it was his early days at WGLS-FM at then-Glassboro State College or working with U2, Catania always found his way back to music. A new Beyond the Brown & Gold catches up with the music industry veteran. Learn how a job in a mailroom became a wonderful career. He talks about his career with various record labels and musicians including Lisa Loeb, Melissa Etheridge, and more.