GMercyU Seniors Debut
The Griffin Nation Podcast
By : Shawn DeSantis ' 21
The Griffin Nation Podcast has brought the Gwynedd Mercy University community together thanks to GMercyU Seniors Justin Collins and Jordan Perkins . The two friends collaborated on this project to start conversation , expand their social media marketing skills , and build community .
It began when Jordan had an idea to venture out and explore the world of podcasting along with his buddy Justin . After a conversation with Director of Undergraduate Admissions Alex Sperrazza , The Griffin Nation Podcast was born .
The podcast has become a digital outlet for incoming students , alumni , and all members of the GMercyU community to learn more about our campus and the people connected to it – especially during this time when we can ’ t be together .
After campus shut down in Spring 2020 , the two noticed an extreme boost in interest in the podcast . The duo believes GMercyU students took an interest in tuning in when their classes went virtual .
“ Even though we can ’ t go out anywhere , we can interact online and have digital platforms ,” Justin said . “ I want people to take away a sense of community from our podcast . Something that they feel that they can connect to because we as people have far more in common than we do different .”
Justin and Jordan have big plans to interview a variety of people from the GMercyU community . They have already had great conversations with students and professors and were honored to have the opportunity to interview President Deanne H . D ’ Emilio , JD not long after the introduction of the podcast .
One of their guests stood out in particular for Jordan - Assistant Professor of Education Mary Jo Pierantozzi , MS .
“ Ms . P said that ‘ One of the key elements of GMercyU is that we put students first .’ That stood out considering how true the statement was for me ,” Jordan said . “ I have first-hand experience with almost every department at the University and have experienced this type of selflessness displayed in each person I have had contact with .”
The theme of Mercy is one of the main topics as well as social justice , which has sparked great engagement in past interviews , as well as themes from the five Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy .
As for the future of the podcast , Justin
and Jordan would love to pass on their project after they graduate this spring .
“ Hosting a podcast is something that we have only done for only a short time , but to see how much an idea can grow to this magnitude is truly something that should be inspiring for all students ,” Jordan said . “ When people see our show , I want people to know we were just college students with an idea and turned that idea into a reality . I want everyone to be motivated to step outside their comfort zone .”
Justin agrees that the podcast has brought professors and students together through the idea of Mercy and acceptance .
“ Mercy means acceptance and respecting one another ,” Justin said . “ On the podcast , we promote acceptance by giving students a different way of looking at professors .”
Listen and subscribe to
The Griffin Nation Podcast here . Stay up-to-date with Justin or Jordan through the official Griffin Nation Podcast Instagram page @ griffinnation .
Shawn DeSantis is a senior in GMercyU ’ s Digital Communications program . Learn more about Shawn ’ s
GMercyU Experience .
TODAY 5