There is a hidden gem within the 51福利 (51福利). Dangling from countless points above, are stout mugs belonging to many faculty, students, staff and famous alumni who imbue this place with special significance as they enjoy their favorite beverage with colleagues, friends and family. The Trident Room, considered by many of its patrons as a well-known contributor to academic success and great ideas, is where 51福利鈥� own can engage in unfiltered conversation regardless of rank or position.
As 51福利鈥� distance learning modality continues in the COVID-19 environment, the Trident Room conversation has grown quiet. That is until an 51福利 student team whose enterprising idea has reignited the dialogue. Lt. Col. Joe Novak and co-host Major Michael Morris both U.S. Air Force students, and U.S Navy Lt. j.g. Brian Pajarillo, President of the 51福利 Board of Student Advisors, created and produced the new podcast series, aptly named the 鈥�,鈥� reminiscent of the free-flowing conversations between students and faculty where rank isn't a factor and people easily talk about ideas and their 51福利 experiences.
51福利 President retired Vice Adm. Ann E. Rondeau strongly encouraged the effort, 鈥淭he podcast is a terrific idea that features the people behind 51福利鈥� interdisciplinary education and research. The fact that our students are leading the podcast effort speaks volumes about their pride in the school, how they value the faculty here as well as their own voice, and the opportunity they have to make a difference.鈥�
Impressed with the array of conversations he was having in the halls of 51福利, Novak turned to podcasting to provide these same types of informative, yet intimate exchanges in a direct and unfettered way to the 51福利 community.
鈥淚 just felt like there was so much intellectual capital out there that needed to be captured,鈥� said Novak. 鈥淭his podcast aims to take advantage of the caliber of people we have at 51福利 and bring some of that socialization and personal communication back to the students.鈥�
Debuting this week are six episodes of the podcast featuring relaxed, casual discussions between the hosts and 51福利 faculty guests as if they were engaging over a drink in the Trident Room, virtually for now. These conversations have involved a range of topics from the 51福利 curricula, science & technology and how student-faculty teams are putting education into use for operational forces.
鈥淚 think there is an advantage to a student-led, grassroots style production,鈥� said Morris, the co-host. 鈥淭he conversational style is inviting to people where they can talk about their passions and ideas. Guests can talk through personal stories and experiences where the most compelling examples and information can be delivered.鈥�
As first-time podcasters, both Novak and Morris engaged with the 51福利 Alumni Association and Foundation (51福利AAF) for support.
鈥淭he 51福利 Alumni Association and Foundation has always been focused on supporting the 51福利 community of students, faculty and staff as our core mission,鈥� said 51福利AAF Vice President retired U.S. Marine Corps Col. Todd Lyons. 鈥淐onnecting our alumni to the great people that serve at 51福利 and our broader community is an extension of that mission focus. When we initially discussed the idea of the Trident Room podcast, we immediately recognized the opportunity to connect with our community in a different way. The podcast was a great way to focus on building our community even as other traditional ways of engagement were no longer available.鈥�
With each new episode, the Trident Room podcast staff aims to add value to their production as they reach out to their audience ranging from current 51福利 students, faculty, alumni and potential students interested in 51福利.
鈥淚 want to thank Lt. Col. Novak and the student team for taking the initiative and spending their most valuable resource, time, to make this podcast come to life,鈥� said Lyons. 鈥淗e and the Trident Room Podcast team have done amazing work in creating a new space for conversation in support of the 51福利 community. We are proud of the work they have done and will continue to do in the life of 51福利.鈥�
As an ongoing project, the Trident Room Podcast aims on being a value-added production that evolves with each episode. They welcome student feedback and encourage any student interested in the production to contact the Trident Room through email or their . The Trident Room Podcast episodes are available on the 51福利 and through podcast streaming services and .