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Alumni Expertise Brings Health Policy to Life in the Classroom

During Hartwick College’s January Term 2026, students enrolled in Health Policy and Politics explored the U.S. healthcare system through readings, close attention to current events, and engagement with alumni and healthcare leaders working in the field. The course was taught by Professor Laurel Elder, chair of the Department of Political Science and coordinator of Hartwick’s healthcare administration program.

A defining feature of the course was the intentional integration of guest speakers, including four Hartwick alumni and a regional healthcare leader, who brought professional experience in health policy, administration and clinical practice directly into the classroom.

For many students, this engagement was among the most impactful elements of the course.

“All our guest speakers came from such different backgrounds, but it was obvious that they shared a deep passion for making the healthcare industry a better place,” said Eryka Gomez ’29, a nursing major, swim team member and aspiring operating room nurse from Texas. 

“Getting to hear about the amazing work they do really helped solidify my desire to follow in their footsteps.”

Eryka Gomez ’29

Nursing Major

Aidan Fatta ’27, a computer science major preparing for a career in software engineering, echoed that sentiment.

Aidan Fatta '27

“It was reassuring that experienced individuals like our alumni could still see ways to improve our system and the nation’s health. It gives me confidence and hope that the coming generations can do the same.”

Aidan Fatta ’27

Computer Science Major

Health Policy and Politics is part of Hartwick’s expanding healthcare administration program, which launched a major and minor in fall 2024. The program was created to prepare students for leadership roles in healthcare, a vital and growing sector of the economy, while directly serving pressing workforce needs locally, regionally and nationally.

For one alum, sharing their insight offered a meaningful opportunity to connect professional experience with student learning. Cynthia Lockrow ’01, is a medical social worker now providing mental health services to the U.S. Air Force. She addressed both the importance and the limitations of government healthcare programs, including Medicare and Medicaid.

Cynthia Lockrow, LCSW, CCM

“Connecting with students at my alma mater is especially meaningful because it bridges classroom learning with the realities of healthcare practice.”

Cynthia Lockrow '01, LCSW, CCM

Lockrow was joined by three other Hartwick alumni, each highlighting a different aspect of healthcare. Frank Panzarella ’95, senior healthcare executive and principal at ECG Management Consultants, addressed the impact of federal policy decisions on rural health systems. Travis Cos ’02, a licensed clinical psychologist at the VA Medical Center in Philadelphia, spoke about mental health care delivery in integrated health systems. Sam Roods ’09, director of government affairs and policy at Datavant, focused on the increasing importance of health data policy, privacy and regulation in healthcare administration.

Students also heard from Dr. William Streck, former CEO of Bassett Healthcare Network and a nationally recognized leader in healthcare innovation. Drawing on three decades of experience, Streck emphasized the growing need for skilled healthcare administrators and encouraged students to consider pursuing careers in the field. He also stressed the importance of a strong liberal arts foundation, highlighting the role of critical thinking, communication, ethical reasoning and adaptability in effective healthcare leadership.

Elder said the course let students see policy decisions in action.

“Together, these guest speakers helped students see how policy decisions shape healthcare systems and patient outcomes,” she said, “They also created meaningful opportunities for professional connection and mentorship. The class showcased the impact of Hartwick graduates and reaffirmed our commitment to preparing students for leadership in one of society’s most complex and consequential fields.”

February 2, 2026
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