There are few institutions that have had as profound an impact on my life as Mount Saint Joseph. My connection to the school began long before I ever walked its halls. My father, Albert Shields, a proud member of the Class of 1938, spoke so highly of his experience that he instilled in me, from an early age, a deep desire to become a Mount Saint Joseph student myself. Years later, it became an even greater blessing when my own son, Ryan, graduated with the Class of 2001, making our family’s connection to Mount Saint Joseph one that spans three generations. I will always be grateful for the values and traditions that have become such an important part of our family’s story.
From the moment I first stepped onto campus, I was surrounded by Brothers and lay teachers whose dedication to their students was unmistakable. They inspired me not only to pursue academic excellence but also to become a person of integrity, responsibility, and faith. They challenged me to think critically, work diligently, and continually strive to grow. Looking back, I realize that the lessons they taught reached far beyond the classroom and helped shape the person I would become.
Athletics
Athletics played a tremendous role in my Mount Saint Joseph experience. As a three-sport athlete in wrestling, soccer, and track, I eagerly embraced every opportunity to compete and represent the school.
One individual who left an especially lasting impression on me was Coach Hal Sparks. His leadership, discipline, and unwavering commitment to helping every member of the wrestling team develop, not only as athletes but as young men, were truly extraordinary. He demanded our best while always believing we were capable of more than we often believed ourselves. The standards he set and the example he embodied have remained with me throughout my life.
Participating in athletics also transformed my approach to academics. I quickly realized that success in sports and success in the classroom were inseparable. The discipline, preparation, goal setting, and accountability required to compete carried directly into my studies. Wrestling taught me the importance of individual preparation and personal responsibility while also reminding me that every point earned contributed to something larger than myself, the success of the team. Soccer, on the other hand, demonstrated the beauty of complete teamwork, where trust, communication, and selflessness were essential for everyone to succeed. Those experiences provided lessons that have served me well throughout my career, my family life, and every leadership opportunity that followed.
Community
Above all else, I remain deeply grateful to the teachers, coaches, advisors, and mentors who invested so much of themselves in my development during my years at Mount Saint Joseph. Their encouragement, patience, and example laid a foundation that has influenced me for a lifetime. Equally meaningful are the friendships formed with classmates and teammates. The bonds we built have endured through the years, and I continue to cherish those relationships and remain in touch with many fellow Mount Men. That enduring sense of brotherhood is one of the greatest gifts the school has given me.
As I reflect on my time at Mount Saint Joseph, I do so with sincere humility and profound gratitude. The education I received, the values I embraced, the lifelong friendships I formed, and the mentors who guided me all combined to shape the course of my life in ways I could never have imagined as a young student. It has been an honor to be part of the Mount Saint Joseph community, and I will always be thankful for the lasting influence the school has had on me and my family.
