La Salle University
Like Family
As a young boy, I have clear memories of the stacks of papers lining my grandfather’s home office—many checked with red, wax-pencil markings. As he showed me his work, he explained that these were “tests” and that he wanted to understand how well his students were learning.
I didn’t understand at the time, but Joseph G. Markmann, CPA, was developing students who had an interest in business, particularly those with a future in accounting. More than frequently, I meet people who ask if I am related to the Professor Markmann who taught them accounting at La Salle; I proudly share that he was my grandfather.
La Salle has always been an integral part of my life and part of my family. My experience is not unlike yours: either you enter as a member of families who have long La Salle relationships, or leave with newly established familial ties with classmates that stand the test of time. Friends that I made my first year who helped me build my path toward independence are the same friends that I reconnect with today as if no time has passed, with the same level of comfort as seeing a member of my family. This is a unique and distinguishing characteristic of the La Salle experience.
Like many families, our University is going through a change. Dr. Daniel Allen is leading us, and delivering the vision and plan to move La Salle successfully into the future. Ellen Reilly, ’83, and the Board of Trustees are providing the steady hand to ensure our Lasallian vision and mission are met. I am proud to represent you as a voice to the University through my role as the President of the Alumni Association. Like a family, let’s work together to support the growth of our University and prepare it to shape the future generations of our Lasallian brothers and sisters.
My ask of you is your participation. Re-engage with your La Salle family. Leverage the Alumni Association to understand what events are upcoming. Volunteer your time and experience. Contribute to our fundraising to drive the future growth of our University. And finally, come back to your home at 20th and Olney, as your La Salle experience was not for college days alone.
Joe Markmann, Ph.D., MBA ’06, ’96
President, La Salle University Alumni Association