Pirate's Eye Podcast

In this episode of Seton Hall's Pirate Eye Podcast, we're joined by Dr. Naima Ricks, Seton Hall's 2024 Many Are One Alumni Impact Honoree and Executive Director of After-School All-Stars New Jersey. Dr. Ricks made history in 2013 as the youngest elected official in her hometown of Roselle, NJ, serving as Vice President of the Board of Education. She shares her inspiring journey through academia, her passion for learning, and her dedication to community impact.

Dr. Enmanuel Mercedes- is a Latino-American psychologist, professional speaker, and founder of Your Wellness Space™, a mental health service company with the mission to cultivate a life of hope, healing, and harmony. In addition, Dr. Mercedes serves as a consultant to organizations seeking to play an active role in meeting the mental health needs of its members. Dr. Mercedes leadership positions include being the current President of the Latino Mental Health Association of New Jersey, a board member of the non-profit organization Boys to Leaders and a board member of the ECHA Scholarship Foundation. Dr. Mercedes was born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Newark, New Jersey. He lives with his wife and three sons in West Caldwell, NJ. Dr. Mercedes is the first of his family to attend college in the U.S. and is a proud alumnus of Seton Hall University, where he obtained a BA in Psychology, MA in Psychological studies, and Ph.D. in Counseling. mercedesphd.com | yourwellness.space IG- @mercedesphd | LinkedIn- www.linkedin.com/in/enmanuelmercedes

In this episode of Pirate's Eye, we sit down with Brother Gregory Cellini, a Franciscan Brother from Brooklyn whose mission is to embody the Gospel and inspire others to live boldly in God's Love.    As the Director of the Office of Mission, Ministry, and Interfaith Dialogue at St. Francis College, Brother Greg is dedicated to fostering a sense of community and purpose in the workplace through his weekly radio show, Thank God For Monday. With a 29-year career in the pharmaceutical industry before joining the Franciscan Order, he brings a unique perspective to the intersection of faith and professional life.

In this episode of the Pirate's Eye Podcast, we sit down with Kathy Cunningham '85, a dedicated community servant, former professional cheerleader, and proud generational Pirate. Kathy shares her journey of keeping her brother Donnie Robertson Jr.'s legacy alive after his tragic death on 9/11. Through her tireless fundraising efforts for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Kathy and her team have raised nearly $2 million to provide mortgage-free homes for Gold Star and fallen first responder families.

In celebration of National Volunteer Month in April, we flipped the script on our podcast host, Viannca Velez '10. Take a listen as our Assistant Director of Alumni Communication and Digital Engagement, Aaron Smith, puts the Pirate Eye on Viannca. Hailing from Jersey City, NJ, Viannca is a communications strategist with over 13 years of experience. As Director of Communications for New York City's Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute, Viannca leads the creation and implementation of the organization's marketing, public relations and mass communication strategy. Her communications experience includes her career beginnings as a video journalist for Fi0S1 News on Long Island, NY, in-studio tech work at the sports television channel SNY, and digital media management for NGL Media (now NGL Collective). Viannca developed into a communications strategist within the nonprofit sector through her years of working in the advancement departments of Marist High School and Seton Hall University. At each institution, she created and led campaigns that used video storytelling, social media and niche segmentation to successfully increase community engagement and individual donations.  Instagram: www.instagram.com/vianncavelez Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/vianncav

For over a decade, Claudia has dedicated her career to paying it forward by helping college students transform their struggles into success stories. She is a proud first-generation graduate and Educational Opportunity Program alumna. After receiving extensive support from her college counselors at Seton Hall University, she was inspired to pursue a career in higher education. She then earned a master's degree in counseling from Montclair State University and has held various roles in higher education, honing her skills in academic advising and career development. Currently, Claudia serves as the Alumni Director for America Needs You (ANY), a professional development non-profit that empowers first-generation college students through intensive career development and transformative mentorship. In her current role, she oversees national programming and career advancement opportunities for ANY's growing network of over 2,000 alumni. Viannca Vélez '10, Host Instagram: www.instagram.com/vianncavelez Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/vianncav Claudia Guevara-Olivier '12, Guest www.americaneedsyou.org IG Handles: @0h_Claudia  @andimfeelingood

