Tales from DeSales

Eric

'Tales from DeSales' is an in-studio conversation series hosted by DeSales University President Fr. Jim Greenfield. Each episode features thoughtful interviews with DeSales alumni and notable leaders from the Lehigh Valley, exploring their personal journeys, professional paths, and the experiences that have shaped their lives and leadership. The show offers meaningful insight into the impact of a DeSales education and the stories that continue to strengthen the University’s extended community.

Episodes

  1. 2d ago

    Episode 5: Featuring Dr. Alan Heckman

    Welcome to Tales From DeSales, a DeSales University podcast series hosted by University President Fr. Jim Greenfield, in which he sits down with alumni. In this episode, Fr. Jim welcomes Dr. Alan Heckman, a 2011 alum and current faculty of DeSales University. Dr. Alan Heckman, DMSc, PA-C is a board-certified physician assistant and has been a member of the faculty since 2013. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, specializing in Communications, from Kutztown University in 2004, followed by a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from DeSales University in 2011. In recognition of his work, Dr. Heckman received the 2011 Faculty Award from DeSales University’s Physician Assistant program. In 2024, he further advanced his education by completing a Doctor of Medical Science degree from the University of Lynchburg, focusing on Emergency Management and Global Health. Dr. Heckman brings extensive clinical experience in emergency medicine, family medicine, cardiothoracic surgery, and critical care to his teaching. He currently instructs various courses in the Physician Assistant program, including Clinical Medicine, Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, Diagnostic Medicine, Clinical Anatomy and Physiology, Cardiology, Surgery, and Advanced Cardiac Life Support. In addition, Dr. Heckman has over two decades of experience in emergency medical services as a paramedic and is a member of the Civil Air Patrol, the United States Air Force Auxiliary, overseeing Health Services operations for the organization in Pennsylvania. In addition to teaching, Dr. Heckman serves as the Graduate Program Director and Chair for the Department of Medical Science and Prehospital Medicine. An active contributor to the medical field, Dr. Heckman has authored chapters in several textbooks, including those published by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, worked as a medical Subject Matter Expert for companies like LearningMate, and has served as an expert witness in civil cases involving medical malpractice. Dr. Heckman also regularly presents at local, state, and national conferences and is an active member of the American Academy of Physician Associates and the Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants.

    31 min

  2. May 4

    Episode 5: Featuring Dr. Brennan Pursell

    In this episode, Fr. Jim welcomes DeSales University professor and 2014 alum, Dr. Brennan Pursell. Dr. Brennan Pursell, professor of business and director of the Center for Data Analytics and Applied AI at DeSales University, teaches courses in data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and management in the undergraduate and graduate programs. His book, Outsmarting AI: Power, Profit, and Leadership in the Age of Machines (Rowman and Littlefield, 2020), destroys widespread myths about artificial intelligence, clarifies the technology's capabilities and limitations across economic sectors, and shows how to implement it profitably, ethically, and in accordance with the law. Outside of academia, Brennan has worked as a management consultant for firms large and small, from multi-national corporations to niche technology firms and start-ups. He recently participated in a project to educate and prepare the state courts of the USA to prepare and defend themselves against digital mis- and disinformation, cyber-attacks, and AI deepfakes. Filmed in the DeSales Virtual Production Studio.

    29 min

  3. Apr 20

    Episode 4: Featuring Chris Morganelli

    Enjoy this new Tales from DeSales, hosted by the president, Fr. Jim Greenfield. In this episode Fr. Jim sits down with with Chris Morganelli, who graduated from DeSales in 2011 with a Computer Science degree. Chris Morganelli is a Lehigh Valley based entrepreneur, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of MCIT, and a trusted advisor to organizations navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of AI, cybersecurity, and modern IT operations.

    25 min

  4. Mar 9

    Episode 3: Featuring Brendan Graham

    Enjoy this new episode of a podcast from DeSales University hosted by the president, Fr. Jim Greenfield. In this episode Fr. Jim sits down with with Brendan Graham, who is twice a graduate from DeSales University in 2019 and 2023. Brendan Graham is a Philadelphia native and two-time alumnus from DeSales. He currently works in the Institutional Advancement Office and has held various positions at DSU since his graduation in 2019. His DeSales experience has taught him a lot, not only inside the classroom but also outside. He holds true to the "Salesian Spirituality" that DSU personifies and tries to practice its core values in everyday life, mentally, physically, professionally, and spiritually.

    32 min

  5. Feb 17

    Episode 2: Featuring Danny Bader

    In this episode, Fr. Jim sits down with Danny Bader, a 1985 graduate of Allentown College, whose life was profoundly transformed after surviving a near-fatal electrocution. What followed was a remarkable journey of resilience, faith, and purpose. Today, Danny is a best-selling author, inspirational speaker, and founder of jckrbbt, a philosophy and movement centered on reconnecting with the human spirit and living with clarity and intention. Through his books, keynotes, and the Back to Life podcast, Danny continues to challenge and encourage others to fully show up for their lives. This conversation reflects the heart of our DeSales community: perseverance, leadership, and a commitment to living with purpose.

    34 min

  6. 12/14/2025

    Episode 1: Featuring Tom Shirley

    Enjoy the first episode of a new podcast from DeSales University hosted by the president, Fr. Jim Greenfield. In this episode Fr. Jim sits down with with Tom Shirley, who has a long history with DeSales University. Tom Shirley served as the Director of Athletics and Head Women's Basketball Coach from 1981-89.  He garnered a 148-73 (.670) winning percentage in his eight years as the women's basketball coach and was the first coach to guide a DeSales team to the NCAA Tournament when his women's basketball team advanced to the "Big Dance" in 1988-89.  Overall he won 20+ games six times, was named NAIA District 19 Coach of the Year four times, and was honored as the National Coach of the Year in 1986-87.

    25 min
  • 6 Episodes

About

'Tales from DeSales' is an in-studio conversation series hosted by DeSales University President Fr. Jim Greenfield. Each episode features thoughtful interviews with DeSales alumni and notable leaders from the Lehigh Valley, exploring their personal journeys, professional paths, and the experiences that have shaped their lives and leadership. The show offers meaningful insight into the impact of a DeSales education and the stories that continue to strengthen the University’s extended community.

Information

  • Creator
    Eric
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Tales from DeSales
  • Show Website
    Tales from DeSales