University Development
Featured Alumni

John Parker, B.A. Business Management and Organizational Behavior, C01

John Parker has always been an active member of the Benedictine community – during his years at school and as an alumnus. He is currently a residential mortgage loan officer at National City Mortgage, but still finds time to help promote the goals and needs of the University. In the answers below, he explains why his "alma matters."

How have you 'stayed connected' to Benedictine since graduation?
One way I stay connected is by attending Homecoming and baseball games. I feel at home when I am on the campus. I’ve also been serving on the alumni board since 2002 (currently as president) and I still spend weekends and take trips with many of my classmates and old baseball teammates.

I also support the school financially. Along with staff member and fellow alumna, Joan Henehan, C91, I started and helped fund the John Ostrowski Leadership Endowment Scholarship.

I have also referred a star student and great addition to the women’s basketball team, Jennifer Bren, to the University. I am living my past
through her as she moves up the ladder at Benedictine.

Why did you decide to 'give back' to the University?
It was natural to me to give back. During my time at the University, I had many great memories and developed lifelong relationships with fellow students, faculty and baseball teammates. There are many great people associated with this University, from coaches to faculty to administration.

Over the years I have enjoyed staying close to the University as an alumnus. I enjoy my relationships with Coach “O” (Ostrowski), Coach (Dave) Swanson, Marco Masini, Julie Nelligan, Deb Smith, Pat Ariano, Joan Henehan, and of course Fr. Dave (Turner) and Luba Baranivsky! That is my short list of people who make me continue to love this place. Every time I am on campus I look forward to seeing these individuals.

Also, it is easy to give back because I can see progress in the overall development of the University. Benedictine is advancing and expanding in a wonderful fashion. I love the fact that I am currently playing an important role in the future of the Alumni Board. All the changes that are being made will result as a positive in the future and give the future students the facilities they need to have a memorable educational experience at Benedictine.

Also, the setting of the school is important to the closeness you feel for it. I remember freshman year when my mom would pick me up almost
every Friday after my 10:00 a.m. class. I couldn’t wait to see her walking down the hall in Jaeger. How quickly it went from going home every
weekend to looking forward to the weekend on campus. In the setting at Benedictine you make friends quickly. We all started our little "BU" family. It was great having the weekends to be with each other. What a life that was. Little did we know that we were building a future for
ourselves and for our future families. I love and cherish my time at Benedictine. Not many days go by when I don’t think about someone or
something that came into my life there.

Why do you think others would enjoy giving back as well?
Giving back will make you feel good and greatly benefit the future of the school. Giving back financially will not only help the University with future improvements, but it will also solidify that this University is here to stay. When I am asked where I went to school, I can say with pride and confidence — "Benedictine."

By giving of your time, talent and treasure, it helps the University constantly stay ahead of the competition by providing students with everything they need and then some. In addition, you help to build the sense of community that is so strong here. Alumni play a big roll in keeping the University productive, challenging and closely connected.

What are the benefits of staying connected to your alma mater?
I love to stay connected because Benedictine cared for me when I was a student. But there are other benefits as well, like networking. The University has a very diverse group of alumni, so this makes job searching more accessible. You might run into someone who is hiring, you may be looking to hire someone yourself, or you can relate to each other’s college experience and grow a business bond.

There are also services and discounts alumni receive, job search help, access to campus services and facilities, and the chance to continue to be a part of a community that cares.

Even my parents were involved in the Benedictine experience. I never took for granted when I saw them in the stands for a baseball game. I will never forget when my dad and I built shelves for Coach Swanson in the baseball shed. Having my family so close to my educational experience made me proud of what I was doing. I am lucky that my family got to know and feel my passion for the University then and now. My parents played a huge part in all the success I have in my career and in life, and I’m glad they could be such an active part of my college experience.