December is such a magical time at Seton Hall and within the Seton Hall community, so who better to have on the show as we are in the thick of the Christmas season than Seton Hall's Vice President for Mission and Ministry, Father Colin Kay.  Father Colin imparts with us so many nuggets of wisdom, his belief about why the spirit of Christmas comes so alive within the Seton Hall community, and also shares his own Seton Hall journey that dates back to his childhood!  Take a listen to the December 2023 episode with Father Colin Kay!

With this season's tipoff, we've scored the inside scoop on all things SHU basketball and the buzz word of the year: NIL. Our host Viannca Velez '10 sits down with SHU alum and Athletic Director Bryan Felt '97, to uncover his journey from student to AD, insights on the upcoming season, the Men's Basketball Practice Facility, and how Name Image & Likeness is impacting all of D1 athletics.   Learn more about the Seton Hall University Practice Facility: https://www.shu.edu/investing-in-our-future/basketball-practice-facility.html Support NIL with Onward Setonia: https://www.onwardsetonia.com Connect with our Host: IG: @vianncavelez Want to recommend our next guest? Email alumni@shu.edu. 

In this episode, our host Viannca Velez sits down with Victor Gomez '17, manager of the Seton Hall Esports team. The team is celebrating their 10th Anniversary, and their Rocket League took home a BIG EAST Conference Championship title this past season. 

In this episode, our host Viannca Velez sits down with Devin Mcguire '16, a professional baritone, conductor and music educator. Devin shares with us his journey to becoming a musical artist and the ways in which being a transfer and commuter student during his days at Seton Hall shaped his college experience. 

As a producer and talent scout with over 25 years of experience, Bob Sumner '84 is responsible for discovering and facilitating the careers of many comedians such as Bernie Mac, Bill Bellamy, Mo'Nique, Chris Tucker, Dave Chapelle, Cedric the Entertainer, Mike Epps and many more. Sumner graduated from Seton Hall with a degree in Communications. During his time on campus, his career in entertainment was inspired by his heavy involvement in WSOU. Sumner hosted a Friday Night radio showed called Mellow Madness, which became as popular in its time slot as the major radio shows in the tri state area. Since graduating, he has worked at the multinational record label, Def Jam Recordings (1989) and in 1992, he co-founded and helped to lunch HBO's Def Comedy Jam alongside Russell Simmons. This show went on to change the landscape of urban comedy forever. He is also a curator of Comedy at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, NY. Some of his most recent work has been through Laff Mobb Enterprises, LLC, which is responsible for multiple TV specials and series.   Learn more about Bob Sumner's current work and upcoming projects Laff Mobb - https://www.laffmobb.com/tour Apollo Theatre Residency - https://www.apollotheater.org/event/apollo-comedy-club-5-4-23/ Instagram: @bob.sumner Facebook   (https://www.facebook.com/groups/106734906318/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT) Bob Sumner Presents LLC Entertainment Group  apollotheater.org  CITYWINERY.COM    Connect with and learn more about our host Viannca Velez '10: www.vianncavelez.com  Instagram: @vianncavelez  Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/vianncav  

Noting that "there is no shortage of Christmas events at Seton Hall University" and that "festivities abound and students will ring in the Christmas cheer," Best College Reviews recognized Seton Hall as the best college in America for "Holiday Events." But have you ever wondered how we got here? In this very festive episode, Viannca sits down with Alan Delozier, Humanities Librarian, to discuss the history of Christmas here at Seton Hall!  Learn more about Christmas at the Hall and don't forget to follow Viannca @vianncavelez and connect with her on LinkedIn! 

