The Thomas More University Alumni Association recognizes seven outstanding community members as the recipients of the 2025 Alumni Awards. This year, Awards were presented in six categories, each honoring recipients for their achievements and commitment to advancing the mission of the University. Congratulations to all 2025 Alumni Award honorees!

Professional Achievement Award

This award honors an alumnus/alumna whose career has reached a level of excellence in their respective field of endeavor and is recognized as such by peers and others in the community. This year’s award goes to Edward Schneider ’68.

Schneider grew up in Dayton, Kentucky, and is a graduate of Covington Latin School (1964) and Villa Madonna College (1968). He is a naval aviator and a graduate of the United States Naval Test Pilot School, with 35 years of government service.

He flew as a Navy test pilot for seven years and as a NASA research pilot for 20 years, accumulating over 7,800 flight hours in 91 models of aircraft. He is a Fellow and past president of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots and an inductee of the Kentucky Aviation Hall of Fame. He was awarded the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, the agency’s highest award. Schneider’s nominator spoke highly of all his achievements and accomplishments.

Citizenship Award

This year’s award, which honors an alum making a significant impact on the welfare of their community through service and leadership and has committed themselves to the integrity, concern for justice, and service to others for which our spiritual patron and namesake – Saint Thomas More – is so justly renowned, is given to Joshua Vogel ’10.

Vogel is a dedicated environmental health and safety professional with a strong commitment to leadership, community service, and lifelong learning. A graduate of Silver Grove High School (2005) and Thomas More University (2010), Vogel has built a successful career at Terracon Consultants, Inc., where he serves as group manager for the asbestos and industrial hygiene group. In 2025, his contributions and expertise were recognized with his promotion to senior associate.

Beyond his professional achievements, Joshua is deeply engaged in civic and industry organizations. He serves on the board of directors for the Rotary Club of Cincinnati, is secretary for the Environmental Information Association’s Ohio Valley Chapter, and is an active member of the Spirit of Construction Emerging Leaders Board. In addition, he serves as secretary for the Alpha Delta Gamma Tri-State Alumni Association, further reflecting his commitment to professional and personal growth.

Vogel was one of the founding committee members of Project Heart ReStart: AED Readiness for First Responders during the first and second phases, which equipped 230 police patrol cars in Hamilton County, Ohio with AEDs. Vogel then led the project to expand to Northern Kentucky, spearheading the charge to equip 202 patrol cars across Boone, Campbell, Grant, Gallatin, Kenton, Mason, Pendleton, and Robertson counties. Over the course of the last two years, this initiative has made nine counties “heart ready,” raised $864,000, donated 432 AEDs, and saved 13 lives. He is currently working on expanding the project to equip the entire state of Kentucky before the end of 2027.

Joshua’s life is centered around family and community. He is happily married to his wife, Erin, and together they are raising their spirited 4-year-old daughter, Larkin. Whether leading projects, volunteering, or spending time with loved ones, Joshua strives to create a positive impact in every area of his life.

Lasting Influence Award

This award honors a faculty or staff member, past or present, who provided a positive and lasting impact on the lives of students and was a role model for life in society as well as in the career choices of students. Congratulations to Theresa Behan.

Behan is a dedicated employee of St. Elizabeth Sports Medicine assigned to Thomas More since 1989.  She has covered every sport during her tenure and has grown from a staff of one athletic trainer and a handful of students to a team of seven athletic trainers and many students pursuing a career in the field of athletic training. She received her undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University and her master’s degree from the University of North Dakota, and has nearly 40 years of experience, including 35 years at Thomas More. She has provided coverage at every level, including high school and all divisions of college athletics. Here at Thomas More, not only has she provided coverage, but she has also spent a few years teaching in the classroom.

Behan is passionate about fostering professionalism in the students she mentors, while providing a fun and engaging learning environment — not only for athletic training students, but for all student-athletes she interacts with. She hopes that all students will find the passion for what they choose to do, just as she has. Along with her athletic training duties, Behan has enjoyed working on committees that have an impact on the student-athletes she serves. The crisis management team and the G-MAC best practice committee are two with which she is currently involved.

A resident of Kentucky since 1989, Behan currently lives in Union with her husband, Mark, and their two children, Allie and Krista. She’s known for saying: “Poor planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part.” Her nominator says of her, “Theresa has been an integral piece of the athletic department for over 30 years. She is dedicated, works long hours, and goes above and beyond for everyone. She always steps up in any situation where her help is needed.”

Thomas More University Service Award

Awarded to an alumnus/alumna or friend of the University who has provided continued service to the University. This award recognized extraordinary service in terms of time, energy, and expertise rather than financial support. Congratulations to Charles ‘73 and Mary Jo ‘74 McFadden.

