John Carroll University: A Legacy of Notable Alumni

John Carroll University (JCU), a private Jesuit institution in University Heights, Ohio, has a rich history of producing accomplished individuals across various fields. From the gridiron to the boardroom, JCU alumni have made significant contributions to society, embodying the university's motto, "Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam" (For the greater glory of God). Founded in 1886 as St. Ignatius College, JCU has evolved into a comprehensive university with a strong emphasis on liberal arts education. This article explores the notable alumni of John Carroll University, highlighting their achievements and the impact they have had on their respective fields.

A Strong Foundation: John Carroll University

John Carroll University, established in 1886 by the Society of Jesus, initially as St. Ignatius College, has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence. In 1923, the institution was renamed John Carroll University, paying homage to the first archbishop of the Catholic Church in the United States. Relocating to University Heights in 1935, JCU transitioned to a fully coeducational institution in 1968. Today, the university comprises the College of Arts and Sciences, the Boler College of Business, and the College of Health, offering a wide array of programs for undergraduate and graduate students.

NFL Legends and Leaders

John Carroll University's connection with the National Football League (NFL) dates back to the very early days of the NFL. The university has a remarkable legacy of producing NFL players, coaches, and executives who have shaped the landscape of professional football. This tradition is largely attributed to the foundation laid by legendary figures like Don Shula.

Don Shula: The Winningest Coach

Don Shula, who studied at John Carroll between 1947 and 1951, still stands as the winningest head coach in NFL history, recording a 347-173-6 record in 36 years with the Indianapolis Colts and the Miami Dolphins. He coached in six Super Bowls and won Super Bowls VII and VIII. His impact on the game is undeniable, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of football enthusiasts. The university plays football, lacrosse and soccer in Don Shula Stadium, named after him.

A Pipeline to the Pros

Since then, a multitude of Blue Streaks have followed in Shula's footsteps. Carl Taseff ‘51, Sil Cornachione ‘51, Dick Walker ‘55, Chuck Priefer ‘63, and Gary Stevens ‘65 continued the legacy. The pipeline sprung a host of Blue Streaks to the NFL when former NFL general manager Bill Polian sent his sons Chris '93 and Brian '97 to JCU. The New England Patriots became a bastion of Blue Streaks, with Josh McDaniels ‘99, Nick Caserio ‘98, and David Ziegler ‘00, ‘07G. All played a large role in helping the Patriots become a perennial Super Bowl contender and many have moved on to lead organizations. And of course, the incomparable London Fletcher '97 roamed the NFL as a dominant linebacker in a lengthy, successful career. Former JCU coaches also thrive in the NFL. Brandon Staley served as JCU’s Defensive Coordinator in 2013, 2015, & 2016, which propelled him to the the NFL. In January 2021, Staley became the head coach of the Chargers (and is now with the 49ers). D.J.

Super Bowl Blue Streaks

Winning the last Super Bowl with the Chiefs, Jalen Myrick marked the 73rd instance where a Blue Streak participated in the Super Bowl. Alumni involvement includes:

XXXIV: London Fletcher '98 (St.
XXXVI: London Fletcher '98 (St.
LI: Nick Caserio '98 (New England Patriots, Director of Player Personnel), Josh McDaniels '99 (New England Patriots, Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks), Jerry Schuplinski '99, '02G (New England Patriots, Assistant Coach - Quarterbacks), Dave Ziegler '01, '07G (New England Patriots, Director of Pro Scouting), Nick Caley '06 (New England Patriots, Assistant Coach), Frank Ross '12 (New England Patriots, Pro Scout), D.J.
LII: Nick Caserio '98 (New England Patriots, Director of Player Personnel), Josh McDaniels '99 (New England Patriots, Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks), Jerry Schuplinski '99, '02G (New England Patriots, Assistant Quarterbacks Coach), Dave Ziegler '01, '07G (New England Patriots, Director of Pro Personnel), Nick Caley '06 (New England Patriots, Assistant Coach - Tight Ends), Frank Ross '12 (New England Patriots, Pro Scout), D.J.
LIII: Nick Caserio '98 (New England Patriots, Director of Player Personnel), Josh McDaniels '99 (New England Patriots, Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks), Jerry Schuplinski '99, '02G (New England Patriots, Assistant Quarterbacks Coach), Dave Ziegler '01, '07G (New England Patriots, Director of Pro Personnel), Nick Caley '06 (New England Patriots, Assistant Coach - Tight Ends), D.J.

Success Beyond the Field: Alumni Achievements in Various Fields

John Carroll University alumni have excelled in a wide range of professions, making significant contributions to their communities and beyond. Their accomplishments reflect the values of leadership, service, and intellectual curiosity instilled by the university.

Arts and Culture

Eric Carmen: A singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Carmen was the lead vocalist of the Raspberries and achieved global success with hits like "All by Myself" and "Hungry Eyes."
Bill Fontana: Known internationally for his pioneering experiments in sound art.
Julie Sevilla Drake: A textile artist who has spent much of her career in the service of storytelling through vibrantly colored contemporary quilts.
Mary Hoynacki '11: Wrote and published her first children's book, The Groovy Blube.
Carlo Emanuele '05: Debuting his first novel, The Sins We Inherit.
Elizabeth Jorgensen M.Ed. '09: Has published four books within the last few years: Gwen Jorgensen: USA's First Olympic Gold Medal Triathlete, Sijo: Korea's Poetry Form, Hacking Student Learning Habits: 9 Ways to Foster Resilient Learners and Assess the Process Not the Outcome, and Go, Gwen, Go: A Family's Journey to Olympic Gold.

