The Oswego Alumni Podcast

The Oswego Alumni Podcast

The Oswego Alumni Podcast, hosted by Dee McGowan Perkins '85 features a diverse array of Oswego alumni spanning decades, career fields and experiences. Tune is as these alumni sit down with Dee to share their stories, both while students at Oswego and beyond. This podcast is brought to you by the Oswego Alumni Association and WNYO. For comments, questions or to suggest a future guest for the show, please email alumnipodcastwnyo@gmail.com or alumni@oswego.edu.

  1. May 19

    Oswego Alumni Podcast Marty Currid '01

    From SUNY Oswego to the FDNY, Marty’s story is one of leadership, resilience, humor, and heart. In the newest episode of the Oswego Alumni Podcast, Marty Currid, Class of 2001, reflects on his journey from student life at Oswego to serving as an FDNY Battalion Chief in New York City. Along the way, he shares unforgettable stories from the firehouse, lessons learned through decades of public service, and the experiences that shaped both his career and his life. He also opens up about family, coaching, community, and the inspiring legacy of his late wife Danielle through a scholarship foundation that continues to help young women pursue higher education. This conversation is funny, emotional, inspiring, and a wonderful example of the impact Oswego alumni continue to make in their communities every day. 🎧 Listen now and celebrate another incredible Oswego alumni story! 👉 Subscribe for more Oswego alumni stories 👉 Have a guest idea? Reach out at alumni@oswego.edu #OswegoAlumniPodcast #SUNYOswego #OswegoState #AlumniStories

    Oswego Alumni Podcast Marty Currid '01

  2. Mar 16

    🎙️ Oswego Alumni Podcast | Rita Torsney-Sullivan ’09 & Pat Baker ’08

    Valentine’s Day may be over… but this Oswego love story was simply too good not to share. 💚💛 In this episode of the Oswego Alumni Podcast, host Dee Perkins sits down with husband-and-wife alumni Rita Torsney-Sullivan ’09 and Pat Baker ’08 — educators, parents, entrepreneurs, and proud Oswego graduates whose paths nearly didn’t cross at all. From a chance meeting in a residence hall watching hockey, to an awkward first date at the unforgettable movie "Forgetting Sarah Marshall," to navigating long-distance dating, career pivots, opening a video game business together, and eventually growing their family through adoption — Rita and Pat’s journey is full of resilience, humor, and heart. In this conversation, they share: ❤️ How they met at Oswego (and almost didn’t go out that night) 🎓 Their Oswego experiences — from Johnson Hall connections to studying abroad 🎮 Launching Gizmos Video Games & Wrestling in North Syracuse 📍 Moving between Syracuse, Virginia, Orlando, Staten Island — and back again 👨‍👩‍👦 Becoming parents to their son Orion and navigating life as special needs parents 🏫 Careers in education and alumni engagement 💬 Why communication and adaptability have been key to their success as a couple Their story reflects what it truly means to be Oswego alumni — building community, embracing change, supporting one another, and never giving up. 👉 Subscribe for more Oswego alumni stories 👉 Have a guest idea? Reach out at alumni@oswego.edu #OswegoAlumniPodcast #SUNYOswego #OswegoState #AlumniStories #LoveStory #Adoption #SpecialEducation #HigherEd

    🎙️ Oswego Alumni Podcast | Rita Torsney-Sullivan ’09 & Pat Baker ’08

  3. Jan 30

    Oswego Alumni Podcast Sandra Michaca ’12

    In this episode, we’re joined by Sandra Michaca ’12, founder of The Michaca Law Firm, where she specializes in immigration law—one of the most complex and consequential areas of legal practice today. Sandra reflects on her Oswego journey, from arriving on campus drawn by Lake Ontario, to diving into leadership through ALANA, the Student Association Supreme Court, and multiple student organizations. She shares how those experiences built her confidence, sharpened her public speaking, and prepared her to advocate for clients navigating high-stakes immigration processes. Sandra also discusses what inspired her to pursue law at just 14 years old, the realities of practicing immigration law in a rapidly changing environment, and why she believes a single consultation can change a life. If you’re a current student or early-career professional, Sandra’s message is a strong one: get experience early, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. #OswegoAlumniPodcast #SUNYOswego #OswegoState #Alumni #Leadership #ImmigrationLaw #HigherEd

    Oswego Alumni Podcast Sandra Michaca ’12

  4. 11/21/2025

    Lou Borrelli Class of 1977

    Lou Borrelli Class of 1977 has been at the forefront of media, cable, and connectivity for more than four decades — helping build Marcus Cable, shaping broadband strategy at AOL, leading NEP Broadcasting for events like the Super Bowl, Oscars, Grammys, and Monday Night Football, and now serving as CEO of the National Content & Technology Cooperative, representing more than 700 operators across the country. In this episode, Lou shares with us an inspiring and wide-ranging conversation about: His early days at WOCR, working alongside a young Al Roker How SUNY Oswego gave him the confidence and hands-on training to launch a career in media The evolution of cable from community antenna TV to today’s broadband-driven world Behind-the-scenes stories from the biggest live events on television His two battles with cancer — and how surviving them changed his perspective His love of sailing, leadership lessons, and the Oswego spirit His newest act of generosity: a $150,000 matching gift to establish the Fritz Messere Dean’s Suite in Hewitt Hall Lou’s story is one of resilience, innovation, gratitude, and giving back to the community that shaped him. Listen now to hear how one Oswego alum helped transform an entire industry — and continues to uplift the next generation. Donate to the Fritz's Naming Suite: https://alumni.oswego.edu/fritz

