La Salle University: A Legacy of Notable Alumni
La Salle University, a private Catholic university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has a rich history of producing accomplished individuals across various fields. Founded in 1863 by the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, La Salle has consistently fostered an environment of virtue and knowledge, as reflected in its motto, "Virtus, Scientia." This article explores the lives and achievements of some of the university's most distinguished alumni, showcasing the breadth of their impact on society.
A Foundation of Academic Excellence
La Salle University's commitment to academic excellence is evident in its diverse range of programs and its dedication to student success. The university comprises the College of Professional and Continuing Studies and three schools: Arts & Sciences, Business Administration, and Nursing & Health Sciences. With popular majors such as Communication, Nursing, and Education, La Salle provides a strong foundation for students to pursue their passions and achieve their career goals.
The university's emphasis on quality teaching is exemplified by figures like Roland Holroyd, Ph.D., a long-time biology professor who received a Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching. Holroyd's dedication to his students and his unique teaching style, often remembered for his academic robe, left a lasting impression on the La Salle community.
Prominent Alumni in Politics and Public Service
La Salle University has a strong tradition of producing leaders in politics and public service. These alumni have made significant contributions to their communities and the nation, shaping policy and advocating for positive change.
William Joseph Burns: A distinguished diplomat, Burns served as the 8th director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and held various high-ranking positions in the U.S. Department of State, including deputy secretary of state. His extensive experience in foreign affairs and national security has made him a respected voice on global issues.
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Jim Kenney: Kenney served as the 99th mayor of Philadelphia, leading the city through significant challenges and implementing policies to address issues such as poverty, education, and public safety.
Brian Fitzpatrick: Representing Pennsylvania in the U.S. House of Representatives, Fitzpatrick has focused on issues affecting his district, including economic development, healthcare, and environmental protection.
Madeleine Dean: As a U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania, Dean has been a strong advocate for progressive policies, including gun control, affordable healthcare, and environmental sustainability.
Michael J. Stack III: Stack served as the 33rd Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania, playing a key role in the state government and working on initiatives to improve the lives of Pennsylvanians.
Dennis M. O'Brien: O'Brien served as the Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and represented the 169th Legislative District for many years.
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Mark F. Squilla: Squilla is a member of the City Council of Philadelphia, working on local issues and representing the interests of his constituents.
Thomas P. Murt: Murt is a former member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, representing the 152nd legislative district.
William Francis Harrity: Harrity was an American politician and lawyer. Harrity is best known as chairperson of the Democratic National Committee from 1892 to 1896. He also served as Secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania between 1891 through 1895.
Sarah A. Wescot-Williams: Wescot-Williams is the leader of the Democratic Party of Sint Maarten and the first Prime Minister of Sint Maarten. Wescot-Williams is the current President of Parliament, a role she has occupied on five separate occasions.
These alumni exemplify La Salle University's commitment to developing leaders who are dedicated to serving their communities and making a positive impact on the world.
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Influential Figures in Sports
La Salle University has a proud athletic tradition, producing talented athletes and coaches who have achieved success at the highest levels of their respective sports.
Tom Gola: A basketball legend, Gola is considered one of the greatest NCAA basketball players of all time. He led La Salle to the National Invitation Tournament championship and the NCAA championship and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1976. Gola's number 15 is retired by La Salle University, and the Tom Gola Arena at TruMark Financial Center is named in his honor.
Joe Bryant: Bryant was a professional basketball player who played for several NBA teams and coached in the WNBA and internationally. He is also the father of the late Kobe Bryant, a basketball icon.
Rasual Butler: Butler played in the NBA for 14 years, showcasing his skills and contributing to various teams.
Gary Neal: Neal had a successful professional basketball career, playing in the NBA and overseas.
Fran Dunphy: Dunphy is a renowned college basketball coach, having led programs at Temple University, the University of Pennsylvania, and La Salle University.
Larry Cannon: Cannon was an American Basketball Association All-Star, who averaged 16.6 points per game in his ABA/NBA career after his All-American career at La Salle University.
Michael Brooks: Brooks was an American professional basketball player. He also held French nationality.
B.J. Johnson: Johnson is an American professional basketball player for Lokomotiv Kuban of the VTB United League.
Larry Foust: Foust was an American basketball player who spent 12 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA), most notably with the Fort Wayne Pistons and Minneapolis Lakers.
Jim Phelan: Phelan was an American college basketball coach. He is best known for his 49-year coaching career at Mount Saint Mary's University. Phelan was a 1951 graduate of La Salle University and played one season for the Philadelphia Warriors of the NBA.
Steven Smith: Smith is an American former professional basketball player.
Joe Mihalich: Mihalich is an American former college basketball coach and current Special Assistant to the Head Coach at La Salle University.
Roland Taylor: Taylor was an American professional basketball player.
Ryan Richter: Richter is an American former professional soccer player and current head coach of Philadelphia Union II in MLS Next Pro.
Al Cantello: Cantello was an American javelin thrower as a member of the United States Marine Corps. He was the coach of the men's distance running program at the United States Naval Academy from 1963 to 2018.
These athletes and coaches have brought recognition to La Salle University through their achievements and contributions to the world of sports.
Accomplished Individuals in Arts, Media, and Entertainment
La Salle University has also produced notable alumni in the fields of arts, media, and entertainment, who have made their mark through their creative talents and professional achievements.
Peter Boyle: A renowned actor, Boyle was known for his character actor roles in film and television, earning numerous awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award.
Jessica Barth: Barth is an actress known for her role in the film "Ted" and its sequel.
Ralph Garman: Garman is an actor, comedian, musician, and radio host, known for his work on "The Joe Schmo Show," "Family Guy," and his podcast "Hollywood Babble-On."
Meredith Marakovits: Marakovits is a sports reporter for the YES Network, covering the New York Yankees.
Matthew Quick: Quick is a writer and novelist, best known for his novel "The Silver Linings Playbook," which was adapted into an award-winning film.
Bob Brinker: Brinker was a financial advisor and radio host, known for his syndicated financial radio show "Moneytalk."
Gary Smith: Smith is a sportswriter known for his in-depth human interest stories in Sports Illustrated.
Tom Curley: Curley is a businessman and journalist who served as president of the Associated Press.
Derrick Pitts: Pitts is an astronomer and science communicator, serving as chief astronomer and director of the Fels Planetarium at the Franklin Institute.
These alumni have demonstrated their creativity and talent in various artistic and media endeavors, contributing to the cultural landscape and inspiring others.
Leaders in Business and Innovation
La Salle University has a strong focus on business education, and its alumni have gone on to become successful entrepreneurs, executives, and innovators in various industries. While specific names of business leaders are not provided in the text, the university's emphasis on real estate development, as exemplified by E.F. Hansen, highlights its commitment to fostering business acumen and leadership skills.
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