Both graduates of Thomas More (1973 and 1974, respectively), Chuck and Mary Jo McFadden built impactful careers and a legacy of service. Chuck earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology and later obtained a master’s degree in counseling from Morehead State University.  While at Thomas More, he served as president of Alpha Delta Gamma Fraternity.

Mary Jo graduated from Thomas More with a bachelor’s in elementary education and subsequently earned a Master of Education degree at Xavier University.  While at Thomas More, Mary Jo was vice president of Alpha Lambda Mu Sorority.

After graduation, Chuck worked as a counselor for the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation locally and later became a program manager for the agency in Frankfort.  Mary Jo was an elementary school teacher at Mary, Queen of Heaven School in Erlanger. Both eventually transitioned into the field of market research. Chuck held management positions at Anthem, Hil-Rom, and Cincinnati Bell, retiring as vice president of Repass Partners, Inc. Mary Jo had a management career spanning several businesses at Procter & Gamble and retired as associate director and global research manager.

Chuck currently serves on the boards of directors of the Thomas More University Alumni Association and the All Saints Club. Mary Jo also served on the Alumni Association board in the past and was an ambassador for her class reunion. Both Mary Jo and Chuck have also contributed to the TMU community by organizing their fellow alumni to collect items for the Compassion Pantry and to attend TMU Alumni events such as the All Saints Club Golf Outing and the FC Cincinnati soccer game.

Their nominator spoke extensively about the impact they’ve both made on keeping alumni connected with Thomas More, from the monthly dinners Mary Jo organizes for ADG and ALM alumni to serving in both official and unofficial capacities for the University: “The McFaddens truly embody what it means to serve your community.”

Honorary Alum Award

Awarded to an individual who, while not a graduate of Villa Madonna College, Thomas More College, or Thomas More University, has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the values, mission, and community spirit that have defined Thomas More University for more than 100 years. This award is given to those who have made a substantial impact on Thomas More University through support and advocacy, leaving an indelible mark on the institution. This year’s inaugural Honorary Alum award goes to Gregory Wilkins.

Wilkins first connected with Thomas More University in 2009 as a volunteer for PaddleFest, serving as a Safety Communicator aboard the Biology Field Station’s research vessel “Seak Ark.” That experience sparked a lasting friendship with Dr. Chris Lorentz and a deep commitment to the Field Station that continues today.

Originally from New Jersey, Wilkins lives in Montgomery, Ohio with his wife Janice and their dog Caleb. A 1977 graduate of Saint Joseph’s College (SJC), he retired after 40+ years in transportation logistics and soon began volunteering at the Field Station – earning the unofficial title of “Senior Volunteer.” Wilkins contributes time, talent, and financial support to the field station’s educational programs and behind-the-scenes operations.

Why adopt Thomas More as his alma mater? Wilkins shares, “After SJC closed, I found a new home at TMU. The research, the people, the animals – and the boats – make it special. Watching students grow, like Molly Williams and Jonathan Frommeyer, keeps me inspired. Thomas More fosters ‘Inquiring Minds,’ and I’m proud to be part of that.”

His nominator says: “…throughout the years, he has served in a number of capacities, including a tour guide, environmental educator, and general helper for various events. On average, he volunteers over 150 hours/year since 2015. Further, he has provided generous financial support, including the establishment of an endowment for the Biology Field Station.”

Legacy Award

This honor is awarded posthumously to an alumnus, faculty, staff, or friend of Thomas More University for the lasting impact they made on the institution in their lifetime. This year’s Legacy Award recipient is Joseph F. Roesel ‘64. Roesel is remembered as a beacon of inspiration in the pursuit of the meaning of life, our place in the world, and our responsibility to others. He has certainly made an impact that will continue to leave a legacy.

Joe Roesel lived a life full of love, service, and community. A 1964 graduate of Villa Madonna College, he was a standout athlete in basketball, tennis, and cross country, serving as captain of the men’s basketball team and Student Council President. His leadership and spirit earned him induction into the Thomas More Athletic Hall of Fame.

Professionally, Roesel spent many years as vice president of finance at St. Elizabeth Healthcare before serving as business manager of Radiology Associates of Northern Kentucky. He remained deeply connected to his alma mater as a trustee and was active in local government.

Above all, Roesel was most proud of his family. He will be remembered for his humor, generosity, and the countless ways he showed up for his family, friends, and community. Roesel’s nominator remembers him fondly by saying, “as a lot of people would say… Joe always made you feel important and always lived in the moment when you were with him.”

All 2025 Alumni Award honorees will be recognized at the 2025 Alumni Awards, taking place from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025 in Ziegler Auditorium on Thomas More’s campus. The Alumni Awards are presented as part of the 2025 Homecoming celebration. CLICK HERE to learn more and secure a ticket for the event.