The Liminal Podcast
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
Episodes
🎙️ 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 classmate...
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 m...
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, ...
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 ...
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 challe...
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 commenceme...
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 ...
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-genera...
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 o...
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...
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