Notable Alumni of Walsh University: Champions in Leadership, Service, and Achievement

Walsh University, a private Catholic institution in North Canton, Ohio, has fostered a legacy of producing graduates who excel in diverse fields, embodying the values of faith, community, and dedication. With a strong emphasis on liberal arts education, Walsh has empowered its alumni to become transformational leaders, dedicated professionals, and engaged community members. This article highlights some of the university's most notable alumni, showcasing their accomplishments and contributions to society.

A Foundation of Faith and Values

Founded in 1960 by the Brothers of Christian Instruction, Walsh University's mission is rooted in Catholic values. The university aims to cultivate individuals who are not only academically proficient but also committed to serving others and making a positive impact on the world. This commitment is reflected in the achievements of its alumni, who have consistently demonstrated leadership, service, and a strong sense of social responsibility.

Honoring Excellence: The Outstanding Alumni Awards

Each year, Walsh University recognizes outstanding alumni through its annual Outstanding Alumni Awards dinner. This event celebrates graduates whose leadership, service, and professional accomplishments exemplify the university's mission. Honorees are recognized in several categories, including Young Alumni Leadership, Professional Achievement, Outstanding Achievement, Distinguished Service, and Lifetime Achievement.

Young Alumni Leadership Award

This award recognizes alumni aged 35 or younger who have achieved significant professional success, demonstrated a commitment to community service, and maintained a strong relationship with Walsh University.

Chris Ippolito ’14, a recipient of the Young Alumni Leadership Award, has remained deeply connected to Walsh since graduating with degrees in Accounting and Finance and a minor in Computer Science. He serves on the Accounting Advisory Board, mentors students through the DeVille School of Business, and balances his professional role as Principal Financial Analyst at The Timken Company with his commitment to faith and family. Chris is also discerning the permanent diaconate and developed Credo, a nonprofit designed to foster prayer and community connection.

Brandon Weems ’08 received the Young Alumni Leadership Award in 2021. As Senior Director of Player Personnel for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Weems oversees the team's amateur scouting efforts, college scouting duties, international scouting, and pro player personnel responsibilities. He also assists in managing the NBA draft process for the team.

Professional Achievement Award

The Professional Achievement Award is presented to alumni who have made significant contributions to their respective fields, demonstrating innovation, leadership, and a commitment to excellence.

Joseph Luckino ’02 received the Professional Achievement Award for a career defined by entrepreneurial vision and civic engagement. After earning his degree in Corporate Communication, Joe found early success in pharmaceutical sales before pursing his passion-real estate. He went on to found Cedar One Realty in his parents’ basement, growing it into a multi-division company employing dozens in real estate, contracting, and property management. Alongside his wife, Tiffany, he remains invested in the Steubenville region through civic involvement while raising their three children.

Outstanding Achievement Award

This award recognizes alumni for their significant professional achievements or exemplary community service, and for their loyalty and commitment to Walsh University.

Elizabeth Rayl ’09 received the Outstanding Achievement Award for her dedication to service and charitable leadership. After earning her Bachelor’s in Business Management, Beth founded the Rayl Charitable Organization in memory of her late husband, Jeremy. Its flagship program, Kindness for Kids, reimburses teachers for out-of-pocket expenses to support disadvantaged students across four school districts, demonstrating her faith-driven commitment to community.

Read also: Exploring Walsh Jesuit High School

Scott Haws ’06 was presented with an Outstanding Achievement Award in 2021. A lifelong resident of Stark County, Haws works for Crum & Forster Pet Insurance Group as Director of Project Management and has served as Plain Township Trustee since 2010. Haws is an avid volunteer with a passion and desire to serve and to make a positive impact in the lives of others.

Dr. Jennifer Ross ’00 was also recognized with an Outstanding Achievement Award in 2021. Dr. Ross is the Director of Diversity and Strategic Initiatives at the Akron Urban League. Prior to this role, she was a senior research fellow at Columbia Law School at Columbia University where she directed the African American Policy Forum (AAPF) and the Center for Intersectionality and Social Policy Studies (CISPS) under the tutelage of Kimberlè Crenshaw and Luke Harris.

Distinguished Service Award

The Distinguished Service Award honors alumni who have provided exemplary service to the Alumni Association and the university, demonstrating a commitment to its mission and values.

Carol Miller ’93 was honored with the Distinguished Service Award for a career and personal life defined by leadership, service, and strategic vision. A 1993 graduate in English/Pre-Law, she earned her Juris Doctorate from Cleveland State University’s John Marshall Law School. Carol spent over 20 years at American Greetings, reporting directly to the CEO and helping guide the company through privatization and a successful sale to private equity in 2018. She later founded NEO Fundraising to support private schools and served as President of Pulsar Products from 2023 to 2025. Equally impressive is her dedication to service, including a 10-year tenure on the Walsh University Board of Directors, serving as Vice President from 2021 to 2023 and Chair for the last two years.

Jennifer Kessel ’99 ’04 received the Distinguished Service Award in 2021. Kessel joined Aultman Health Foundation in 2002 as a human resources analyst and has held leadership positions in Strategic Planning and Corporate Operations, Human Resources, and Marketing & Corporate Communications. She transitioned to the Aultman Orrville Hospital leadership team in 2013 and has served as CEO since June 2018.

Lifetime Achievement Award

The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes alumni who have demonstrated a lifetime of service to Walsh University and its alumni. These individuals, through their vision, attitude, and work, exemplify a commitment to the graduates of Walsh University that has spanned a career.

