Join us for our weekly “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's profile is about Chad Ellis '01
Like many students before him, Chad came to Trinity from Meredith-Dunn School.
“I grew up down the street from Trinity and played football for Our Lady of Lourdes,” Chad said. “Most of my teammates I didn’t care for were going to that other school, so I wanted a chance to compete against them. I shadowed at Trinity and was amazed by the programs. I didn’t think someone who is dyslexic and has ADD could make it into Trinity, but they work hard to find a place for everyone. It became my goal to go to Trinity.”
Chad excelled in high school. He participated in track, wrestling and football, including as offensive tackle on the 2000 state runner-up team. He also was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Chess Club. Additionally, he served as a junior high youth ministry volunteer for Holy Spirit Catholic Church and attended the Archdiocese of Louisville’s annual Christian Leadership Institute.
Chad remembers daily life at Trinity as being one of challenge and competition.
“Much was expected of us socially, mentally and physically,” Chad said. “There was a lot of discipline and expectations, but we were supported by some of the finest educators and coaches anywhere.”
Vanessa Jacovino was Chad’s favorite teacher.
“She tracked and pushed me in all my courses, not just English,” Chad said. “She was a force and wanted the best for her students. Andrew Coverdale [H’07] was my favorite coach. I think he consistently showed excellence and was very smart but never boastful. He’s definitely someone I wanted to model myself after.”
After graduating from Trinity in 2001, Chad attended Indiana Wesleyan and worked for the YMCA. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in business information systems and an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan. He also earned a master’s degree in business analytics from the University of Louisville. Chad is currently enjoying a 20-year career at Humana where he serves as director of software engineering.
Chad credits Trinity for some of his success.
“Trinity had a significant impact on me. I developed the confidence to compete,” he said. “I went to school with others with very different circumstances and learned that none of that made them or me better than another. As Tim Notke said, ‘Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.’”
Trinity also benefits from Chad’s leadership. He is a Trinity Annual Fund donor, a Class Agent and currently serves on the Alumni Board of Directors, the governing body of the Alumni Association. He is chair of the Board’s Alumni Engagement Committee, which has led efforts to collaborate with the Black Student Union and provide community service opportunities for alumni.
One such project was collecting non-perishable food items and cleaning supplies for the Cabbage Patch Settlement House, for which Chad serves as a board member. Chad’s father, Chuck, generously allowed his store in Westport Village to be the drop-off location. The result was two cars and a pick-up truck full of supplies. The Cabbage Patch Settlement House provides life-changing academic, recreational and mentoring opportunities.
“Alumni really showed up,” Chad said. “I support Trinity because I want others to have the opportunity to have the experience I had, if not better. I think Trinity can impact lives in ways I can’t alone. As a wise person once said, ‘A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.’"
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.
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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