’Mid the Pines Podcast

What does it look like to invest not just in property, but in a community? Shawn ’09 and Sarah (Sims ’09) McGonagle have followed an unexpected path from Grove City College to real estate investing, entrepreneurship, and a new calling in Leechburg, Pennsylvania. Along the way, they’ve renovated homes and historic spaces, launched event venues, and started Enriched Homeschool Hybrid, all with a desire to strengthen the community they now call home. In this episode of 'Mid the Pines, the McGonagles share how faith shapes their decisions, why they believe small towns are worth investing in, and what they’ve learned about listening for God’s direction, taking risks, and faithfully using what He has placed in front of them.

In this episode of Mid the Pines, Zach Jew ’11 welcomes Jeff Bees ’92, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Resources (Health Sciences) and Vice Dean for Finance at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Jeff reflects on his career in nonprofit finance, the importance of stewardship and leadership, and what makes Grove City College graduates stand out. Along the way, he shares insights on mentorship, recruiting talent, investing in people, and building a meaningful career rooted in purpose and service.

In this episode of Mid the Pines, host Zach Jew '11 welcomes Emmalynne (Adrian '10) Waseleski, Assistant Principal at Hillview Elementary School in Grove City, for a timely conversation about starting the school year with confidence and purpose. Emmalynne shares practical advice for students, parents, and educators, covering everything from establishing healthy routines and building strong school-family partnerships to navigating the challenges facing today's learners.

Whether you're preparing for the first day of school or looking for encouragement throughout the year, this episode offers valuable insights on student success, educational leadership, and creating school communities where every child can thrive.

Grove City College President Bradley J. Lingo '00 kicked off the 2026-27 academic year with an Opening Convocation address emphasizing the increased use of Artificial Intelligence and the disruptive technology’s impact and implications for higher education, while encouraging students to pursue the truth, meaning, and wisdom necessary to live a faithful and fruitful life. “Let us build with care. Let us refuse to outsource the work of becoming wise. Let us pursue truth, goodness, and beauty with courage and humility,” he said.

▶️ Watch the full Convocation address.
📰 Find additional coverage and related news from Grove City College.

In this episode of 'Mid the Pines, award-winning wedding photographer and Grove City College alumna Hannah (Williams ’13) Bjorndal shares how she turned a passion for photography into a thriving business. From capturing meaningful moments to navigating the realities of entrepreneurship, Hannah offers a behind-the-scenes look at wedding photography, industry trends, advice for couples, and the art of preserving stories that last a lifetime.

Grove City College alumnus Mark Sandvig ’07 joins Mid the Pines to discuss his journey from seminary and pastoral preparation to real estate leadership. Mark shares lessons on career change, calling, leadership, and serving others, offering practical encouragement for anyone navigating transition or seeking purpose in their work.

What does it take to lead in high-stakes environments—and stay grounded in faith and purpose?
In this episode of Mid the Pines, former Undersecretary for Health for the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Dr. Rich Stone shares lessons from his career in military and national healthcare leadership, along with reflections on raising a Grove City graduate. From leading complex teams to making tough decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic, this conversation offers practical wisdom and encouragement for aspiring leaders.

In this episode of Mid the Pines, host Zach Jew ’11 sits down with Steve DeCaspers ’97, current Alumni Council President, to explore the lasting impact of alumni engagement at Grove City College. From personal reflections on his student experience to leading the Alumni Council today, Steve shares how graduates can stay meaningfully connected through their time, talent, and resources. Hear stories of mentorship, service, and generosity—and discover how even small steps can strengthen the Grove City community for generations to come. Whether you’re newly graduated or years removed, this conversation offers simple, meaningful ways to reconnect and make an impact.

What does it take to align 1,200 people around a single vision? In this episode of Mid the Pines, Zach Jew sits down with Barbara (Bentz '83) Staniscia, President and General Manager of Bechtel Plant Machinery, Inc., to explore how great leaders turn vision into reality. From her Grove City roots to leading mission-critical work supporting the U.S. Navy, Barb shares practical insights on culture, purpose, and leading people through complexity.

In this episode, we sit down with Grove City College alumna Jordyn (Taylor ’03) Kemats, Executive Vice President of S&T Bank, to explore a vocational journey shaped by faith, leadership, and lifelong learning. From her beginnings as a psychology major to leading enterprise transformation in banking, Jordyn reflects on how calling often unfolds one step at a time. Together, we discuss leadership through change, decision‑making grounded in character, and the role of faith in navigating responsibility and growth—offering encouragement to students and professionals discerning their own paths.