Inspired by her Scottish heritage and a popular television show set during the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745, Valerie Schrader, associate professor of communication arts and sciences at Penn State Schuylkill, embraced the opportunity to turn an academic paper into her first published monograph and discovered new creative capital along the way.
David “D.J.” Higgins, assistant teaching professor of film/video and music at Penn State Schuylkill, has produced a video series showcasing small businesses in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, in partnership with Pottsville Area Development Corporation. The “Business Gems” series has released three episodes thus far with one episode featuring a Penn State Schuylkill alumnus and business owner.
In the second episode of "Business Gems," Higgins interviews the father-and-son team Joseph Drasdis II and III, owners of Drasdis & Son, a men's clothing shop located in downtown Pottsville. Joseph Drasdis III is a Penn State Schuylkill alumnus who earned his bachelor's degree in business, and he completed an internship with Pottsville Area Development Corporation (PADCO) during his studies.
In episode 1 of "Business Gems," DJ Higgins interviews local restauranteur Savas Logothetides. Logothetides owns Wheel, a gourmet, customizable grilled cheese shop that caters to all tastes and diets. The restaurant has performed exceptionally well and Logothetides now operates two locations — one in downtown Pottsville, and another in Tamaqua.
