The Liminal Podcast

Tassel•heytassel.substack.com

Conversations about commencement. The Liminal explores the space between a student's last final and their first job. Join Chase Rigby and the team at Tassel to explore the world of graduation.

heytassel.substack.com

Follow on

Episodes

10. Paris Thomas - From GED to JD: Overcoming Odds and Owning the Podium

🎙️ The Liminal: From GED to JD — Paris Thomas on Overcoming the Odds and Owning the Podium In this episode, Chase Rigby sits down with Paris Thomas, a former high school dropout turned full-ride law school graduate, who delivered the commencement speech selected by both faculty and peers. Paris shares his remarkable journey from homelessness to higher education, and the moment he stood at the lectern to address his fellow classmates. 📝 Topics Discussed: Growing up in poverty, violence, and ins...

Apr 09, 2025•28 min

9. Aaron High - Rebuilding the Platform That Powers Graduation

Aaron High, Director of Engineering at Tassel, joins host Chase Rigby for a behind-the-scenes look at the massive tech overhaul powering Tassel’s future. Together, they dive into the why, what, and how of rewriting a 20-year-old legacy codebase while still serving millions of students—and what that means for the future of commencement. 📝 Topics Discussed: What “technical debt” really means—and why Tassel had so much of it. The decision to completely rebuild Tassel’s core architecture from the g...

Mar 25, 2025•24 min

8. Brenna Brown - Tips & Tricks Using Tassel at MSU Denver

Brenna Brown, Associate Director of University Events at Metropolitan State University of Denver, joins host Chase Rigby to share her expertise in commencement planning. As a power user of Tassel, Brenna has developed numerous strategies to streamline graduation ceremonies, ensuring an organized and memorable experience for students and administrators alike. 📝 Topics Discussed: The unique structure of MSU Denver’s commencement, including spring and fall ceremonies. How Tassel helps manage key l...

Mar 11, 2025•11 min

7. Adam Gordon - How Oakland University’s IT Team Elevates Commencement

Adam Gordon, Manager of IT and Media Application Services at Oakland University, joins host Chase Rigby to peel back the curtain and look at commencement behind-the-scenes. They explore how Oakland’s IT team uniquely supports commencement, the challenges of integrating new technology, and the evolving digital trends in higher education ceremonies. 📝 Topics Discussed: The unique role of IT in Oakland University’s commencement planning and execution. How early-stage tech integration streamlines t...

Mar 04, 2025•26 min

6. Stephanie Albach - Personalizing Commencement at Utah Valley University

Stephanie Albach, a key leader in university relations at Utah Valley University, joins host Chase Rigby to discuss how UVU is rethinking commencement to create more meaningful and personalized graduation experiences. They explore how the university embraces family involvement, the logistical challenges of large-scale ceremonies, and how technology is shaping the future of graduation events. 📝 Topics Discussed: The unique challenges of organizing commencement for a rapidly growing student body....

Feb 23, 2025•32 min

5: Dr. Courtney Hills-McBeth - How WGU Celebrates 50,000+ Graduates a Year

Dr. Courtney Hills-McBeth, Chief Academic Officer and Provost at Western Governors University, joins host Chase Rigby to discuss how WGU redefines commencement to serve its unique student body. They explore how the university balances accessibility, affordability, and meaningful celebration to create an experience that resonates with students and their families. 📝 Topics Discussed: The evolving role of commencement in modern higher education. How WGU’s commencement model caters to adult learner...

Feb 16, 2025•18 min

4: Deepthi Peri - Revolutionizing Name Pronunciation for Commencement

Deepthi Peri, Tassel’s lead technologist, joins host Chase Rigby to explore how AI-powered name pronunciation is transforming the graduation experience. They discuss the impact of mispronounced names, the importance of inclusivity for international students, and how AI is solving a long-standing commencement challenge. 📝 Topics Discussed: Why correct name pronunciation is a critical moment for graduates. The evolution from live name readers to AI-powered accuracy. How Tassel’s system ensures na...

Feb 10, 2025•38 min

3: Nicole Ojeda - Rethinking Commencements for First-Gen Students

Nicole Ojeda, a higher education expert and first-generation college graduate, joins host Chase Rigby to discuss the power of inclusive graduation ceremonies. They explore how schools can balance tradition with innovation, shorten ceremonies without losing their impact, and make commencements more meaningful for every student and their family. 📝 Topics Discussed: The unique challenges and triumphs of first-generation college graduates. How schools can embrace affinity ceremonies to celebrate st...

Feb 03, 2025•24 min

2: Taylor DeGiovanni - Inside Commencement at UC Santa Cruz

Taylor DeGiovanni, Associate Director of Commencement, Student Ceremonies, and Engagement at UC Santa Cruz, joins host Chase Rigby to discuss the intricacies of graduation planning. From managing 13 unique ceremonies to overcoming logistical challenges, Taylor shares her journey of balancing tradition with innovation in creating memorable experiences for students and families. 📝 Topics Discussed: The challenges of hosting commencement events in Santa Cruz's limited infrastructure. Transitioning...

Jan 27, 2025•35 min

1: Dan Frierdich - Modernizing the Cap and Gown Experience

Dan Frierdich, a veteran commencement planner with over a decade of experience at St. Louis University and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, joins host Chase Rigby to discuss the transformation of cap and gown traditions. They dive into how universities can move beyond outdated processes to create a seamless, student-focused graduation experience. 📝 Topics Discussed: -The inefficiencies and hidden costs of traditional cap and gown systems. -Why universities rely on bookstore distributi...

Jan 22, 2025•32 min

For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android

Open in Metacast