The first time I walked into the Library last spring and experienced Ode to JCU, I knew that there was something really special about the project. After reading their Odes, it became evident how many people, places, and moments had affected these seniors' experiences at John Carroll. As I wandered through the stacks, I realized how important it was that their stories were heard by the community, and found myself enamored with the idea of replicating the project for my own class.
When my own senior year came around, I was ready to tackle the project and help it grow. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Before I could even truly comprehend what was happening, my senior year was cancelled. There would be no senior week and no physical graduation ceremony. College as we knew it was over.
Admittedly, I wasn't sure what Ode's future looked like when this all occurred. But as our new reality sunk in, I began to realize how important it was for Ode to continue, even if it looked a little different. Based on the circumstances, Ode to JCU became more than just a fun way to reminisce on the past four years. Now, Ode serves a greater purpose - it is an opportunity to look past this particular moment and find closure.
Although the project is geared towards seniors, it aims to honor the entire John Carroll community:
Underclassmen, we hope you see what this place has the power to be if you lean in. We hope these stories empower you to write your own and get to know the stories of your classmates, housemates, friends, and fellow Blue Streaks, for they and you are future change makers.
Faculty and staff, thank you for your role in shaping these stories. In living out the Jesuit mission, your support and guidance has led us to be the men and women we are today.
Family and friends, may you see just how special this place is to so many of us, something that is so often hard to capture in words.
A special thank you to:
- Doan Winkel, for providing me with guidance throughout this process and helping to make this project come alive.
- Dr. Welki, who went out of his way to get involved in the project and help however he could.
- Julie Whitmore, for being my "right hand woman" and an invaluable resource.
- Dana Shugrue, for harnessing the power of seniors' voices in editing each piece.
- Molly Killeen, for helping energize the project through her creativity and love for the John Carroll community.
- Danny Dimillo, for helping build energy around the project.
- Sophie Rodgers, for being so open to learning and representing the Class of 2021.
- Katie O'Connell, for being the ultimate mentor and guide, and showing me the value of community.
- To the seniors who shared a snippet of their story. Everyone has a story worth sharing and this is only the beginning. Now, it is time to write the next chapter.
Thank you for taking the time to experience the Class of 2020's "Ode to JCU."
Onward On.
Olivia Stein, '20
Project Coordinator
This project was founded by the Muldoon Center of Entrepreneurship.