In the Media

Wes Leckrone, professor and chair of political science, is featured in this segment discussing Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's state budget address.  

Widener recently shared outcomes from the 2024 undergraduate class via the National Association of Colleges and Employers. Janet Long, executive director of Widener's Career Design and Development office, and communications studies alumnus Anthony Pompilii '24 are quoted. 

This article highlights a collection of legal history memorabilia curated by Amanda Sholtis, assistant professor at Commonwealth Law School. 

Widener is mentioned as one of many venues to have hosted the Philadelphia Eagles training camp over the team's history. 

Erin Daly, emerita professor and director of the Dignity Rights Institute at Delaware Law School, discusses dignity law and the work of the Dignity Rights Institute. The conversation with Daly begins at the 4:30 mark. 

This article highlights Commonwealth Law School's Trial Admissions Program which offers a pathway to law school for students who are challenged by traditional admission procedures. Dean andré douglas pond cummings; Matthew Kerns, associate dean of admissions; Professor Randy Lee; and students Nia Ramsammy, Keith Gregory, and Sierra Williams, are all featured discussing the program's benefits. 

Harry Augensen, emeritus professor of physics and astronomy, authored this article sharing visible planets, constellations, and more for the month of February. 

In this episode, hosts Mariah Schug, associate professor and chair of gender women's, and sexuality studies, and Carla Barqueiro, assistant professor of political science and international relations, speak with Professor Jeff Lolli about how the Trump Administration's appointment of accused sexual harassers could impact workplaces. The trio also discuss options for those experiencing harassment or hostile workplaces. 

Widener's ROTC Dauntless Battalion is featured highlighting the program's deeply rooted past, its successful present, and promising future. Professor of Military Science and ROTC Lt. Col. James Pascoe, student and current cadet Meghan Rampolla '25, and alumnus Lt. Kevin Draeger '24 are all quoted. 

A number of Widener students are serving as coach-mentors for the 2025 season at Chester Upland Youth Soccer, a program which provides after-school and weekend soccer programming, mentorship and nutrition education for children in the traditionally underserved, suburban Philadelphia communities of Chester, Upland and Eddystone.

Jeremy Hancher, EMAP program manager in the Widener Small Business Development Center, is quoted in this article examining how small businesses can prepare for the effects of a natural disaster. Hancher says that business owners should take note of specifics in their insurance policies and prepare alternatives for business operations. 

Widener hosted a STEM Career Day for area children and families to learn about STEM from Widener faculty, staff, and students. 

On this episode, Andrew Burkhardt '12, head coach of Widener's rugby team and a project manager at Penn Valley Constructors, discusses how his Widener experience led him to successful careers in engineering and coaching. Burkhardt describes how his time playing and coaching rugby shaped his leadership style, and he shares lessons learned that have helped him inspire young athletes to succeed. 

Burkhardt received his degree in civil engineering from Widener in 2012. During his time at the university, he was president of the Widener rugby club, a member of the Presidential Service Corps, and a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. Under his leadership as head coach, the Widener rugby team won a championship in November 2024. The win marked Burkhardt's 46th victory since taking on head coaching duties in 2014. 

He has taken a special interest in growing interest and participation in the program from Widener rugby alumni. Interested rugby alumni are encouraged to share their information by completing this form. 

A Widener Day open house will take place on the university's Chester campus on Sunday, Feb. 2 for undergraduate admitted, incoming, and prospective students.

Delaware Law School Assistant Professor Margaret Zhang is quoted in this article examining a number of executive orders released by President Trump. Zhang discusses potential repercussions of the Trump administration's order to overhaul diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in the workplace. 

Commonwealth Law School alumnus Dave Sunday '07 has been sworn in as Pennsylvania attorney general. 

Widener students, faculty, and staff took part in the third-annual MLK Day of Service on Jan. 20. President Stacey Robertson and student Jenna Waldron '25 spoke at the day's opening breakfast. The event moved to a peace march through Chester to the Cultural Arts & Technology, or CAAT, center, where participants had lunch and took part in community-building activities. 

Students Taylor Easter '25 and Sergio Santiago '25 are featured in this clip from NBC 10, sharing about the day and Dr. King's legacy. Additionally, Taylor Holmes '28 and Nevaeh Wooders '28 spoke with KYW about why they chose to take part in the day of service activities. 

Widener students also celebrated Dr. King's legacy with a health sciences day of service on Jan. 17. Graduate health science students from across the university offered their services free of charge in 10 locations around Chester to serve community members. 

Margaret Zhang, assistant professor at Delaware Law School, is featured of this list of leaders in legal academia who are alumni of the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School. 

A group of Widener students took part in the university's first international internship opportunity. Students Jenna Waldron '25 and Naomi Knight '25 '27 are quoted about their experience on the trip to Costa Rica, which was created and led by Beatriz Urraca, chair of modern languages, and Stephen Madigosky, professor of environmental science and biology.

Assistant Professor Tongyang Yang is featured discussing inflation in the United States.