Commencement

Commencement is a culmination of everything you have accomplished,

and we look forward to celebrating with you! 

Congratulations to our class of 2025! We are so proud of each and every one of you. Once a Lion always a Lion! Watch the 2024 commencement recap video below:

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Apply for Graduation

Graduation candidates are required to complete the graduation application with their program directors or department chairperson. The completed application for graduation is submitted to the Registrar's Office. The certificate or degree graduation application must be on file in the Registrar's Office by the posted deadline dates. Contact your program director or department chairperson to complete the application.

Commencement Speaker, Honorary Degree Recipient

Jesse Minter ’05
Defensive Coordinator, Los Angeles Chargers
Mount St. Joseph University, Class of 2005

Jesse Minter is currently a defensive coordinator in the National Football League for the Los Angeles Chargers. In the 2024 season, his first year with the Chargers, Minter’s defense improved twentythree spots to be No. 1 in scoring defense through the regular season, allowing just 17.7 points per game. This was the first time in franchise history that the Chargers led the league with the top scoring defense. The team finished the regular season with an 11-6 record to achieve a wild-card berth into the postseason.

Before arriving in Los Angeles, Minter also orchestrated the top-ranked defense at the University of Michigan. In 2023, Minter’s defense allowed just 10.4 points per game en route to a 15-0 record and the College Football Playoff National Championship. In his first year with the Wolverines, Minter was a finalist for the Broyles Award, an honor annually presented to the top assistant coach in college football. The 2022 Wolverines had a record of 13-1 and ranked No. 7 in scoring in his first season at the helm.

Prior to his time in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Minter gained experience as a defensive coordinator at three different programs: Indiana State (2011-12), Georgia State (2013-16), and Vanderbilt (2021). He also coached his first four seasons in the NFL (2017-20) with the Baltimore Ravens, advancing to the role of defensive backs coach his final year with the Ravens. In his four years in Baltimore, the Ravens secured three postseason berths and back-to-back AFC North Division crowns (2018-19).

Minter served as a defensive intern for the University of Notre Dame in 2006, moving on to be a graduate assistant for the University of Cincinnati for two seasons (2007-08). In 2009, he began his coaching career at Indiana State University as a running backs coach. After serving as various position coaches on the staff, he earned the role of defensive coordinator in 2011. In 2012, his final season with the Sycamores, Minter’s unit ranked third in FBS in scoring defense with 14.3 points
per game. During Minter’s time there, and for the first time since the 1960s, the Sycamores saw three straight winning seasons (2010-12).

Jesse, the son of Rick Minter and Ellen McEwen, was born in Little Rock, Arkansas but spent most of his childhood in Muncie, Indiana graduating from Yorktown High School. He started his college career at the University of Cincinnati, where his father was the then head coach. After his freshman year, he transferred to Mount St. Joseph University and met his wife, Rachelle, during orientation. Minter also played wide receiver for the Lions for then Head Coach Rod Huber. During his time as a Lion, Minter helped the team compile a 30-10 record with consecutive conference titles and two Division III playoff appearances (2004-05). He graduated with a degree in liberal studies in 2005.

Jesse and Rachelle were married in the Mater Dei Chapel in July 2008. Together they have three children, Millie (age 8), Monte (age 6), and Mac (age 3).

Alumni Speaker

Rachelle Wittich Minter '05
Mount St. Joseph University, Class of 2005

Rachelle Minter is a proud Cincinnati native who attended Seton High School and Mount St. Joseph University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 2005. She met her husband Jesse during orientation at the Mount.  She began her career in accounting as an intern at Cincinnati Financial before going into public accounting and working for VonLehman Public Accountants. These roles provided valuable experience and expertise in both public and private accounting. Following her time at VonLehman, she transitioned to a position in the private sector, working for IVC Paints and Coatings after Jesse’s job moved them away from Cincinnati.  In 2014, Rachelle became the CFO and took on the international operations of the company, traveling to their manufacturing locations in China and Malaysia.  She also oversaw the purchase of the company by PPG Industries and the integration into the new company, further broadening her professional horizons.

Eventually, after becoming a mother in 2016, she decided to become a stay-at-home mom to raise their children, supporting her family and adapting to various moves around the country.  She and Jesse now have three kids, Millie, Monte, and Mac, who were all born in different states. The variety of experiences throughout her life have shaped her into a versatile and resilient individual, dedicated to her family and capable of navigating life's changes.  She still utilizes her accounting background and serves as the treasurer on their homeowners’ association, volunteers in various ways at the children’s school including the STEM lab, and assists with coaching her son’s soccer team.  As a family, they are involved in a variety of charities as well as their school and church communities.

Distinguished Students:

Katharine Mayer, Master of Arts in Education
Jonathan Scherff, Bachelor of Science in Biology

Lead the Way with the Heart of a Lion

With Commencement approaching, we want to help you with next steps to create your network of opportunity.