In our most recent episode, Viannca sits down with Cathleen Davey Corbett '83, the founder of Seton Hall's alumni gala, Many Are One! To learn more about Many Are One, visit www.shu.edu/alumni. Be sure to follow our hostest with the mostest, Viannca Velez '10 at @vianncavelez and on LinkedIn!

Tela Wittig '19 is a New York City based software developer and Founder of Represent, a software company focused on connecting people with their elected representatives and providing for increased transparency in government at every level. Tela built Represent over the past year and launched it nationally in April 2022. She graduated from Seton Hall's School of Diplomacy with a B.S. in 2019. Tela is a proud Pirate and President of the Young Alumni Council where she works to engage and grow the Seton Hall Young Alumni community.  Connect with Tela! LinkedIn Find out more about Tela's company, Represent! Download Represent on the App Store! And follow Represent on Twitter, and LinkedIn!   Connect with Viannca!  https://www.linkedin.com/in/vianncav/ www.instagram.com/vianncavelez   Join us at Home of the Hall! www.shu.edu/homeofthehall www.shu.edu/alumni  alumni@shu.edu

In this episode, Jane McManus, Executive Director of the Center for Sports Media at Seton Hall, shares the exciting happenings at the Center, including the Inaugural Gala for the Center.

Kevin's Social:Instagram: instagram.com/kevnolivaLinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinoliva/Website: kevinoliva.comBusiness website: houseofdogs.coRead more  about Kevin and his success!

Visit Matthew's website: www.matthewhorace.com Check out Matthew's book: https://theblackandthebluebook.com/Listen to Matthew discussing leadership principles:  https://castellanbc.com/podcast/s2-episode-006/maintaining-empathy-and-compassion-in-a-crisis-with-matthew-horace/ Connect with our host!Viannca Vélez '10 on Instagram: @vianncavelezLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vianncav/

Tiffany's company, Brand CuratorsAbout Tiffany:Tiffany Chanel Knighten is a NYC-based branding consultant and creative agency owner dedicated to empowering millennial women. In 2020, Tiffany founded Brand Curators to support creative entrepreneurs with branding, social media, and content creation services. With a passion for art and culture, she uses her platform to amplify cultural conversations and individuals that create within those spaces. Tiffany graduated from Seton Hall University's College of Communication and the Arts with a B.A. in Public Relations & Journalism.Follow Brand Curators on Social Media!https://www.instagram.com/brandcurators.co/https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-curatorshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanyknighten/  

University Center Renovation FundSeton Hall's 5th Annual Giving Day

To view the recording of this panel or other recent Stillman virtual opportunities, visit shu.edu/stillmanalumni

Jason's Twitter: https://twitter.com/JasonH_2Toronto FC: https://www.torontofc.ca/

For more information about Seton Hall Men's Basketball, visit our website.

Learn more about Many Are One: www.shu.edu/manyareone Learn more about Dr. Davis: www.facebook.com/threedoctorswww.twitter.com/threedoctorshttp://instagram.com/threedoctorswww.youtube.com/thethreedoctorshttp://www.drsampsondavis.com/ INTRODUCTION VIDEO of THE THREE DOCTORS:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLGlBC2E1sQ&list=FLypzwSdN1YPFVvIMa0JA8OQ

Learn more about offerings for alumni to connect with one another and the University: Hall Hub: www.shu.edu/hallhubYoung Alumni: www.shu.edu/yaeventsLearn more about the Buccino Leadership Institute:Buccino Leadership Institute: https://www.shu.edu/leadership/index.cfmFollow us on social media @SetonHallAlumni on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook! Follow the Buccino Leadership Institute: Twitter: @SHUleadership Instagram: @buccinoleaders 

To learn more about Scott Chesney '92: Website: www.scottchesney.comFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/scott.chesney.14/Twitter:  https://twitter.com/scottchesneyInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/chesney12/YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNtWMQU2H9rOIY8FqDv8hxQLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottchesney/Ride the Wave Documentary: www.watch.ridethewavemovie.comSeton Hall Alumni Engagement and Philanthropy Information: Join thousands of Pirates in demonstrating the strength of our one Seton Hall community on April 20-21. Visit www.shu.edu/givingday to make your gift and become an advocate. Follow us: @SetonHallAlumni Check out upcoming virtual engagement opportunities and past event recordings, including our event featuring Scott:www.shu.edu/HallHub

Follow Anna on Twitter: @itsannanegron, and register to hear Anna at our upcoming Sports Industry panel on 3/18 by visiting: www.shu.edu/stillmanpanelseries. 

