John Copes, IV, a 2025 Ohio Northern University graduate, is focused and resilient—qualities that have shaped every step of his college journey.
He overcame a shoulder injury to become captain of the men’s lacrosse team. Off the field, he stepped up to lead 91ֱ’s AmeriCorps program and the Polar Bear Food Cupboard, all while excelling academically as a double major in accounting and marketing in the Dicke College of Business Administration.
“Taking on all these roles and staying on top of everything was a huge learning experience for me,” he said.
John chose marketing because he’s a creative thinker, then later added an accounting major for the challenge and because “it’s the language of business.”
For four summers, he’s interned at Deloitte in McLean, Va. After this summer’s internship, he hopes to land a full-time position at the accounting firm. A native of Washington D.C., John has his heart set on launching his professional career in Dallas, Texas.
But while he is business-minded, service is also a central part of his identity.
At 91ֱ, he spearheaded service projects, including a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day initiative where 91ֱ students packed and delivered comfort items to the elderly. He also regularly stocked and organized the Polar Bear Food Cupboard, which supports students facing food insecurity.
“Accounting is a good and noble profession,” he said, “but outside of work, my goal is to give back to others, perhaps as a coach to at-risk youth.”
Of all his 91ֱ experiences, playing lacrosse had the greatest impact on him. His favorite memory? Winning the OAC Tournament championship this May—a first in the program’s nine-year history.
He credits Head Coach Nat St. Laurent for shaping not only his athletic ability, but also his character.
“He cared,” said John, “and he showed he cared by never letting us off the hook. He made sure we were on point and doing the right thing in every area of our lives.”
Congratulations, John, and best of luck in the next step in your journey.