John Carroll University today announced the creation of the Bo & Tom - Marcello A. Hernández ‘19 Scholarship , made possible by a generous donation from "Saturday Night Live" cast member and John Carroll alumnus Marcello Hernández. The annual scholarship will support one senior student interested in a career in comedy, entertainment, or content creation. Hernández will offer personal mentorship to each student selected.
The scholarship fund recognizes two influential professors during Hernández’s time at John Carroll: Bo Smith and Tom Roche, Ph.D, both of whom served as the Gerard Manly Hopkins Visiting Professors in English. Hernández credits them and others on the faculty with developing his acting skills and business acumen.
“I had a lot of great professors at John Carroll and Bo and Tom were an amazing tandem that made a huge impact on my career,” said Hernández. “I am eternally grateful for their guidance and mentorship and I am so proud to create this fund in their names so that their collective legacy lives on for generations.”
Hernández returned to John Carroll in October to participate in a spirited Q&A moderated by his former soccer coach, Dejan Mladenovic ’06, head coach of the John Carroll Men’s Soccer team. More than 600 students, faculty, staff, and alumni heard about Hernández's experience at John Carroll, his start in the comedy world, and his rising star at "Saturday Night Live." The 27-year-old played one year of soccer at John Carroll before turning his full attention to a career in comedy.
“We are grateful to Marcello for his continuing engagement with John Carroll University and our students,” said Alan R. Miciak, Ph.D., President of John Carroll. “His talent on stage and in front of the camera is matched only by his generosity in mentoring the next generation of entertainers and leaders. His perspective, work ethic, and real-world experience will benefit each recipient of the Bo & Tom - Marcello A. Hernández ‘19 Scholarship.”
Marcello Hernández is a Cuban-Dominican Stand-up comedian, writer, and actor who can currently be seen on the 50th season of "Saturday Night Live."
Junior students with an intention to graduate in 2026 are eligible to apply for the inaugural Bo & Tom - Marcello A. Hernández ‘19 Scholarship. Applications will be accepted until Friday, May 16, 2025. Each applicant will be asked to submit a statement of aspiration outlining their career goals and a video introducing themselves to the selection committee.
For additional questions on the application process, please contact Assistant Vice President for Student Enrollment and Financial Services, Claudia Wenzel ’89, at cwenzel@jcu.edu.
