Join us for our weekly “Rock Reflections,” a series celebrating Trinity alumni. From all 50 states to countries worldwide, our graduates are making an impact, and we'll share their stories on Trinity's website and social media.
This week's profile is about Michael Hanlein '13
“I give to the Trinity Annual Fund because I want to give back to the school that shaped me to succeed in life,” said Michael Hanlein ’13 about supporting Trinity financial aid. “My parents were blessed enough that I could attend Trinity. My wish is that every family can provide a Catholic education to their child if desired. If my gift to the Annual Fund can help even just one student succeed through the opportunity of a Catholic education, then I’d say it was worth the investment.”
Michael became a donor and got involved with the Alumni Association several years ago. He’s a Class Agent, an Alumni Phonathon caller and an active member of the Young Alumni Shamrock Society for alumni who graduated in the last 15 years.
Michael came to Trinity from Christian Academy of Louisville. Michael’s brother, Alex Hanlein ’13, also attended Trinity. Michael was a member of Dante House and a trombonist in the Trinity Jazz Band. As a member of the Powerlifting Club, he was state runner-up at 148 pounds.
Upon graduating from Trinity, Michael attended Xavier University. He earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and a minor in economics in 2017.
Michael is currently an investment advisor with Alexander Investment Services, an independent wealth-management firm in Louisville. His grandfather founded the company, and his father is a current owner of the business and acting president.
Michael named former Trinity teacher and newly appointed president James Torra H’12 as
one of his favorite teachers.
“Coach Torra taught me anatomy and physiology, and was certainly one of my more difficult teachers,” Michael said. “But I believe I ended up getting an ‘A’ both semesters. He did a great job balancing textbook material we needed to learn, while also having a good number of labs and real-world applications for us.”
Michael also was fond of longtime Trinity teacher Dr. Tom Zehnder ’63.
“In my experience, Dr. Zehnder was a favorite of almost anyone who had him as an economics teacher,” Michael said. “I went on to minor in economics in college, and I credit him for building a foundation to make that a fairly easy undertaking.”
Tom Dubay H’94 taught Michael in several theology courses.
“He was very good at getting us to engage with difficult scenarios and think things through from
a moral standpoint,” Michael said. “His classes were always simultaneously difficult, but also enjoyable.”
Michael credits the powerlifting team for helping to make him who he is.
“I was fortunate to go to high school nationals for powerlifting in Oklahoma City my senior year,” Michael said. “I struck up a conversation with the meet director, which led me to getting my referee certification. I enjoy officiating at meets as a volunteer. I compete here and there when I feel strong. Powerlifting ended up being a foundation for several friendships I hold to this day. Coaches Bob Maddox (H’07), Rick Schmitt and Mike Snyder (’02) get the credit for that.”
“I don’t think I would’ve been nearly as well-prepared to succeed in college, or in life in general, if it weren’t for my time at Trinity,” Michael said. “Even as someone who’s somewhat of a self-starter, you can’t beat the attentiveness of the staff at Trinity toward each of their students. The rigors of a Catholic education at the high school level prepared me for what I’d encounter at Xavier University.”
Michael and his wife, Sara, have been married 10 months. They attend St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bardstown, Kentucky.
Share an alumni story!
Do you know a Trinity alumnus with a compelling story? Please reach out to Travis Wagoner '90, Alumni Relations & Communications Director, at 502-736-2122 or wagoner@trinityrocks.com.
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Since 1953, Trinity has benefitted from great teachers, resources, and activities to shape and guide promising boys into great men. The 106 students from our first graduating class have been followed by a legacy of academic, personal and cultural achievement. To learn more about our proud heritage, visit https://www.trinityrocks.com/o/trinityfoundation/page/about-us.
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