Notable Alumni of the University of Mount Union

The University of Mount Union, since its founding, has fostered an environment of learning and growth, producing graduates who have made significant contributions across various fields. This article highlights some of the most distinguished alumni who have left their mark on politics, business, sports, arts, and more.

A Legacy of Academic Excellence: The University of Mount Union

Founded in the village of Mount Union, the institution began as a "select school" with a small group of students taught by Orville Nelson Hartshorn. From its humble beginnings in the "Old Carding Mill," the University of Mount Union has grown into a respected institution of higher learning. Its first graduating class in 1858 marked the beginning of a long history of academic achievement. Jane Weston, the first female student, graduated with a B.S. degree and became the first female faculty member, setting a precedent for inclusivity and academic excellence.

Political Pioneers

The University of Mount Union has produced several influential figures in the political arena, shaping policies and leading the nation.

William McKinley: 25th President of the United States

Perhaps the most recognizable alumnus, William McKinley served as the 25th President of the United States from 1897 until his assassination in 1901. A Republican, McKinley led a political realignment that solidified Republican dominance in industrial states for decades. His presidency was marked by the Spanish-American War and subsequent American expansionism, including the annexation of Puerto Rico, Guam, the Philippines, and Hawaii. McKinley's economic policies favored the gold standard and protective tariffs.

Philander Chase Knox: Attorney General and Secretary of State

Philander Chase Knox was a prominent lawyer, bank director, and Republican politician. He served as the United States Attorney General under Presidents William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt from 1901 to 1904. Later, he became the United States Secretary of State under President William Howard Taft from 1909 to 1913. Knox also represented Pennsylvania in the United States Senate.

Ralph Regula: U.S. Representative from Ohio

Ralph Regula, who graduated from Mount Union in 1948 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, was a long-serving Republican politician from Ohio. He represented Ohio's 16th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives for 18 terms, from 1973 to 2009.

Lyman Underwood Humphrey: 11th Governor of Kansas

Lyman Underwood Humphrey served as the 11th Governor of Kansas, contributing to the state's development and governance.

William Miller Jenkins: Governor of Oklahoma Territory

William Miller Jenkins, a lawyer and Republican politician, was appointed by President William McKinley as the fifth governor of Oklahoma Territory in 1901. Although his tenure was brief, lasting only six months, Jenkins's appointment highlights the significant roles Mount Union alumni have held in shaping the American landscape.

Other Notable Figures in Politics

Several other alumni have made their mark in Ohio politics, including:

Tim Schaffer: Member of the Ohio Senate.
Scott Oelslager: Member of the Ohio House of Representatives.
William Aubrey Thomas: U.S. Representative from Ohio.
Thomas H. Anderson: Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia.

Business and Entrepreneurship: Shaping the Marketplace

Mount Union alumni have also excelled in the world of business, demonstrating innovation and leadership.

Read also: History of the Block 'M'

Vincent Marotta Sr.: Co-creator of Mr. Coffee

Vincent Marotta Sr. was a business executive and the co-creator of Mr. Coffee, a household name in coffee makers. His entrepreneurial spirit and innovative product revolutionized the coffee industry.

Susan McGalla: Business Executive and Consultant

Susan McGalla is an American businesswoman and executive consultant from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She has held trustee positions at the University of Pittsburgh and directorships at the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, showcasing her commitment to both business and community development.

Athletics: Achieving Excellence on and off the Field

Mount Union's athletic programs have produced numerous accomplished athletes and coaches who have achieved success at the collegiate and professional levels.

Pierre Garçon: NFL Wide Receiver

Pierre Garçon is a former American professional football player who played as a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Norwich University and Mount Union College, and was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL draft. Garçon also played for the Washington Redskins and the San Francisco 49ers.

Matt Campbell: College Football Coach

Matthew Allen Campbell is an American college football coach. He is currently the head football coach at Iowa State University, a position he has held since 2016. Before Iowa State, Campbell was the head football coach at the University of Toledo from 2011 to 2015. He also served as an assistant coach at Toledo, Bowling Green, and Mount Union. Campbell played defensive line at Mount Union.

Read also: Legacy of Fordham University

Jason Candle: College Football Coach

Jason Tyler Candle is an American college football coach and former player. He is the head football coach at the University of Toledo, a position he has held since the 2016 season. Candle was an assistant at Toledo since 2009, and at Mount Union before that. He played as a wide receiver at Mount Union and Geneva.

Anthony Stewart: College Basketball Coach

Anthony W. Stewart was an American college basketball coach. His last position was as head coach of the UT Martin Skyhawks men's basketball team.

Other Notable Figures in Athletics

Steve Gillespie: Professional soccer player.
Larry Kehres: Head Coach who led the Mount Union football team to its first NCAA Division III National Championship.

