Providence College Podcast

Ray Treacy ’82, head coach of men’s and women’s cross country and track teams, may be the greatest coach in PC history. The sustained success of his teams, and the numerous individual accolades his runners have achieved, are a testament to his legendary standing in the running community. In this episode, he discusses how he constructs his teams, how his runners prepare to race at the highest level, and the number one thing every weekend runner should do to improve. This episode also features Lauren Mullins ‘16, a valued member of both the cross country and track teams. Lauren’s remarkable improvement during her undergraduate and graduate years at PC contributed to one of the most successful periods in the program’s history.

Blaine Payer ’18 discusses his summer research, supported by the Veritas Research Fund, into the way zombie films reflect economic conditions. Under the guidance of Dr. Jeffrey Nicholas, associate professor of philosophy, Payer studied how zombies represent the socioeconomic conditions affecting prosperity in dozens of films — from 1931’s White Zombie to 2013’s World War Z. Payer also describes his extracurricular experiences, his post-college plans, and his reason for attending PC.

Dr. Richard J. Grace ‘62, professor emeritus of history, began his career at Providence College before the Development of Western Civilization Program was established in 1971 and continues to lead classes in the Liberal Arts Honors Program today. In this podcast, hear his reflections on more than four decades of teaching from a 2014 lecture in honor of his retirement.

Doris Burke ’87, ’92G, & ’05Hon., a versatile basketball commentator, has covered the sport for ESPN since March 1991. Her assignments include the NBA and men’s and women’s college basketball — both the regular season and the NCAA Championships. Doris joins the podcast to discuss her rise to the top of her profession and her methodical approach to success, as well as Kris Dunn’s NBA debut.

Former Today Show correspondent Mike Leonard ’70 & ‘00Hon. has spent much of the past year developing a short film about Providence College, certain to be a highlight of PC's year-long centennial celebration. In an episode full of insightful and humorous anecdotes, Mike talks about his extraordinary career, the art of storytelling, and the impact of Providence College on his family, which also includes his four alumni children.

Dr. Sylvia Maxfield, dean of the School of Business, discusses the importance of learning outside the classroom, ways in which PC facilitates these experiences, and how the new Arthur and Patricia Ryan Center for Business Studies will change business education at the College. You can learn more about the Providence College School of Business by visiting http://business.providence.edu/.

Brianna Abbott ’17, chemistry and creative writing double major, talks about her summer research as a Walsh Student Fellow, majoring in two vastly different fields of study, and how her experience with FaithWorks laid the foundation for her time at PC. Read Brianna’s fellowship-related blog posts: http://blogs.providence.edu/student-research/category/walsh-fellows/.

Rev. R. Gabriel Pivarnik, O.P., vice president for mission and ministry, discusses new faith initiatives at the College, his numerous roles at PC, and his indirect path to the priesthood.

Curious about PC’s campus transformation? In this episode, John Sweeney ‘15P & ‘19P, senior vice president and chief financial officer, details ongoing construction, what happened over the summer, and what to expect this year. Sweeney also describes how PC funds these projects and why they are necessary for the future of the College. Learn more about PC’s campus transformation at http://www.providence.edu/momentum

Diane Madl, head coach of the Providence College field hockey team and 1996 Olympian, is a staple of the PC athletic department. In this episode, Madl describes her Olympic experience in Atlanta, her coaching and recruiting philosophy, and how she mentors student-athletes to take ownership of the team's success.

Bob Driscoll, associate vice president and athletic director, has helped make Providence College’s athletic program a national power. PC is in an unrivaled period of success, thanks in part to his leadership. In this episode, Driscoll details his athletic background, his experience moving from small schools to high-level athletic programs, what he looks for in coaches, and the daily routine that enables him to maintain his ever-present focus and energy.

This episode features Dr. Vance Morgan, professor of philosophy and former director of the Development of Western Civilization Program at Providence College. Morgan recently completed a yearlong sabbatical that allowed him to finish a final draft of an upcoming book based on his popular blog, www.freelancechristianity.com. We discuss his career teaching philosophy, his foray in the blogosphere, and how he likes to throw his ethics students headfirst into moral and ethical dilemmas.

This episode features former NHL hockey player and Providence College star Joe Hulbig ’96. Joe was a first round draft pick in the 1992 NHL Draft before he enrolling at Providence College. After his eight year hockey career ended Joe switched careers and began working in education philanthropy. He is now a regional director of major gifts at PC. In this episode Joe details the recruiting experience that led him to Providence College, his time in the NHL, and why he made a career shift away from athletics.