Department of History, John Carroll University

10/12/2026

This past week John Carroll's Army of the Cuyahoga traveled to Gettysburg to tour the battlefield. We also spent time at the Eisenhower Farm (Dan Vermilya, our former student, now with the NPS at the site gave us an exceptional tour) and the Army Heritage Center at Carlisle Barracks. The weather was perfect. It was a splendid experience for everyone.

05/08/2026

Dr. Roger Purdy's tree is a Kwanzan variety Japanese cherry blossom. Thanks to Dr. Susan Long for her lovely remarks and to all who braved the dreadful weather.

05/05/2026

For the second time this academic year, Carroll's Student Organisation Budget Board has awarded our History Club "Gold Status." This award recognises the club's continued exemplary service to the campus-wide community. Hearty congratulations to our club's elected leadership team and loyal members.

George N. Vourlojianis, Ph.D.
Faculty Advisor, History Club

05/04/2026

Tomorrow at 3:00 we are dedicating a Japanese cherry blossom to Dr. Roger Purdy's memory. Dr. Susan Long and I will be discussing Roger's accomplishments and all are welcome to attend--

04/20/2026

This past Saturday our History Club motored down to Canton and visited the First Ladies Museum and the McKinley Museum and Mausoleum. At the suggestion of Vice-President Ryan Parlin we visited the legendary Taggart's Ice Cream parlour. At Taggart's Vice-President Parlin announced that when the club return's to Gettysburg in the fall he will attempt the Pickett's Charge Burger Challenge at the Blue and Gray Bar and Grille on Baltimore Street.

04/20/2026

On March 27 as the capstone of a block of instruction on the use of troops against civilian demonstrators our US Military History course visited the May 4th Memorial at Kent State. Our tour guide was Professor "Chic" Canfora. Chic is a good friend of mine and was standing next to her brother Alan on that tragic day when he was shot and wounded by the Ohio National Guard. In lieu of actions by the central government of late, this year's visit is very timely.

04/11/2026

Thank you so much for your support for our annual banquet and for Dr. Purdy's memorial! The link is here for the next three hours:

I'm Inspiring the Future at JCU!

04/11/2026

Thanks to everyone who has donated on this Day of Giving! We really appreciate all your support for our History Banquet and for Dr. Purdy's memorial: three hours left!

01/24/2026

I am pleased to share with you the exciting news that in recognition of their superior leadership skills and campus-wide engagement our history club has been awarded a "Gold Status" distinction by the Office of Student Engagement and Student Organisations Budget Board. Only 15 academic and service-oriented clubs were honored with this distinction. A salute to the club's officers: Max Nadeau, Ryan Palin, Nora Taylor, Iman Johnson and Michael Swanson. Stay tuned for a schedule of the spring semester's activities and next fall's Gettysburg campaign.

Respectfully yours,

George N. Vourlojianis, Ph.D.
Faculty Advisor, History Club

12/02/2025

Yesterday evening our history club held its annual elections. The assembled throng chose the following to lead them into the next academic year:

President Max Nadeau
Vice-President. Ryan Parlin
Secretary. Eleanor (Nora) Taylor

Two new positions were created and filled by eager volunteers:

Iman Johnson. Social Media Coordinator
Michael Swanson. Marketing Director

Future club events were discussed. During the spring semester, the club is organising visits to Grays Armory in Cleveland and the William McKinley sites in Canton. Plans are also underway for a visit to the Gettysburg battlefield during fall break (2026).

Onward !

George N. Vourlojianis, Ph.D.
Faculty Advisor, JCU History Club