Dorm Disorder

In our season one finale, Rasool Berry (GC '95) reflects on life after Girard and the journey that led him to storytelling through film. From his early days navigating identity and purpose to becoming a documentary filmmaker, Rasool shares how his latest project, The Return, explores themes of belonging, history, and homecoming. It’s a conversation about legacy, creativity, and the power of reclaiming your narrative.

In the first half of our season one finale, we welcome Girard College alum Rasool Berry (Class of ’95), writer, speaker, and host of the acclaimed documentary Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom. Rasool dives into the archives with us, revisiting wild tales from past episodes and shedding new light on legendary mysteries—like what really happened to the Class of ’95’s beloved mascot, Russ.  We reexamine stories told by his older brother, now hilariously reinterpreted with Rasool’s signature wit. But the real gems? Rasool’s own never-before-heard adventures that will leave you doubled over with laughter.  It’s nostalgia, mischief, and storytelling at its finest—don’t miss it.

In Part Two of our chat with Alexandra Cruz, things take a turn — and not just down memory lane. We dig deeper into the quirks of boarding school life, from surprise dorm traditions to the legendary tales that still echo through alumni halls.  And yes… we finally get to that story. What happens when a kid gets their hands on a bottle of whiskey and hijacks a meal truck? Oh, and did we mention the romantic affair that turned the entire campus upside down? Hearts were broken, rules were bent, and the fallout made morning announcements feel like a soap opera.

Ever wonder what life is like at another boarding school? In this episode, we sit down with GC Alumni Association Director Alexandra Cruz, proud graduate of Milton Hershey School, Class of 2007 to compare notes!  From shared arrival stories to the wild differences (yes, basketball courts in the dorms!), Alex gives us the inside scoop. Who had the better food? More fun activities? Tougher chores? She breaks it all down and settles the score on who really had it better.

Dorm Disorder Podcast – Episode Title: “Mommanagerglow: Bridging Generations at GC” We’re back with part two of our conversation with Mommanagerglow Gloria and our GC sister Sahara! This episode bridges the generational gap between our young GC sister and her older GC brothers, offering fresh insight into how the school has evolved—and what’s stayed the same.  Ever wonder how cell phones have changed life at Girard? You might be surprised by the answer. We also spotlight Gloria’s incredible work on social media, where she’s carved out a vibrant space documenting Sahara’s journey as a boarding school kid. It’s heartfelt, hilarious, and full of moments that connect past and present in unexpected ways.

We’ve heard the stories of Girard College’s past—but what’s happening now? In this episode, we’re joined by Mommanagerglow herself: Gloria, proud mom of current GC little sister Sahara. With over a decade of experience parenting through Girard’s evolving chapters, Gloria offers a rare first-person look at what it means to be a GC mom today.  From the attempted closure of the high school to Sahara’s candid reflections on campus life, this episode blends heartfelt insight with fresh humor. Through Gloria’s voice and Sahara’s eyes, we explore the present-day GC experience—one laugh, one memory, and one powerful perspective at a time.

We’re back with the incomparable Atiyah Harmon for part two of our conversation—and trust us, it’s worth the wait. From pillow fights that escalate into shoe-throwing chaos, we dive into the hilarious differences between the girls’ and boys’ versions of dorm disorder at Girard. But beneath the laughs, Atiyah shares how Girard sparked her lifelong passion for education and community impact.  We explore her journey as the founder of Black Girls Love Math, a nonprofit that’s been changing lives for five years and counting. Atiyah breaks down how math became a tool for empowerment, and we preview the upcoming Black Girls Love Math Gala—hosted right at our own Founder's Hall this fall.  The jokes keep rolling, the insights hit deep, and we close this chapter with heart, humor, and a whole lot of love for math.

