The formation of John Paul the Great Catholic University reflects the power of God to harness the invention, voluntary initiative, and moral imagination of the founders, the Board of Trustees and many other advisors and to couple it with the extraordinary generosity of many benefactors to create an institution that seeks to invent the future of Catholic higher education.

The key people in the founding of John Paul the Great Catholic University include:

Derry (and Lidy) Connolly, Founding President

whose 'yes to God' moved the founding vision forward. Both spend many long hours building and providing the glue for JPCatholic. Two of the 5 Connolly kids attended the University - daughter Joan graduated in the inaugural class and Joe in the second class. Derry has set the strategy for our academic enterprise, while Lidy has created many of our administrative systems.

Martin (and Sara) Harold, Executive Vice President of Advancement and Enrollment

whose commitment to mission and persistence in walking students (and parents) through the admission process. Martin reinforces daily the most important mission of the University - to 'transform' students - enabling them to encounter Jesus Christ. Sara has produced an endless stream of graphic design pieces for the University. He has built our Enrollment & Philanthropy systems.

Kevin (and Joan) Meziere, Chief Financial, Operations & Technology Officer

built our initial computer network as a college freshman volunteer. Kevin has gone on to envision and build our Escondido campus, as well as the technology and financial systems that support it.