’Mid the Pines Podcast

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.
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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.

 

In this special sesquicentennial episode of 'Mid the Pines, our host Zach Jew ’11 sits down with Hilary (Lewis ’09) Walczak to explore the 150-year story of Grove City College. From the College’s founding in 1876 to the traditions that still shape campus life today, Hilary offers a unique perspective from the College Archives — highlighting the people, moments, and convictions that have defined Grove City across generations. The conversation also looks ahead to the 2026 sesquicentennial celebration and what it means for alumni, students, and friends of the College. Join us as we reflect on a legacy of faith, leadership, and enduring impact — and consider what the next 150 years might hold.

**After this episode was recorded, we learned of the passing of Dr. Edwin P. “Doc” Arnold on March 16, 2026. Dr. Arnold served as longtime Director of Bands and Chair of the Music Department at Grove City College, and also held several senior administrative roles across campus. He was 80.

A special bonus episode featuring President Brad Lingo’s '00 inauguration address as the 10th president of Grove City College, highlighting the College’s mission and the enduring values that define who we are.

In this episode of Mid the Pines, Grove City College alumnus Nick Matthews ’95—business leader, executive coach, and accomplished endurance athlete—joins host Zach Jew '11 to explore how leaders are shaped over time. From his early days studying Industrial Management to leading teams, learning through failure, and eventually coaching CEOs, Nick shares candid insights on formation, humility, and the long view of leadership. He also reflects on the discipline behind completing 76 marathons and ultramarathons, and how endurance principles translate directly into effective leadership. This is a conversation about growth, stewardship, and learning the long way.