We’re joined by Atiyah Harmon, Girard College Class of ’98 and founder of the educational nonprofit Black Girl Love Math. Atiyah brings a long-overdue perspective: the voices of the women of Girard.  She shares vivid memories of the transition as Girard’s historically male dorms opened to girls—and the strange, sometimes hilarious tales that came with it. From navigating new spaces to confronting old mindsets, Atiyah’s stories are both personal and powerful. We also revisit the seismic moment of the OJ Simpson verdict and how that racially charged case reverberated through the halls of Girard, sparking conversations that still echo today. Atiyah also lends credence to one of our most enduring—and least disputed—theories: that the even-numbered classes were absolute a--holes. Her exhibit A? A now-legendary raid on a Pepsi truck, executed with the kind of precision and chaos only an even class could muster.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Rich Berry, the stories keep rolling and the nostalgia runs deep. We pick up where we left off, diving further into the rhythms and routines of dorm life at Girard in the early ’90s. Rich shares the moments that defined his GC experience—with plenty of laughs and a few curveballs along the way.  We explore the unspoken codes of student survival, the creative ways kids pushed boundaries, and the friendships that held it all together. Whether you were there or just wish you had been, this episode is a time capsule of grit, humor, and heart.

This week, we sit down with Rich Berry, Girard College Class of ’92, for an episode that starts with reflection and ends in pure dorm-room mayhem. We open with a heartfelt tribute to a classmate gone too soon—a moment of remembrance that grounds the conversation in the bonds that never fade.  But the mood shifts quickly as Rich dives into the wild side of GC life: dorm antics, teacher torment (all in good fun), and the lost art of payphone crank calls. From hallway pranks to late-night schemes, Rich paints a vivid picture of the ’90s Girard experience—equal parts chaotic, hilarious, and unforgettable.  It’s a ride through memory lane with one of GC’s most colorful voices.

In Part 2 of our sit-down with senior class president Wardell Ringold, we wrap up with stories that hit harder than a dodgeball to the face. From fights en route to P.E. to the unspoken art of dodging bullies, Wardell breaks down the daily drama of Girard life with raw honesty and a few laughs.  We also follow a wide-eyed “Newbie” whose excitement for his first spaghetti dinner turns into a cautionary tale—and not because of the sauce. Plus, Wardell shares what it’s really like attending Girard with a younger brother in tow: the pride, the pressure, and the occasional punchline. It’s a finale packed with grit, warmth, and the kind of stories only GC alumni can tell

Senior class president Wardell Ringold joins the crew to unpack a wild chapter of campus history—how the Hummers became the Cavaliers, and why that shift was more than just a name change. From student-run outreach to Akiba Academy to hip-hop culture echoing through the halls, Wardell breaks down the moments that defined a generation. Whether you were front row for the chaos or just heard the echoes, this episode brings the noise, the nuance, and the nostalgia.

In this follow-up episode, George dives even deeper into the memories that shaped his life full of unforgettable moments with students and staff at Girard College. With his signature humor and boundless charm, George reflects on the lessons, laughter, and lifelong friendships forged over 40 years. Whether it’s tales of classroom chaos or heartwarming milestones, George proves once again that some stories only get better with time.

Retired house parent turned teacher George Karpyn joins the fellas to share hilarious and heartfelt stories from his days at boarding school in Ukraine and his four-decade career at Girard College. From 1974 to 2014, George’s tales span generations—filled with laughter, nostalgia, and the kind of gregarious energy that only he can deliver.

Joining us is Dan’s classmate, Ron Marrero, from the GC Class of ’94. Together, we dust off some classic memories from our Girard days—with laughter, reflections, and brotherhood at the heart of it all. And just when you think it’s all nostalgia, we take a left turn into the latest on that lingering Voldemort case.

In this inaugural episode, hosts Dan Knittel and Mike Noel pull back the curtain on their personal journeys to Girard College. Through stories that trace mom disappearing, family style meals, and issues with clothes, they share how two Philly kids found their way into a life of blazers, bunk beds, and bulletin boards. While the spotlight shines on their early years, the conversation sets the tone for what life was really like inside the walls of one of America’s most unique boarding schools.