SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — On May 16, Michael Bennett of Tustin, Calif., joined three previous generations of his family in the ranks of Seton Hall alumni. Following in the footsteps of his great-grandfather Cornelius Nolan, grandfather William Nolan and uncle Brian Nolan, Bennett graduated cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in classical studies and minors in archeology and Latin from the College of Arts and Sciences.
“Our family has a deep connection with Seton Hall,” Bennett said in a press release. “For the past three generations, at least one of my family members has attended the university. I decided to be a Pirate four years ago and have loved my decision ever since.”
Bennett’s grandfather, William Nolan of the Class of 1955, was on hand to congratulate his grandson after commencement.
“I am so proud of my grandson,” Nolan said in the release. “When I found out that Michael would be attending Seton Hall, I was so excited and thought it was amazing that he would be continuing our Seton Hall family legacy.”
More than 60 years have passed since William Nolan graduated with his degree in business, but he remembers his time at Seton Hall fondly.
“I grew up across the street from Seton Hall on Ward Place,” he said. “I literally watched Seton Hall grow and expand right before my eyes and dreamed of one day attending the university as my father had. While at Seton Hall, I was involved with Army ROTC, the Athletic Association and varsity baseball. Today, I remain connected to the university by attending alumni events throughout California, where I live now, and by contributing to the university’s giving programs.”
William Nolan’s success while attending Seton Hall does not end there. He was the baseball program’s first All-American, a First Team selection in 1954, and batted .392 as a senior, leading the team. His father, Cornelius, and son Brian also played baseball while attending the university. William Nolan was inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame in 1975 and went on to a successful career at Radio Corporation of America.
“I have always been inspired by my grandfather’s career at Seton Hall and he has constantly encouraged me to do what I love,” Bennett said. “I had studied Latin at my high school, Mater Dei High School, and talked to him about continuing my Latin studies in college as well. He supported my decision to pursue classical studies, archeology and Latin at Seton Hall and I am so glad that I had his encouragement.
“As a classical studies major, I learned the history, language, culture and religion of the Romans and Greeks,” said Bennett. “Their legacy forms the basis of our politics and law, so you can gain a lot by studying them and a great understanding of how things run today.”
While at Seton Hall, Bennett was involved with the Classical Studies Honors Society and the university’s club hockey team, and he studied abroad in Greece.
“Four years sounds like a lot in the beginning, but now looking back it went by really quickly,” he said. “I encourage students to find connections with those with similar interests and to try new things. It is important to get involved and take advantage of the four years and all that the university has to offer.”
Nolan agreed that Seton Hall has so much to offer students and alumni.
“I have formed lifelong relationships with Seton Hall athletics, had the opportunity to renew my vows with my late wife, Jane, in the Immaculate Conception Chapel and have watched the university expand while maintaining its sense of a tight-knit community,” Nolan said. “I consider it an honor to call myself a Seton Hall alumnus and it is an even greater honor to say the same about my grandson.”
Bennett has returned to California, living just a short distance from his grandfather, and hopes to apply the knowledge and skills gained through his Seton Hall education to change people’s lives.
“Seton Hall has prepared me to be in any situation and succeed,” he said. “The supportive environment and rigor of classwork has equipped me with the necessary skills to accomplish my goals and continue my journey of servant leadership.
“We now have four generations of Seton Hall alumni and have been super connected with the university for so long,” he continued. “I think it is wonderful that I had the opportunity to come here and get a great education and continue the legacy that has been set before me. I hope that whoever in my family comes next would want to keep the legacy going.”