ALUMNI CAMEO
Name: John A. Diederich 
Class of: 1987
Current city/state: Aurora, IL
College/degree:
BBA - Management Science, University of Iowa
MBA, University of Iowa
MA - Healthcare Administration, University of Iowa
Occupation (Title/Organization):
Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Rush-Copley Medical Center
Biography:
- I am the third generation of a four-generation Marmion family. Both of my grandfathers were classmates in the class of 1934 - Marmion's first class. My grand-uncle was Fr. Luke Bohr, OSB of Marmion Abbey.
- I grew up in Marywood, Annunciation 8th Grade, Class of '83.
- I started working at Rush-Copley (then Copley Memorial Hospital) washing pots & pans in the kitchen as a Marmion junior in 1985. Attended University of Iowa and worked at Copley during the summers. Returned back home to Aurora in 1993 after graduation and started working my way through the ranks at Rush-Copley
- Married to Joanne Johnson - Rosary Class of 1989
- Three boys: Jack - Marmion Class of 2016, Dominic '20, & Matthew '21
- Appointed Rush-Copley's Sr VP/COO in October 2006 - Now in my 28th year of service to Rush-Copley
What was the most important thing you learned while attending Marmion? How did Marmion prepare you for life after graduation?
The importance of discipline - not in a punitive way, but the importance of having goals, being organized, and being personally accountable for your own destiny.
What advice would you give to prospective student?
- Stay focused and find a balance between academics, extracurricular activities & life experiences. I'd rather hire a candidate with a 3.6 GPA and a good balance of experiences vs a one-dimensional 4.0 student.
- It is likely that you will appreciate your Marmion experience more as an alum than as a student.
Why did you choose Marmion?
No choice - family legacy. I've of course encouraged my sons for the reasons stated above.
What was the highlight of your Marmion experience?
Salute to Youth senior year - we were the last class at the Drake Hotel and I clearly realized at that time how unique the Marmion experience was compared to other high schools.
How do you stay connected to Marmion?
Father of a Marmion freshman and involvement in the Marmion Board of Trustees & Marmion Alumni Association Board.
Email address: jdiederich@rushcopley.com