Join us for “Rock Reflections,” a series celebrating Trinity alumni. From 48 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, we’re reflecting with Jeremy Rothgerber '92
Jeremy Rothgerber’s path to greatness and a life of service started at Trinity.
“Trinity gave me my moral compass that directed me to a life of service and peace,” he said.
Jeremy came to Trinity from St. Aloysius Catholic School in Pewee Valley. After graduating from Trinity, he attended college and then joined the United States Peace Corps. He’s currently a Peace Corps safety and security officer stationed in Manila, Philippines. He’s also involved with the non-profit Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Association, which supports sustainable volunteer projects worldwide.
Jeremy and his wife, Nancy, a Kansas City, Kansas, native, have been married 23 years. They have three children, Lily, 20; Noah, 18; and Finn, 15; and a trusted Labrador retriever, Hobbes, 10.
What follows is a Q & A interview with Jeremy.
What do you remember about the day-to-day life at Trinity?
Classes were always interesting. I never felt like learning was rote or disengaged. Teachers truly cared and listened to students’ opinions. Academically, I was well-prepared for what I encountered in college – probably more than many of my peers – and I attribute that to the Trinity education I received.
What activities/athletics/clubs were you involved with at Trinity?
I played soccer for four years. I also played intramural volleyball, basketball and softball and was a member of the French Scrabble team.
Do you have family members who attend/attended Trinity?
My brothers – David ’90, Nick ’94 and James ’97 – graduated from Trinity. I also have two cousins who are alumni, John ’94 and Michael ’96 Eichberger.
Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Trinity?
Pride Week and the pep rally leading up to Trinity-St. X football and soccer games. There was a strong sense of shared community and pride for the Trinity Family.
Who were some of your favorite teachers/coaches?
JV soccer coach Ed Nolan was a favorite. He passed away unexpectedly in my junior year, but he was a special coach and mentor to me.
Mike Hamilton H’96 was my community service teacher. He was a very caring leader.
Father Don Springman H’94 had illuminating scripture and religion classes. He taught us how to think critically and ask questions.
Gene Eckert ’62 was just a blast as my freshman history teacher. He was funny, engaging and made learning history enjoyable.
I had Dr. Tom Zehnder ’63 for micro and macroeconomics. He was hilarious and whip smart. He also made learning econ less cumbersome.
What did you do after you graduated from Trinity?
After graduating from Trinity in 1992, I attended Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. I earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology in three years (thank you Bellarmine University ACCP credit courses!).
After college, I joined the United States Peace Corps. For my first assignment, I spent three years living in The Gambia, West Africa, as an agro-forestry extensionist. I planted lots of trees and worked with local farmers on sustainable agricultural practices. I also refurbished a basketball court in my town so I could play basketball with my community.
Following my Peace Corps service, I worked for the Peace Corps Headquarters in Washington, D.C., on volunteer safety and security issues for three years and returned to The Gambia to live and work for another three years. That’s also where I met my future wife, Nancy. She was also a Peace Corps volunteer for public health.
After my contract ended, I went to Indiana University and received a master’s degree in public affairs. I then returned to Washington, D.C., to work for the Government Accountability Office (GAO) as a Senior Analyst on the Department of Homeland Security portfolio, focusing on program audits and evaluations for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission.
In 2010, the opportunity to work for the Peace Corps again came up, and I followed my calling to return to Africa with my wife and two (soon-to-be-three) children. Over the past 16 years, we have lived overseas and raised our family in Mali (2010-12), Morocco (2012-17), South Africa (2017-22), Thailand (2022-26) and now the Philippines.
What effect did Trinity have on your life?
Trinity gave me my moral compass that directed me to a life of service and peace. It has been winding and difficult with lots of personal sacrifice, especially being away from friends and family for so many years. You miss a lot of milestones and events. But improving peoples’ lives and providing them with opportunities that we as Americans often take for granted, without asking for anything in return, is truly a blessing. I know that service mindset was founded in my time at Trinity.
I also have lifelong friendships with Trinity classmates and try to keep current with the Trinity community.
Why do you support Trinity years after graduating?
I think attending Trinity established a foundation of service and community that has directed my life decisions and personal expectations. I did not necessarily realize it at the time, but I still revisit those lessons learned and how my Trinity experiences with community, teamwork, civil engagement and public service have shaped my life and career.
Share an alumni story!
Do you know a Trinity alumnus with a compelling story? Please reach out to Travis Wagoner '90, Alumni Relations, Communications & Archives at 502-736-2122 or wagoner@trinityrocks.com.
A History of Greatness
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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