Mount Union's Coaching Legacy

Mount Union football has a strong legacy not only on the field but also in the coaching world. Many former players and assistant coaches have gone on to achieve success in high school and professional football, including:

Tyler Alwardt, Chippewa Valley H.S.
Mike Baker, Smithville H.S.
Beau Balderson, GlenOak H.S.
Eric Brock, Green H.S.
Ed Bubonics, Solon H.S.
Tony Buckler, Nordonia H.S.
Scott Campbell, Massillon Perry H.S.
Nick Ciani, Madison H.S.
Joe Cockerham, Loudon County H.S.
Nick Cook, Chicago Christian H.S.
Scott Coy, Norwayne H.S.
Jeff Craddock, Tarboro H.S.
Moe Daniska, Canton McKinley H.S.
Troy Davis, Louisville H.S.
Marcello DeAngelis, Parma Valley Forge H.S.
Buzz Edwards Ashtabula Lakeside H.S.
Mike Elder, Avon H.S.
Anthony Frate, Hillcrest H.S.
Bob Frey, Ashtabula Lakeside H.S.
Mike Gibbons, Medina Highland H.S.
Jon Gonell, Avon H.S.
Kelechi Ibeh, Bloomfield H.S.
Adam Indorf, Norwayne H.S.
Brent Johnson, Marysville H.S.
Caleb Jones, Little Miami H.S.
Jason Knapp, Wadsworth H.s.
Matt Kostelnik, Avon Lake H.S.
Derek Leach, Shenandoah H.S.
Jim Lunardi, Ravenna H.S.
Josh Ludwig, East Liverpool H.S.
Judd Lutz, Tiffin Columbian H.S.
Tom Madeira, Burlington Twp. H.S.
Ryan Magary, Avon H.S.
Jason McElhaney, Sharon H.S.
Brett McLean, Saint Clairsville H.S.
B.J. Payne, Hilton Head H.S.
Larry Pinto, Mayfield H.S.
Ed Pollock, Mentor H.S.
Joe Prevesk, Euclid H.S.
Vic Ricketts, Aurora H.S.
Aaron Robinson, Gonzaga Prep H.S.
Nick Rodriguez, Lorain H.S.
Bill Rychel, St. A.J. Sarbaugh, Fairless H.S.
Taurice Scott, Alliance H.S.
Ben Shenk, Massillon Perry H.S.
Max Smith, Boca Ciega H.S.
Bob Spaite, Columbiana H.S.
Troy Starr, Mount Miguel H.S.
Justin Todd, Wadsworth H.S.
Jim Tsilimos, Carrollton H.S.
Brian Tyla, Green H.S.
Corey Unckrich, Alliance H.S.
Keith Wakefield, Massillon Perry H.S.
Jesse Wells, Shenandoah H.S.
Josh Wells, Rocky River H.S.
Brian Wervey, Aurora H.S.
Cam West, Tri-Valley H.S.
Dan Wondolowski, Parma Holy Name H.S.
Chas Yoder, Martins Ferry H.S.

Arts and Culture: Contributions to Literature and Entertainment

Mount Union alumni have also made contributions to the arts, enriching the cultural landscape through their creative works.

Carrie Coon: Actress

Carrie Alexandra Coon is an acclaimed American actress, known for her portrayals of complex women on stage and screen. She has received a Critics' Choice Television Award and nominations for two Primetime Emmy Awards and a Tony Award.

William Lamartine Thompson: Composer

William Lamartine Thompson was an American composer and music publisher. He founded the W. L. Thompson Music Company and found success in hymns and gospel songs.

DW (Dave) Drouillard: Singer-Songwriter

DW Drouillard is an American vocalist, songwriter, and musician.

Agnes Thomas Morris: Writer and Clubwoman

Agnes L. Thomas Morris, known professionally as Mrs. Robert Carlton Morris, was an American writer and clubwoman. She served as the national president of the War Mothers of America in 1918. As president of the Ohio Shakespeare Association, she lectured and wrote about William Shakespeare.

Public Service and Academia: Serving the Community

Mount Union alumni have also dedicated their careers to public service and academia, contributing to the well-being of their communities and advancing knowledge.

Brian L. Stafford: Director of the United States Secret Service

Brian L. Stafford served as the 20th Director of the United States Secret Service.

Christopher A. Boyko: United States District Judge

Christopher Allan Boyko is a senior United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.

Charles Burleigh Galbreath: Librarian and Historian

Charles Burleigh Galbreath was a writer, historian, educator, and librarian in Ohio. He served as State Librarian at the State Library of Ohio and as Secretary and Librarian at the Ohio Archaeological and Historical Society.

John William Hamilton: Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church

John William Hamilton was an American bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church, elected in 1900. He was the chancellor of American University from 1916 until 1922.

Joseph Amasa Munk: Physician and Collector

Joseph Amasa Munk was a Los Angeles, California, physician who became interested in the history and lore of Arizona. He accumulated a large collection of books about Arizona, which he donated to the University of Arizona in Tucson.

Gertrude Tressel Rider Harpham: Librarian

Gertrude Tressel Rider Harpham was an American librarian who specialized in building collections of braille materials, especially for blind disabled veterans, in the 1920s.

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