Vice Chair of Mission and Advocacy
Melissa Wenzler:
A two-time JCU alumna, I have been on staff in the Enrollment office since August 2018. I love working at a place that has given me so much in my life and continues to inspire me to be a curious and engaged learner. As a member of Staff Council, I want to continue to use my talents and strengths to ensure all staff members feel included and energized by the important work we do. It is an honor and a privilege to serve and I am grateful for your vote.
Andre Calabretta:
I have been working at John Carroll University in the Advancement department for nearly 9 years, and currently serve as a Senior Director of Major Gifts. I enjoy meeting and connecting our Alumni back to JCU. It is good to see the impact that JCU has had on so many of our students who are now Alumni, who give back to help others have the same experience. I can relate to the impact of our educational offerings by having graduated in the 1st cohort of our Masters in Non-Profit Administration Program in 2008, it was a great experience for me. Part of my hope for the Mission and Advocacy role is to build upon, and develop additional ways for staff to experience the importance of our mission thru the lens of faith.
Chair Elect
Brian Hurd:
I was fortunate to have been part of the re-formation of Staff Council in 2014, and I served as Vice Chair of the Mission and Advocacy Committee at that time. I was proud to work with a wonderful group of volunteers in gaining representation on University committees, and providing programs, advocacy and community building for JCU staff. As Chair Elect, I wish to continue this work, and maintain the Staff Council as a thoughtful and constructive voice for present times, and future needs
At-Large Member
Elizabeth Cross:
Hello! I have been part of the JCU community as a student (in another century!) an alum, and since August 2021, a full-time admin assistant in Student Accessibility Services. My roots at John Carroll go back a few generations, so to be back on this campus feels like home to me. It also comes with the added bonus of engaging with our students on a daily basis. In the short time I’ve been back here, I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting and developing collegial relationships with other staff across campus. I consider my nomination for an at-large position on Staff Council an honor, and would look forward to serve in an official capacity to help foster a real sense of belonging and camaraderie among members of our community.
Samantha Ellis:
Hello! My name is Samantha Ellis (she/her) and I serve as the Coordinator of Residential Education within the Office of Residence Life. I began working at JCU in July 2021, and I have enjoyed establishing interpersonal relationships with students, staff, and faculty. I am excited to accept the nomination for a Staff Council At-Large Member and look forward to the potential opportunity to connect with the JCU staff community in a different capacity. I am interested in further developing inter-departmental relationships by serving on a committee and I would be greatly excited to provide resources and advocacy for our collective community!
Christine Horwath:
My name is Christine Horwath (she/her/hers). I started with JCU in September as an Administrative Assistant for the Math, Computer, & Data Science and Physics Departments, but John Carroll has been a big part of my life since I was 4 years old. I am an Alum ('88), and both of my parents worked here. I have been so happy to be back on campus, and have been thrilled to jump in with both feet to get involved and be able to take advantage of the many opportunities available. I am a Title IX officer, and I have enjoyed taking part in events, trainings, and book groups, and I am currently participating in this semester's Companions in Mission Cohort. JCU is such a special place, and I am honored to be nominated. I feel that Staff Council is an integral part of our university, and I would love the opportunity to serve & engage with my fellow staff members, to help continue to build on our community, and to extend to others the sense of welcome that Staff Council has given to me.
Christina Perez:
My name is Christina Perez (she/her/hers), I am an Administrative Assistant in the Dean of Students Office. I am also an alumni of John Carroll University. I received my undergraduate degree in Theology & Religious Studies and Sociology & Criminology in 2017 and my M.A. in Theology & Religious Studies in 2020. I am excited to have the opportunity to run for Staff Council as a new staff member. As an alumni and a staff member, I care about the John Carroll Community. I am excited to see the new directions that the University is heading and to be a small part of continuing the mission of John Carroll.
Marissa Mozden:
Hello! My name is Marissa Mozden. I have served as the Legal Assistant in JCU's Office of Legal Affairs since September 2020, and am honored to have been nominated for the Staff Council Member At-Large position. I take pride in being highly efficient, organized, and resourceful, and always strive to perform at the highest possible level. When I say I will get something done, I mean it! Additionally, I genuinely care about others, and enjoy helping my colleagues to the fullest extent feasible. I believe that my positive attitude, outstanding work ethic, and collective professional abilities and experience will allow me to effectively participate as a member of Staff Council. Thank you for your consideration. I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to serve my colleagues and the JCU community as a whole!
Melinda Hilton:
My name is Melinda Hilton, and I am the Enrollment Visits and Events Manager here at JCU. Since joining the JCU team in early December, I have met so many outstanding and passionate faculty, staff, and students. I'm excited about the possibility of being part of a group that brings like-minded people together to uphold JCU's mission and values and to advocate for a strong staff community. I believe that being a part of Staff Council will help me plan and implement effective events that bring together people from across campus and showcase everything JCU has to offer.
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