Notable Alumni of Thomas College: Shaping Leaders and Innovators
Thomas College, a private institution in Waterville, Maine, has a rich history of fostering talent and shaping individuals who have gone on to make significant contributions in various fields. From business and healthcare to education and public service, Thomas College alumni have consistently embodied the college's commitment to career training and personal growth. This article highlights some of the college's most notable alumni, showcasing their achievements and the impact they have had on their communities and beyond.
A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation
Thomas College traces its roots back to 1894 when it was established as Keist Business College. Over the years, the institution has evolved, adapting to the changing needs of the workforce while staying true to its mission of providing career-focused education. This commitment is reflected in the accomplishments of its alumni, many of whom have risen to leadership positions in their respective fields.
Business and Entrepreneurship
Several Thomas College alumni have made their mark in the world of business, demonstrating the entrepreneurial spirit and leadership skills instilled by the college.
Luigi Bernardi '85 and '89 MBA: Luigi Bernardi carries on a rich family legacy at St. Thomas. His family, under the leadership of his father, the late Tony Bernardi, made a significant contribution in 1999 to establish the university's Bernardi Campus in Rome.
Michael: The former Chairman and CEO of the Toro Company, Michael started his career at Toro at the age of 22 while taking classes at St.
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Ben Hubert ’13, M.B.A. ’14: Ben Hubert is a testament to hard work and dedication. He is on the rise in Waterville.
Julian Margitza ’16: Julian Margitza recently became the General Manager at Scott’s Recreation in Manchester, Maine.
Amanda Drummond Dunton ’12: From the moment she stepped foot on campus, Amanda Drummond Dunton stood out amongst the crowd as a thriving entrepreneur.
Healthcare and Medicine
Thomas College alumni have also made significant contributions to the healthcare sector, driven by a commitment to service and a passion for improving the lives of others.
John Molidor: As the President and Founder of the Brain-Based Leadership Institute, John has pioneered advancements in leadership development grounded in neuroscience. He has held emeritus positions as a Professor of Psychiatry and as the Regional Community Dean at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, where he also served as Chair of the Consortium of Advanced Psychology Training and past Dean of Admissions. John's contributions extend beyond Michigan, having played a pivotal role in the Association of American Medical Colleges' (AAMC) efforts to expand regional campuses to alleviate the physician shortage. His impact is widely recognized in the medical education community because of his exceptional ability to engage with national leaders, provide mentorship to colleagues, and maintain an unwavering focus on quality and service.
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Rosa Miller: Rosa Miller is the retired Vice President of Latin America Global Channel Services, Pacific and Atlantic Branches at 3M. She started her nearly 40-year career with 3M as a Process Engineer in Research & Development, later becoming a Technical Service Supervisor for 3M Health Care in Latin America, Africa and Asia Pacific. While at 3M, Rosa volunteered to teach math and science to help students within the 3M Tutoring Program for children.
Brainerd: For 15 years as president and CEO of HealthPartners, Brainerd led the largest consumer-governed, nonprofit health-care organization in the country.
Public Service and Leadership
Many Thomas College alumni have dedicated their careers to public service, making a difference in their communities and beyond.
Michelle Curran: In February 2019, Capt. Michelle Curran performed a flyover during the Super Bowl as part of the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, also known as the Thunderbirds. She was commissioned as a second lieutenant the same day she graduated from St. Thomas. Curran was only the fifth female pilot in the Thunderbirds’ history.
Cupich: Cupich is an American prelate of the Catholic Church, a cardinal who serves as the ninth archbishop of the Archdiocese of Chicago.
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Alex Lawson ’18: Alex Lawson recently became an Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Investigator for Capital One.
Jordan Gibson ’17: As a high school senior living in Georgia, Jordan Gibson was one of the most heavily recruited baseball players in his area.
Education
Thomas College alumni are also shaping the future generation through education.
Kayla (Collins) LeBlanc ’15: Kayla LeBlanc recently landed a new job as a PACE (Persistence and Continuing Education) Coordinator for Campus Compact in New Hampshire.
Jocelyn L’Italien ’20: Jocelyn L’Italien will be starting her first year teaching at Mt. Abram Regional High School in the fall.
Jeannine Ross ’03 M.B.A.: Jeannine Ross is a long-time Thomas College employee and alumni.
Other notable alumni
Tyler Bartlett ’20: Five years after graduating from Thomas College, Tyler Bartlett is thriving in his career in IT and security.
Meredith Wheeler ’20: Meredith Wheeler recently landed a new job as the Marketing Director for STEVE SMITH Trial Lawyers in Augusta.
Joshua Morrissey ’20: During college, Joshua Morrissey said he had a tough time thinking about the long-term and didn’t know where to even start.
A list of other notable alumni includes:
- 2021 - Maj.
- 2014 - Ron L.
- 2013 - The Rev. Dennis J. Dease ’72 M.A., ’73 M.
- 2011 - Timothy P.
- 2010 - Ronald J.
- 2009 - Stephen P.
- 2008 - Daniel A.
- 2007 - Thomas A.
- 2006 - Vince J.
- 2005 - Mark A.
- 2004 - Rev. Gregory R.
- 2003 - Dr. Ann L.
- 2002 - Quentin J.
- 2001 - Dr. Daniel J.
- 2000 - Hon. Gerald W.
- 1999 - Michael V.
- 1998 - Hon. James L.
- 1997 - Terence M.
- 1996 - Dr. James J.
- 1995 - Marty A. Haugen ’91 M.A.; Rev.
- 1994 - William B.
- 1992 - Albert J.
- 1991 - Bernard F.
- 1990 - William R.
- 1989 - James D.
- 1988 - William S.
- 1987 - James P.
- 1986 - Dr. Joseph B.
- 1985 - William J.
- 1984 - John D. Herrick ’54; Donald J.
- 1983 - Michael J. Galvin, Jr.
- 1982 - John F.
- 1981 - David A.
- 1980 - Thomas W.
- 1979 - Leonard W.
- 1978 - Gerald A.
- 1977 - Thomas P.
- 1976 - William H.
- 1974 - Herbert F.
- 1973 - Theodore E.
- 1972 - Dr. Donald J.
- 1971 - Hon. Robert J.
Supporting Future Generations
Thomas College recognizes the importance of alumni involvement in supporting the college's mission and fostering the success of current students. The Alumni Board of Governors actively engages in providing programs for fellow alumni and supporting TU initiatives. Alumni are encouraged to volunteer with current student activities and clubs, share internship or practicum opportunities with the Career Center, and post available positions within their organizations.
Thomas University’s Career Center is a resource portal for career planning and conducting a successful employment search.
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