A transfer student from Notre Dame, Jim Toohey found himself immediately impressed by the Gannon faculty, recalling Fr. Sean Clerkin and Dr. DeSanctis. “I attribute much to my professors, but also to Gannon’s emphasis on developing the whole person,” he mentions.
During his shortened stay at Gannon, Jim played basketball for the Gannon Knights from 1990 until 1992. Even today, he says, “Life is pretty simple for me right now: my hobbies are basketball and my family.”
Jim is currently a practicing attorney at MacDonald, Illig, Jones, and Britton, LLP and specializes in real estate with an emphasis on commercial deals which encompasses sales, leases, loan work, title work, and condominium development. He also sits on the board of Catholic Charities, the Serra Club in Erie, and the development committee for the Neighborhood Art House.
Jim recommends that current students “do it all.” Refrain from pinning yourself to one way of life, but rather experience the world and “get to know your soul.” One must first understand themselves before they can successfully pursue their goals as individuals – this will allow them to properly address and achieve those goals and pursuits.
(Published June 2014)