John Latchic - Class of 1969
John Latchic transferred to Walsh University from Ohio University and graduated in 1969 with a Bachelor of Arts in general business and later earned his master’s degree in educational development from Xavier. After he graduated with his undergraduate degree, John entered an executive management training program for the Sears Corporation, but in 1971 he returned to his alma mater, joining the Walsh Admissions Office staff, first as Assistant Director and then later as Associate Director of Admissions. He spent 30 years recruiting students from near and far to come to North Canton, Ohio, to pursue their degrees. The final six years of his 36-year career at Walsh, John worked as Coordinator of Commuter Services and with Career Services. Still serving students, he found ways to engage them in campus life and helped them connect with area employers. Even in retirement, his alma mater remains a permanent resident in his heart. When talking about his connection to the campus, John said, “Walsh University is my purpose in life.” He is a member of the Brother Thomas S. Farrell Heritage Society and is very committed to alumni scholarships and finding ways to help legacy students come to the University because Walsh’s values-based education is a priority for him. In the community, he supports a number of causes, including services for disabled American veterans. In 2019, he was honored with Walsh’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
I have many good stories about Walsh from my time as a student, but one I'll always remember was when a friend of mine and I played tennis with Walsh’s former men’s and women’s Head Tennis Coach Sherry Bossart and Br. Roland. Sherry was a tennis pro, so one day I asked her if she would take it easy on us. She just smiled and said she would. I smiled back and said, “Now don't tell me any lies here.”
We had some good matches that lasted for hours. We all had wonderful times with friends and the Brothers here at Walsh. I was student body president and remained active on campus so it was always fun. I surrounded myself with very good people. It's funny to look back because for a time it was only men at Walsh, and we wore suits and ties every day. Even to this day, I feel more comfortable when I have a tie on.
Walsh was always a friendly place and still is I’m sure. I had transferred from Ohio University, lived with my uncle and commuted. It was interesting because the cost worked out well for me. I made enough money in the summers to pay my tuition and my uncle fed me, so it was nice to have family looking out for me and be at a good school. The Brothers cared so much about us too. They taught me to be a gentleman.
After I graduated, I stayed at Walsh and was everything from Assistant Director of Admissions to Associate Director of Admissions. I spent 30 of my 36 years in admissions before I retired in 2007. I worked as Coordinator of Commuter Services and with Career Development later on in my career and it was great to work with the students in so many ways. I still come back in my retirement. It's fun to be on campus and see games and see the place grow. I enjoy retirement but I miss the people. The kids keep you young and on your toes.
Sherry Bossart spent 33 years at Walsh where she coached the men’s tennis program for 31 years and women’s team 26 years. Bossart compiled 620 career coaching wins, 27 championships and coached countless NAIA Scholar-Athletes. Along with her role as head tennis coach, Sherry also served Athletic Business Manager until 2011