    Lou Borrelli Class of 1977

  5. 10/28/2025

    Oswego Alumni Podcast with Lex Barker (2003)

    🎙️ New Episode: Meet Lex Barker '03 - From Lakers Student-Athlete to Great Lakes Project Manager From Lakers track athlete to managing an $82 million breakwater repair on the very waterfront where he went to college—Lex Barker's journey is one of unexpected turns, alumni connections, and coming full circle. In this episode, Lex '03 shares how a double major in Business Administration and Economics led him to nearly 20 years with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, where he manages massive infrastructure projects across the Great Lakes—from Toledo to Massena. We dive into:• How an Oswego alum opened the door to his first EPA internship in DC• What it's like being a civilian project manager working alongside military leadership• The science and logistics behind dredging harbors and repairing century-old breakwaters• Why storms on Lake Ontario required 20-ton armor stones to protect Oswego Harbor• That time he conducted a site inspection on a Coast Guard vessel in 35-degree weather• The value of adding that "extra" major that ended up defining his career path• Coach Tim Boyce's mentorship in helping him grow as a student-athlete and young adult Whether you're a recent grad wondering where your degree will take you, or an alum curious about the paths other Lakers have taken, Lex's story reminds us that staying curious, building relationships, and being open to unexpected opportunities can lead to a career you never imagined—right back where it all started. 🎧 Find more episodes here: https://alumni.oswego.edu/s/1552/bp18/interior.aspx?sid=1552&gid=1&pgid=4178 #OSWEGOAlumni #LakersForLife #AlumniPodcast #SUNYOswego #CareerSuccess #AlumniNetwork #GreatLakes

    Oswego Alumni Podcast with Lex Barker (2003)

  6. 09/30/2025

    Oswego Alumni Podcast with Justin Dobrow (2017)

    In this episode of the Oswego Alumni Podcast, we sit down with Justin Dobrow ’17 — newly promoted Director of Partner Solutions at NBCUniversal’s Peacock and President of the Oswego Alumni Association Board of Directors.Justin shares his journey from running WTOP-10 as a student, to interning at Late Night with Seth Meyers, to helping launch Peacock during the pandemic. He also reflects on meeting his wife at Oswego, the professors who shaped his path, and why he’s excited about the upcoming Communications Dinner and the grand reopening of Hewitt Union.Whether you’re a student, alum, or just curious about breaking into the media industry, Justin’s story is packed with career lessons, alumni pride, and a few laughs along the way.🔗 Listen to more episodes of the Oswego Alumni Podcast: https://alumni.oswego.edu/s/1552/bp18/interior.aspx?sid=1552&gid=1&pgid=4178

    Oswego Alumni Podcast with Justin Dobrow (2017)

  7. 09/15/2025

    In Memory of Tim Mollen

    We were deeply saddened to hear of the recent passing of Tim Mollen, Class of ’91. In this episode, we revisit our conversation with Tim, whose openness about the highs and lows of life as a working actor, and his decision to pause his career to care for his parents, left a lasting impact. His compassion—especially in sharing the challenges of supporting his mother through dementia—offers a perspective we don’t hear nearly enough. We are grateful for the time we spent with Tim, and in honoring his life and his love for Oswego, we’re proud to share his voice once more.

    In Memory of Tim Mollen

  8. 08/22/2025

    Cruz Alvarado ’12 - An Inspiring Journey of Leadership. Plus Honoring the Legacy of Howard Gordon

    🌟 Oswego Alumni Podcast – New Episode! 🌟 From the Bronx to SUNY Oswego to producing some of today’s biggest events, Cruz Alvarado ’12 has built an inspiring journey of leadership, creativity, and community. 🎤 ✨In this episode, Cruz reflects on her time at Oswego as a philosophy major and campus leader, and how those experiences gave her the skills to thrive in education, corporate retail, and eventually entrepreneurship. Today, she’s producing large-scale events like FanaticsFest and Anime NYC while staying deeply connected to her alma mater through the Return to Oz alumni committee. 💛💚We also take time to honor the unforgettable legacy of Howard Gordon, who made a lasting impact on generations of Lakers. 🎧 Tune in and be inspired #OswegoAlumni #SUNYOswego #Podcast #AlumniStories

    Cruz Alvarado ’12 - An Inspiring Journey of Leadership. Plus Honoring the Legacy of Howard Gordon
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Ratings & Reviews

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About

The Oswego Alumni Podcast, hosted by Dee McGowan Perkins '85 features a diverse array of Oswego alumni spanning decades, career fields and experiences. Tune is as these alumni sit down with Dee to share their stories, both while students at Oswego and beyond. This podcast is brought to you by the Oswego Alumni Association and WNYO. For comments, questions or to suggest a future guest for the show, please email alumnipodcastwnyo@gmail.com or alumni@oswego.edu.

Information

  • Creator
    The Oswego Alumni Podcast
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Oswego Alumni Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Oswego Alumni Podcast