John Carroll University today announced a $1 million donation from John ’80 and Mary Ann Mastrantoni to support the second phase of the Grasselli Library and Breen Learning Center renovations. This transformative project, which began in the summer of 2023, will establish the library as the intellectual hub of the campus. The gift aligns with John Carroll’s Inspired Futures strategy to bolster the student experience, grow the academic portfolio, enhance the campus, and expand the institution’s reach.
"The Mastrantoni family's generous investment is a demonstration of their unwavering dedication to scholarly distinction and their deep conviction in the transformative impact of education," expressed Alan R. Miciak, Ph.D., president of John Carroll University. "Their support enables us to enhance our academic environment, encouraging creativity and teamwork among our students."
The $1 million donation is the second in recent years from the Mastrantoni family, who donated $1 million to create the Mastrantoni Family Student Success Commons during phase one of the Grasselli Library and Breen Learning Center renovation. That space opened in 2021.
John Mastrantoni ’80 was the president of The MF Cachat Company, a leading specialty chemical distribution company in North America. John sold the business to IMCD in 2017. He now spends his time as an industry advisor to Dalfort Capital and SK Capital. Mary Ann has been a fitness instructor for the past 17 years. John and Mary Ann have been married 43 years and have 3 sons.
The Grasselli Library and Breen Learning Center has long been a cornerstone of John Carroll University, dedicated to supporting the teaching and research needs of the community, providing unparalleled access to information, and serving as an intellectual and cultural resource. The program learning goals of the facility emphasize active learning, openness to new perspectives, social justice, and the human right to access and interpret information.
The completion of phase one in 2021 marked the beginning of this ambitious project, with the establishment of the Mastrantoni Family Student Success Commons. The second phase promises to further enhance the educational landscape at John Carroll University, paving the way for academic innovation and excellence.
The phase two renovations will centralize vital resources such as a new writing center, learning commons, and a dedicated space for student accessibility services. Additionally, the project will rejuvenate the entrepreneurship classroom and introduce flexible areas designed for student projects and teamwork.
"The Grasselli Library's evolution reflects our dedication to providing students with a central hub for a full slate of state-of-the-art academic resources,” said Bonnie Gunzenhauser, Vice President for Academic Affairs “The Mastrantoni Family Success Commons is already a beacon of student collaboration and success."
John and Mary Ann Mastrantoni shared their vision, saying: "We believe in the potential of every John Carroll student. Our contribution is an investment in their future, ensuring they have access to a top-tier academic environment."
Ryan Daly, Vice President of University Advancement, added, "This donation is more than just a financial contribution; it's a legacy that will resonate with generations of Blue Streaks to come."