Business and Entrepreneurship

Charles Dolan: Founder of Cablevision and HBO.
Michael Martin ’82: Founder and CEO of r.World, a company featured in The Washington Post for its leadership in helping major venues implement reusable systems.
Hal Becker: An author and nationally known expert on the subjects of sales, customer service and negotiating.
Tracie Parent 2003: Named as a 2025 Wisconsin Titan 100.
Rhonda (Hilleshiem) Noordyk '99: Author of Bold Beginnings.
Owner and Founder Debora (Hurda) Hoffmann ’87: Has published a new book, “How It All Began,” about her experiences building the world’s largest collection of Winnie-the-Pooh memorabilia.

Education

Bryn Saunders '15: Named Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) Cross Country Coach of the Year for Class AA Girls in 2024 and awarded in 2025.
Jeffrey (Allen) Taege M.Ed. '14: Named as its 2023 Wisconsin Associate (AP) Principal of the Year by The Association of Wisconsin School Administrators.
Andrew Joseph M.Ed. ’17: Named Stormonth Elementary School's principal.
Jim Vento '02, M.Ed. '08 & Elizabeth Jorgensen M.Ed.: Nominated for the LifeChanger of the Year Award.
Gabrielle Zastrow ’98: Selected as one of the 2023 Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Teacher Fellows.

Law and Politics

Anthony Joseph Celebrezze Sr.: Served as the 49th mayor of Cleveland, Ohio, a cabinet member in the Kennedy and Johnson administrations, and as a United States circuit judge.
Mary Rose Oakar: A former member of the United States House of Representatives from Ohio.
John Cranley: Served as the 69th Mayor of Cincinnati, Ohio from 2013 to 2022.
Michael Aloysius Feighan: An American politician from Lakewood, Ohio, near Cleveland. Representative from 1943 to 1971, serving Ohio's 20th congressional district.
Thomas McNamara: Serving as the 40th Mayor of Rockford, Illinois.
Timothy J. Grendell: A Republican judge on the Geauga County Court of Common Pleas.
Andrew Hysell '93: Announced his bid for the Democratic nomination to represent the newly drawn 48th Assembly District.
Rebecca Buitendorp: Appointed to the Porter County Circuit Court in Indiana.
Nolan Heck ’20: Received his Juris Doctor degree and graduated Cum Laude from Marquette Law School on May 20, 2023.

Military Service

Carter Ham: A retired United States Army General Officer who served as the second commander of United States Africa Command.
John D. Lavelle: A United States Air Force general and commander of Seventh Air Force.
Carl E. Walz: A retired NASA astronaut currently working for Orbital Sciences Corporation's Advanced Programs Group as vice president for Human Space Flight Operations.

Medicine and Healthcare

Dr. Elfriede Pahl Schuette '79: Received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Pediatric Heart Transplant Society.
Dr. Matt Gurka '99: Named to chair its Department of Public Health Sciences by the University of Virginia School of Medicine.
Dr. Ronelle Moe ’88: Named Chief Medical Director at Thrivent Financial.
Dr. Cynthia Jones-Nosacek ’77: Featured in Deacon Magazine for her medical missionary work in Uganda.
Samuel Brickley MPAS '23: Recently joined the Essentia Health-West Duluth Clinic, specializing in family medicine.
Nursing alumna Jordan Paterson '19: Will be starting school this fall at Milwaukee School of Engineering for her Masters in Science in Perfusion.

Athletics

Dominique Moceanu: A retired American gymnast. She was a member of the gold medal-winning United States women's gymnastics team, the "Magnificent Seven", at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta.
Tim Wood: An American former figure skater.
Steven Hermsen '22: Interviewed by TMJ4 News to talk about his goal of making the Olympic Trials in discus.
Patrick Barrett ’18: Has signed on for a 2nd season as a Center for the Tulsa Oilers Football team.
Ashley Myers '05: Whose high school success earned her induction into John Carroll's Athletic Hall of Fame.
Brendan Butler, ’11: Was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles his senior year of high school.
Katy Sharretts: Played lacrosse during her time at JC and continued playing lacrosse at San Diego State University.

Religion and Ministry

Gilbert Ignatius Sheldon: Served as the third bishop of the Diocese of Steubenville in Ohio between 1992 and 2002.
Rev. Christina Schoenwetter '02: Ordained into Christian ministry with the United Church of Christ, and has been called as the Associate Pastor of Engagement at St.

Other Notable Alumni

Tim Russert: An American television journalist and lawyer who appeared for more than 16 years as the longest-serving moderator of NBC's Meet the Press.
Fred P. Pestello: An American sociologist and administrator in higher education. He currently serves as the 33rd president of Saint Louis University (SLU) in St. Louis, Missouri.
Brian P. Cleary: An American humorist, poet, and author.
Joe Cimperman: An American politician who served as a member of the Cleveland City Council, representing near-west side neighborhoods from 1997 to 2016.
Paul F. McManamon: An American scientist who is best known for his work in optics and photonics, as well as sensors, countermeasures, and directed energy.
Marianne Traskey Kozlowski: Is starting her 11th school year in the Archdiocese of Baltimore as the new Principal of St.

The John Carroll University Network

The widespread presence of John Carroll University alumni in the NFL and other fields highlights the strength of the university's network and the lasting impact of its educational programs. These graduates have not only achieved individual success but have also paved the way for future generations of Blue Streaks to excel in their chosen careers. The university fosters a sense of community and encourages its alumni to stay connected and support one another.

Read also: Lucas III's Path to Coaching

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