As a Spanish teacher at Beachwood Middle School, my final essay, “Pagan Resistance to Christianity in Early Medieval Spain,” was on Roman, Basque, and Visigothic influences on Spanish culture.  In 1999 I hiked the 500 mile pilgrimage trail to Santiago de Compostela; next time I’ll do it with daughter, Madelen (2003), in my backpack.     
Rebecca Taylor Norton, Class of 2004   

I was thrilled to learn of JCU’s advanced degree in the Humanities . . . and joined the program not long after it started.  Not only did it allow me to continue with my love of research and writing, it also gave me the chance to study abroad . . . and the opportunity to do independent study on topics of particular interest.
Susan I. Clark, Class of 1995

My life long interest in art history was fulfilled in the M.A. in Humanities that allowed me to select a study plan in art history and religious studies.  My own work in textiles and oil painting has benefited me and my work for the St. Peter’s parish Arts Ministry and teaching at Art Spaces in the Ursuline Education Center.
Karen B. O’Hara, Class of 2002, and grandson, Jack

The Humanities degree recognizes a cultural ideal abandoned in recent years—learning for its own sake, the pursuit of knowledge purely for intellectual pleasure.  My choice of an individual study plan was on the 19th - 20th century history of ideas.  If it were possible, I would work on this degree for the rest of my life.
Tom Bennett, Class of 2004

From time to time I am reminded of a quote from the Sixteenth Century writer Giorgio Vasari about Michelangelo Bounarotti.  When asked how that Master created the magnificent David, Michelangelo simply stated that “The statue was already in the stone . . .  I merely released it.”  I enjoy the fruit of the vine, all aspects of it, making, drinking and selling.  I continue my education and nearly completed a Ph.D. in Italian History.  But I was bored, dropped out of graduate school, and became a wine merchant.  I am the owner of Shaker Square Beverages and have been modestly successful selling the delights of Bacchus.
At John Carroll I found a new interest in learning and became enthralled with Italian Renaissance Art. 

After John Carroll I continued my studies, completing a Ph.D. in 15th Century Italian art at Case Western Reserve and am currently completing a Ph.D. at Kent State in History.  I am still a wine merchant at Shaker Square.  Art, the pursuit of the indefinable, the inquiring mind; all were released in me at John Carroll.  That’s what I believe this institution does best; it opens doors for inquiry, provides wonderful guidance along that road, and offers a beacon to help in the pursuit of knowledge and understanding.  I also took a bottle of wine or two for that journey. 
Gene P. Veronesi, Ph.D., Class of 1991

The Humanities degree recognizes a cultural ideal abandoned in recent years—learning for its own sake, the pursuit of knowledge purely for intellectual pleasure.  My choice of an individual study plan was on the 19th - 20th century history of ideas.  If it were possible, I would work on this degree for the rest of my life.
Tom Bennett, Class of 2004