Professor, Media & Cultural Studies
Dept. of Communication, Media & Performance
Allegheny College
Box 45. 520 North Main Street
Meadville, PA 16335
EMAIL: iroy@allegheny.edu
MY EDUCATION
B.A & M.A
(English Lit.)
Bombay University, India
M.A. & Ph.D (Communication)
Annenberg School for Communication at the
University of Southern California,
Los Angeles
Media & Cultural Studies
Nation Branding
Postcolonialism & Globalization
Diversity & Social Justice
Integrated Marketing Communication & Storytelling
Digital & New Media Trends
2026 Alumni Tour to India
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In the summer of 2026, Allegheny graduates from various cohorts, and their guests, will embark on an immersive eighteen-day tour exploring the contested and unfolding 'idea of India'. Through a liberal arts lens, we will examine Indian art, mythology, history, politics, and visual media, all centered around the theme of Peacocks, Palaces, and Portals.
This unique journey will be co-led by myself and my colleague, Brian Miller, a professor of History and International Studies. Drawing on our combined expertise, we will guide the group as they engage with India’s rich cultural landscape, fostering deep connections and lasting memories along the way.
Our inspirational Alumni panelists were:
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John Meyer (Communication; ’04): CEO and Co-Founder of CompleteU – an EdTech software and services company based in Pittsburgh, PA.
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Jennifer DeSalvo (Managerial Economics and Communication double major; ’07): Founder and owner of Pittsburgh Paws Pet Resort, a beloved and highly successful dog spa and boarding service, with two locations in Pittsburgh.
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Ian Coyle (Managerial Economics and Communication; ’08): Director of Business Development at Data Ideology, LLC, & founder of the nonprofit Semper Gratus, which mainly focuses on supporting pediatric patients suffering from cancer and other debilitating diseases.
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Vanessa Braun (Psychology and Communication, ’03): is the Director of Accessibility and Manager of Employee Engagement at The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.
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Zack Rearick (Communication and Political Science double major; ’09): Senior VP at Brian Global Communications in Philadelphia, where his account portfolio covers healthcare, public affairs, issue advocacy, and corporate reputation.
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Amy Weisgerber (Communication; ’06): Amy is the UPMC Presbyterian In-House Coordinator for the Center for Organ Recovery & Education.
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Jon Michael Shink (Communication; ’07): Along with his business partner Michael Skinner, Jon is the Emmy®-winning lead producer for Pendragwn Productions, based in Washington, DC.
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Alex Reeves (Communication; ’06): Award-winning director, writer, producer, editor and sound designer with over 15 years of film production and post-production experience. Producer/Director/Owner of Point of Blue Studios, and Owner/Director of Red Arc Pictures.
On Discovering a Career that Gives you Joy and Purpose
Alumni Panels took place in the Gladys Mullenix Theater @ The Vukovich Center for Communication Arts.
INCOMING STUDENTS LEARN
D.I.Y SKILLS IN THEIR FALL '23 FIRST YEAR SEMINAR ON "FASHION, MEDIA AND CULTURE".
Right: Television producer and Allegheny alumnus Lloyd Segan ('80) virtually co-taught the "Media and Culture" course in spring 2024, and generously brought in industry professionals who added their expertise in covering timely topics regarding the changing media and technology landscape and its impact on American democracy.
"Disruptive Learning and An Ethics of Sustainable Development: The Case of an SDG-Themed Community Engaged Learning Cohort for Future Leaders," co-presented with Dr. Caryl Waggett, Allegheny College, USA (17 June 2022) at the 5th World Symposium on Sustainable Development at Universities.
Our presentation used the case study of an undergraduate first-year cohort of Allegheny College Global Citizen Scholars studying SDG 5 (Gender Equality & Women’s Empowerment). During the COVID lockdown, these students participated in a virtual community-engaged learning initiative developed in collaboration with the community partner (Women’s Services Inc.). While most higher education initiatives use the SDGs in courses oriented towards global problem-solving, our case study explored how the SDGs can provide the foundation to build more inclusive partnerships, framed by an "ethics of care," between academic institutions and community partners.