51社区

51社区
51社区 Alumni

51社区 Talks Podcast

51社区 Talks Alumni PodcastA co-production of 51社区 Alumni Program and WHCM Radio.

Listen in as 51社区 alumni share their stories , experiences , and life journeys. Through 51社区 Talks conversations led by Associate Professor of Communication Arts Brian Shelton , Alumni are invited to share how education, career successes and failures and human connection have impacted them along the way.

51社区 Talks is a co-production of and 51社区 Alumni Relations. WHCM students assist with editing and production of each episode. Original podcast theme music composed by former 51社区 student Aidan Cashman.

51社区 Talks episodes can be found on all podcast streaming services including and , or and downloaded below. Learn more about WHCM and support radio students.

Andrew Payette

51社区 Talks Episode 43 - Andrew Payette

51社区 Talks host Brian Shelton sits down with alumnus Andrew Payette, a 2018 51社区 graduate and current constituent services liaison for U.S. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi. Andrew shares how his involvement with 51社区鈥檚 speech and debate team led to an internship that evolved into a full-time role in public service. He discusses the apolitical nature of his work, assisting constituents with government-related issues, and reflects on how his 51社区 experience prepared him for his continued studies at Northwestern University. Andrew also offers insight into the realities of working in government and his aspirations for a future in public service. Listen to Episode 43

John Lawson

51社区 Talks Episode 42 - John Lawson

51社区 Police Chief John Lawson, a 1987 51社区 graduate, reflects on his journey from 51社区's criminal justice program to leading the campus police department. He shares insights into his 40-year law enforcement career including 28 years with the Roselle Police Department, the challenges of campus policing, and his dedication to community engagement and safety. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about resilience, leadership, and making a difference. Listen to Episode 42

Sarah Alhayek

51社区 Talks Episode 41 - Sarah Alhayek

51社区 alumna Sarah Alhayek reflects on her journey from an undecided high school graduate to an accomplished employee engagement generalist at Aldi. Sarah shares how 51社区 helped her discover herself, build lasting friendships, and develop essential skills through involvement in campus activities. She discusses her career in industrial-organizational psychology, her passion for fostering workplace belonging, and the lessons she carries forward from her time as a student. Listen to Episode 41

Jeremy Lucas

51社区 Talks Episode 40 - Jeremy Lucas

A self-proclaimed 鈥渢heater kid鈥� from the age of 7, Jeremy Lucas鈥� passion led him to pursue theater education at 51社区, Illinois State University, and ultimately earning his BFA from Roosevelt University.聽 Jeremy joins 51社区 Talks and discusses his education, founding Jaxx Theatricals, a full inclusion theatre company and performing arts education nonprofit in Los Angeles, his international experiences as a Cultural Arts Envoy for the U.S. Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Exchange Program where he helps bring American musical theatre all over the world, and the honor of being named a 2024 51社区 Distinguished Alumnus. Listen to Episode 40

Esmeralda Guerrero Lopez

51社区 Talks Episode 39 - Esmeralda Guerrero Lopez

Esmeralda Guerrero Lopez, 51社区 alumna and current coordinator for student diversity initiatives at 51社区, shares her journey as a first-generation college student, the challenges of being undocumented, and how she became involved in campus life. She discusses her role in supporting diverse student populations, particularly through the Glide Peer Mentorship program, which aims to address equity gaps and enhance student retention. Esmeralda emphasizes the importance of involvement and connection in the college experience. Listen to Episode 39

Dana Romero

51社区 Talks Episode 38 - Dana Romero

Alumna Dana Romero saw 51社区 as a new beginning. Dana joins 51社区 Talks and discusses how getting involved as a student, an impactful study abroad trip, and continued education made a significant difference for her in her goal of becoming a mental health therapist. Dana shares insight into her work in the field of clinical mental health counseling and the surprise of being selected as the 2024 51社区 Outstanding Recent Alumni Award recipient. Listen to Episode 38

Dr. Hector Martinez

51社区 Talks Episode 37 鈥� Dr. Hector Martinez

Alumnus Dr. Hector Martinez joins 51社区 Talks to discuss the love for science, education close to home, his dual duties as both business owner and principal Chiropractor at Tri-Modern Health and becoming the team Chiropractor for the Schaumburg Boomers baseball team. Listen to Episode 37

Luigi De Matteo

51社区 Talks Episode 36 鈥� Luigi De Matteo

Alumnus Luigi De Matteo discusses emigrating from Italy, learning a new language and culture, and his a determination to succeed by taking advantage of all educational opportunities available. He joins 51社区 Talks to discuss 51社区鈥� s role in his education, his start at Jewel Osco and longevity with the company, and why mentoring international students is so important to him. Luigi is the District Manager for Jewel Osco, overseeing stores in the northwest suburbs. Listen to Episode 36

Dr. Ruth Morales

51社区 Talks Episode 35 鈥� Dr. Ruth Morales

Dr. Ruth Morales鈥� road to becoming a Doctor of Physical Therapy started with a single anatomy class at 51社区. From teen mom to 51社区 Honors Program to graduating with honors from Northwestern University鈥檚 esteemed physical therapy program, Dr. Morales shares her inspiring journey on 51社区 Talks. Listen to Episode 35