Professor Joseph Elias Ezzie ’65, the institution’s first international student, received the Lifetime Achievement Award posthumously for nearly five decades of transformative teaching and mentorship. After earning his graduate degree from the Catholic University of America, he returned to Walsh at the invitation of the Brothers of Christian Instruction and spent 49 years shaping students’ lives as a beloved professor of economics. Recognized five times as Outstanding Educator of the Year, Professor Ezzie focused not on accolades but on guiding and nurturing his students.

Dr. John Trapani, Jr., Ph.D., a beloved professor and colleague, also received the Lifetime Achievement Award. During his 44 years at the university, he served as Chair of both the Philosophy Department and the Humanities Division. He was twice voted “Outstanding Educator of the Year,” (1990 and 1995). In 1976, he founded the annual Walsh University Philosophy-Theology Symposium, and he remained its director until his retirement in 2018 when it was renamed “The John Trapani Great Ideas Symposium.”

Alumni in Business and Entrepreneurship

Walsh University has a strong tradition of producing successful business leaders and entrepreneurs. Alumni have made their mark in various industries, demonstrating innovation, strategic thinking, and a commitment to ethical practices.

Paul Glantz is another notable alumnus who has focused on building entrepreneurial businesses since 1989. His success demonstrates the real-world education that Walsh provides.

Michael Barbee exemplifies the achievements that come from steadfast dedication, the empowerment gained through education, and the clarity of future goals.

Deanna Hamilton has had plenty of opportunities to display her skills as a transformational leader and change agent, from corporate boardrooms to the legislative general assembly floor.

David Share, Director of Operations at PCS Co., exemplifies the problem-solving skills that Walsh alumni bring to the manufacturing industry.

Kimberly Busby (BBA ’14) set a specific goal to work for a Fortune 500 Company in the industry of Strategic Supply Chain and achieved it through dedication and perseverance.

Aaron-Michael Eller (BBA ’13; MBA/MSMKT ’21) found a blessing in disguise after getting fired, demonstrating resilience and the ability to turn challenges into opportunities.

TeQuion Brookins (MBA & MSF ’18) decided to go “All In” when it came to magnifying her consulting firm and social enterprises, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to making a difference.

Alumni Making a Difference in the Community

Walsh University alumni are actively involved in their communities, serving as leaders, volunteers, and advocates for positive change. Their commitment to service reflects the university's emphasis on social responsibility and its mission to prepare students to be ethical and engaged citizens.

Beatrice Kelly (MSM ‘07) has remained staunchly committed to community and financial literacy throughout a career in banking that has spanned nearly three decades. Currently, Kelly serves as Senior Vice President and Director of Community Development Lending for Comerica Bank.

William R. Connolly, a tax attorney, cites the importance of Walsh instructors in shaping his career.

Notable Alumni from Past Years

Walsh University has been honoring outstanding alumni for decades. Here are some notable alumni from past years:

1964: Gary L. Farey, J. Sean Keenan, John A. Scheetz, Ronald Garmey
1966: Ed Mahoney
1967: Richard L. Farson, Glenn E. Miller, III, Timothy Fautsko
1968: Jack R. Gravo, Basil G. Violand
1969: Norman J. Kutz, John 'Jack' Dowling
1970: Robert H. McCarthy, Marilyn Frieg Austin
1971: Rita J. Palmer, Ronald J. Manse
1972: Donald Caster, Fred Rohrig
1974: Michael Kamionka
1977: Ralph Parkman
1978: Ronald J. Chessler
1980: Michael W. Bruin
1981: Thomas Needles
1982: Robert A. Humphries Jr. PhD
1983: Mark A. Mazzaferri
1986: Gloria P. Talarico
1991: William J. Fanning M.D.
1992: Michael Dunphy, Ph.D.
1993: Ronald Garmey, Richard D. Parker, M.D.
1994: Larry Gessner, D.D.S.
1995: Mark A. Mazzaferri, Margaret R.
1996: Ronald J. Chessler, Ronald P. McKeown, Jr.
1997: Ronald J. Manse, Alfonso C.
1998: Michael A.
2000: Michael W. Bruin, Dr. Kevin F.
2002: Robert A. Humphries Jr. PhD, Michael K.
2003: Thomas Needles, Dr.
2007: Fred Rohrig, Capt. Michael P.
2009: Ed Mahoney, Br.
2012: Dr.
2015: John 'Jack' Dowling, Gloria P. Talarico, David H.
2016: J.
2021: Scott Haws, Dr.

Alumni in Athletics

Walsh University has a strong athletic program, and its alumni have achieved success in various sports.

Brandon Weems, as mentioned earlier, was a four-year letter winner at Walsh University from 2004-08 and led the Walsh Cavaliers to a NAIA National Championship in 2005.

Bob Huggins was a basketball coach at Walsh from 1980 to 1983 and led the Cavaliers to a perfect 30-0 regular season.

Other notable alumni in athletics include:

Joe Morgan: Former professional football player.
Ric Sayre: Marathon runner.

The Walsh University Alumni Association

The Walsh University Alumni Association plays a vital role in maintaining and strengthening relationships with alumni, while supporting the university and its initiatives. With a growing alumni base of more than 18,000 graduates from 34 countries and all 50 states, the Alumni Association is committed to meeting the needs of a diverse and geographically dispersed group. The Alumni Board is governed by a Board of up to 24 Trustees. Every member of the Walsh community, including the alumni board, has a role in supporting students and upholding the university's values and mission.

tags: #walsh #university #notable #alumni