From Small-Town Roots to Global Impact: Classmates Who Are Shaping the World
New York, N.Y. — The graduating classes of Marietta Senior High School in 1977 and The College of Wooster in 1982 produced an extraordinary group of individuals who have left indelible marks on finance, academia, music, diplomacy, and the arts.
From Brian Moynihan, the C.E.O. of Bank of America, to Macharia Kamau, a distinguished diplomat, and Sundaram Tagore, an international art visionary, their stories reflect the power of education, perseverance, and vision.
Brian Moynihan: Leading a Financial Giant
As the C.E.O. of Bank of America, Brian Moynihan has steered one of the world’s largest financial institutions through economic turbulence, technological disruption, and evolving consumer demands.
A graduate of Marietta Senior High School and Brown University, Moynihan’s rise from small-town Ohio to Wall Street exemplifies disciplined leadership. He earned a Juris Doctor from University of Notre Dame Law School.
Under his stewardship, Bank of America has embraced digital transformation while maintaining a focus on sustainable finance, earning recognition as a global leader in corporate responsibility.
Bill Bauer, Ph.D.: A Scholar and Educator
Bill Bauer, a respected academic, earned his Ph.D. and dedicated his career to higher education, shaping young minds in psychology and social sciences.
His research contributions and mentorship have influenced generations of students, reinforcing the value of a liberal arts foundation from Marietta High School, followed by Ohio State University.
Bauer’s work underscores how intellectual curiosity, nurtured in small classrooms, can lead to profound societal contributions.
John Sands and Mark Kelso: Rhythms of Success
Music became the calling for two classmates: John Sands, a professional drummer who has toured with major artists, and Mark Kelso, a New Age musician known for his innovative compositions.
Sands’ dynamic percussion has energized live performances, where he has performed with Grammy-award winners Aimee Mann (indie/alternative rock) and Lori McKenna (country), among others. After M.S.H.S., John attended Berklee College of Music in Boston.
Sands’ live performance experience includes everything from intimate venues to national performances.
This includes the Grammys, Academy Awards/Oscars, and all of the late-night shows, including the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Late Show with David Letterman, Late Night with Conan O’Brien.
Kelso’s ambient soundscapes have garnered international acclaim. Mark has been likened to John Lennon and Leonard Cohen, although he demurs.
Their careers highlight the diverse paths creativity can take—from high school band rehearsals to global stages.
Macharia Kamau: Diplomacy and Global Leadership
Few classmates have had as profound an impact on international relations as Macharia Kamau.
Serving as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, he played pivotal roles in global climate agreements and sustainable development initiatives.
His journey from Ohio to the halls of the U.N. demonstrates how far vision and dedication can take someone, regardless of their starting point.
Marcelo Bravo: A Corporate Titan from Brazil
Marcelo Bravo, a Brazilian business leader, built a formidable career in corporate strategy and international trade. Over the past 25 years, he has founded and scaled four science-driven ventures.
Marcelo combines scientific depth — including an MSc in Advanced Therapeutics from Oxford University — with operational leadership experience across biotechnology, therapeutics, and health innovation.
Bravo’s success illustrates how a foundation in critical thinking, nurtured at the undergraduate level at The College of Wooster, can translate into global business influence.
Sundaram Tagore: Bridging Cultures Through Art
Sundaram Tagore, an art historian and entrepreneur, founded an international chain of galleries that promote cross-cultural dialogue through contemporary art. With locations in New York, Hong Kong, and Singapore, his work connects Eastern and Western artistic traditions, creating spaces where diverse cultural perspectives can intersect and inform one another.
Born into a family with deep cultural roots—he is the great-grandson of the renowned poet Rabindranath Tagore—Sundaram Tagore has leveraged his unique heritage to foster meaningful artistic exchanges across continents. His galleries serve as more than mere exhibition spaces; they function as cultural bridges that facilitate understanding between different artistic philosophies and aesthetic traditions.
A testament to the power of a liberal arts education, Tagore’s success illustrates how interdisciplinary knowledge—combining art history, cultural studies, and business acumen—can create innovative solutions to contemporary challenges. His work proves that cultural entrepreneurship can be both commercially viable and socially meaningful, contributing to a more interconnected and culturally aware global community.
A Legacy of Excellence
These alumni prove that success is not confined by geography.
Whether in finance, academia, music, diplomacy, business, or the arts, their achievements stem from foundational values instilled at Marietta Senior High School and The College of Wooster.
The author (left), after a 20-year career on Wall Street, founded and managed Orphans International Worldwide and The James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation for 25 years. Luce attended Marietta Senior High School as well as The College of Wooster – both in Ohio.
Their stories, and perhaps mine, may inspire current students to dream boldly and act with purpose.
This story celebrates not just individual success, but the
collective power of education, ambition, and community.
Summary for Audio
From small-town Ohio to the world stage, Marietta Senior High School and College of Wooster alumni have achieved greatness in finance, diplomacy, art, business, academia, and music. Their journeys—from Brian Moynihan’s leadership at Bank of America to Macharia Kamau’s diplomatic impact and Sundaram Tagore’s cultural entrepreneurship—demonstrate the enduring power of education, ambition, and community. Their stories inspire us all to dream boldly and make a difference
#MariettaAlumni #WoosterGrads #Leadership
#MusicAndDiplomacy #ArtAndBusiness #SuccessStories
Tags: Marietta Senior High School, College of Wooster, Bank of America, U.N. diplomacy,
New Age music, academic excellence, corporate leadership, international art, Marietta Alumni,
Wooster Grads, Leadership, Music And Diplomacy, Art And Business, Success Stories