For more information on Seton Hall alumni engagement opportunities, visit www.shu.edu/alumniFollow Seton Hall alumni on social media: @SetonHallAlumni Follow Daniel Jean on Twitter: @wordstravelFor more information on the Facebook mentoring and resource group, PhinisheD/FinishEdD, click here.

Follow us on social media: @SetonHallAlumniLearn about virtual engagement opportunities by visiting: www.shu.edu/HallHubWho should we have our Pirate's Eye on? Submit a suggestion by emailing alumni@shu.edu

Seton Hall Alumni Hall Hub: www.shu.edu/HallHubFollow us on social media: @setonhallalumni 

Seton Hall Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration: www.shu.edu/latino-institute/hispanic-heritage-month.cfmVirtual Alumni Engagement Opportunities: www.shu.edu/HallHubFollow Seton Hall Alumni on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @SetonHallAlumni

Learn more about the Seton Hall Alumni Board of Directors at https://advancement.shu.edu/about/alumni-boardYou can stay up to date with upcoming virtual opportunities for alumni at: https://advancement.shu.edu/get-involved/events-calendar  

For more on the NJ Sharing Network visit, www.njsharingnetwork.orgFor more on Seton Hall alumni initiatives visit, www.shu.edu/alumni or on social media:  @SetonHallAlumni 

To learn more about Jersey Girl Brewing visit www.jerseygirlbrewing.com Use promo code: PIRATESEYE for 20% off orders made online. Merchandise can be shipped, beer must be picked up. Jersey Girl Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jerseygirlbrewing/Find Jersey Girl on Twitter and Instagram as: @JerseyGirlBeerFor information about Seton Hall  alumni engagement opportunities, visit: www.shu.edu/alumniFollow us on Twitter and Instagram: @SetonHallAlumni Visit our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/SetonHallAlumni Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Bank of America and AARP

A 1965 graduate and the Seton Hall 2020 Most Distinguished Alumna, Catherine Alicia Georges talks about her experience moving from the U.S. Virgin Island of St. Thomas to Newark, NJ to become a Pirate within the College of Nursing. She shares her career trajectory and her learned lessons that are applicable to the pandemic we're living in today. Visit www.shu.edu/ManyAreOne to learn more about our digital celebration of Dr. Georges and our annual alumni awards gala. Visit www.shu.edu/alumni to learn more about other upcoming digital events. 

Bryan Jakovcic '09 shares with us his Seton Hall story, as well as his entrepreneurship challenges and successes that date back to his days in the fourth grade. His current company, Fusion Health is one of the fastest growing companies in New Jersey. His success has taken him toward a path of philanthropy that includes Seton Hall and a recent response to the COVID-19 pandemic.Bryan Jakovcic on LinkedIn.Seton Hall Alumni Homepage Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: @setonhallalumni

Tiriq's TEDX Talk: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yx4VRH7h-akAmazon Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1695235681/ref=cm_cr_arp_mb_bdcrb_top?ie=UTF8Book Launch Website: http://shinethroughourshade.com/Official Author Website: www.tiriqrcallaway.comSocial Media Handles: Instagram: @poetic__prowess Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TiriqRC/

Carrie Sharpe thought she would apply her master's degree to a broadcast media career, instead she found herself on a path to entrepreneurship. She shares with us her journey that led her to open the first AIR Aerial Fitness location in the northeast. See what AIR Aerial fitness is all about. Learn more about Seton Hall alumni events and ways to become involved.