Don Caiazza - Class of 1967
Donald Caiazza graduated from Walsh with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1967. After graduating from Walsh, he worked in various financial management positions at U.S. Steel Corporation from 1967 to 1976. He joined Copperweld Steel in 1976 as a Senior Financial Analyst, and by 1992 he was its President and CEO. His career has included roles as Principle with DNV Investments and Vice President at Youngstown Pipe & Supply, llc. In 2010, Don Caiazza was honored with an Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award.
During my years at Walsh, the guys I hung around with were affectionately labeled by others as the "Crazy Crew." We knew each other from playing grade school basketball at the Knights of Columbus in Canton, and after grade school, we all met again at Central Catholic High School.
Most of the "Crew" came from the Canton parochial school system with the exception of one from Brooklyn, N.Y., who we met at Walsh. This group of guys were pretty talented when it came to sports. Although no one came off the high school varsity squads, I always felt that some could have played at that level. Back in the old days at Walsh, we won a few championships that are recorded in the yearbooks. More than that though, we formed championship friendships that are still intact today.
For many years, we enjoyed the annual “Crazy Crew” Christmas party that was held at Esbers because I know it will be a mini-Walsh reunion with Gene Bressi, Gary Rinaldi, John Fehn, Jim Dimarzio, Dick Forte, Joe Hawkins, Bob Dasco, Dave Dobbins and Dick Tucker.
In my time at Walsh, there is no question that Brother Conrad provided the guidance that has made the largest impact on my life. He gave our class public speaking assignments. You were permitted to pick the subject and use visual aids to make a presentation to the class. He would not allow us to laugh or ridicule each other because he knew we were all very uncomfortable. Afterwards, he gave me a few pointers and told me that I did okay. He said if you know your subject and are prepared, then the audience shouldn't be a problem for you.
All through my career, that guidance came in handy. Presentations were frequent and never a problem. I wish I would have called him and thanked him for that.