At the Center

In the first episode of “Y Money Talks”, host Alex Jolakian tackles one of the first big financial responsibilities after college: taxes. Alex sits down with York College’s Professor Richard Butler, a taxation expert and longtime CPA, to discuss why students should file taxes, how the process works, and the free resources available to help get them done before Tax Day. We hope you enjoy listening to “Y Money Talks”!

In this episode of At the Center, we explore organizational tendencies towards compartmentalization, the challenges and complexity of collaboration to dismantle the "silos.” Joined by Dr. Molly Sauder (Dean of the Graham School of Business), Paul Saikia (Asst. Dean for Athletics and Recreation), and Dr. Kay McAdams (Assistant Provost for Curriculum and General Education), Dr. Tamara Sniad discusses the practical value of cross-departmental synergy, highlighting how collaboration prepares graduates for a modern workplace. From athletics to a three-year collaborative project between business and history, this episode offers a roadmap for moving toward a more integrated campus culture.
Transcript
The bio sheet for our wonderful guests can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1glo7W7qEoH1-cs9NWUcIbzBBo8iiMpKqPmPoqhkqShU/edit?usp=sharing 

In this episode of At the Center, we explore the power of international collaboration. Dr. Tamara Sniad is joined by Dr. Mary Boldt, Dr. Michael Zerbe, and Dr. Ken Merry to discuss how colleges and universities can build meaningful partnerships around the world. These collaborations spark new ideas, deepen learning and inspire students to think beyond borders. This episode shares practical strategies for building global partnerships that accelerate innovation and real-world impact. This episode also explores why in-person engagement still matters in a digital world—and how traveling to meet partners face-to-face can build trust, unlock creative problem-solving, and strengthen long-term relationships.
Transcript
The bio sheet for our wonderful guests can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XUzhTofQTRF81B2O2uN73k0V785gDCBAVsmwlZEgIVg/edit?usp=sharing 

What if the key to solving our most complex challenges lies not in a new technology, but in the untapped wisdom of the person sitting across the generational aisle from you? In this episode, we celebrate the power of intergenerational connection and the unique strengths that every age group brings to our shared professional and learning spaces. By weaving together personal stories and emerging trends, our panelists explore how today’s students and seasoned professionals can learn from one another to spark meaningful collaboration and build vibrant communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Transcript
The bio sheet for our wonderful guests can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jLDsgUfmIl3WJIUH_ktcPa41bcKyDpxpg5ICgC6om-k/edit?usp=sharing 

YCP embraces the idea that the most impactful solutions often arise from unexpected connections. On this episode of the At The Center podcast we'll further explore one of science's most fascinating—and historically overlooked—partnerships: the brain-gut connection. Together, we’ll unpack how this "hidden relationship" is not only biologically significant but also serves as a powerful metaphor for how a fresh look can lead to surprising, synergistic collaborations.
Transcript
The bio sheet for our wonderful guests can be found here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BsT0opnJ35apKhmVXugCMxDaCgLGkSxH/view?usp=drive_link

How can we expect students to navigate a changing world if we’re standing still?  
In this episode of At the Center, we explore how faculty across disciplines are redefining the classroom through active learning and radical collaboration. Our guests dive into the messy, rewarding process of evolving their teaching practices to cultivate more resilient and curious students.
Joining us are Dr. Paul Ackerman, Associate Professor of Civil Engineering, Dr. Julie Saville, Assistant Professor of Therapeutic Recreation and Wellness, and Dr. Randi Shedlosky-Shoemaker, Professor of Psychology and Director of the Center for Faculty Excellence. After sharing personal experiences, they offer advice on how to embrace the discomfort of innovation, modeling "failing forward," and co-creating new paths to student success.
Transcript
The bio sheet for our wonderful guests can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LCHMq5_vnUBDOsgHStRY7rv_tvahT89B/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=110394722063973400914&rtpof=true&sd=true 
Shedlosky-Shoemaker, R. (2022, January 11). How expertise was getting in the way of my teaching. Inside Higher Ed. https://www.insidehighered.com/views/2022/01/11/over-relying-expertise-can-hurt-student-learning-opinion
 

This episode spotlights a unique partnership between YCP and local farmers, highlighting how an interdisciplinary team is using AI to address real-world agricultural challenges. We dive into the impact of this collaboration and consider what it means for the future of both technology and cross-sector collaborations.
Transcript
 Provided is the link to the bio sheet for each of our wonderful speakers: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SdkDOlG3ldNTOUGw1syl1ZlrWippqZaM/view?usp=drive_link 
 

Do you choose the news you see or does it choose you?
In this episode of At the Center, we dive into how people engage with news today and what it means to be truly informed in a world where the line between news and noise is increasingly hard to see. 
Joining us are Scott Fisher, regional editor for the York Daily Record,  Alan Berry, YCP Adjunct Faculty in Mass Communication, and Dr. Nicholas Anspach, YCP Associate Professor of Political Science and Director of the Glatfelter Institute of Public Policy.  Together, they share insights on news consumption, trust in journalism, and how traditional news organizations are adapting to the current media environments. 
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In this episode of At the Center, we dive into the power of collaboration—specifically, how business and higher education can team up to drive innovation and opportunity. Join host Dr. Tamara Sniad as we explore the dynamic partnership between MRG Labs and York College of Pennsylvania.
Our guests include Rich Wurzbach, CEO of MRG Labs, along with Dr. Greg Foy and Dr. Ashley Earle from York College. Together, they unpack the key elements that make a business-academic collaboration thrive. From real-world applications in the lab to mentoring the next generation of professionals, this episode offers actionable insights for entrepreneurs, educators, and anyone interested in building bridges between industry and academia.
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What does it take to make real-world learning meaningful for students, educators, and employers alike? In this episode of At the Center, we explore the power of on-the-job learning through the lens of those living it every day.
Guests include Dr. Rachael Lattanzio, Assistant Professor of Nursing at York College; Dr. Diana Muthami, Professional Development Lead at WellSpan Health; and  YCP students, Claire Rumsey, Civil Engineering, and Ethan Feaser, Finance. Together, they share personal stories and actionable insights from their unique roles in experiential education.
From building confidence in the workplace to creating partnerships that truly support growth, this conversation offers practical advice on how to make hands-on learning both effective and enjoyable for everyone involved.
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