He arrived for freshman orientation by Greyhound bus, scholarship in hand, full of gratitude, grit and potential. Over the decades that followed, John M. Chiarotti ’67 became one of Franklin College’s most devoted alumni, serving as a coach, professor, vice president and trustee. Now, a fellowship honoring his legacy will help other Grizzlies go the distance and achieve their goals.
The John M. Chiarotti Dean’s Fellowship in Business, Economics and Accounting reflects the spirit of his unwavering loyalty to Franklin College and aims to uplift students and faculty. Chiarotti held many titles during his more than 57 years of combined career and volunteer service at the College, but perhaps none he cherished more than that of alumnus.
A descendant of Italian sheep herders who immigrated to the United States and settled in Michigan, Chiarotti, a first-generation American, was raised with a strong work ethic and deep appreciation for everything he earned. He was disciplined, and it showed both in the classroom and on the football field, where a Franklin College recruiter took notice and ultimately persuaded him to play for the Grizzlies after high school. Having never set foot on campus, Chiarotti accepted a scholarship and rode a Greyhound bus from Detroit to Franklin. Until that opportunity, his only financial option had been to join the military. He majored in business and thrived at Franklin College as a scholar and student-athlete in football, tennis and track and field, building a strong foundation for what would become a successful life. He went on to marry, raise a family, build multiple careers in business and retire in Franklin — always choosing to live near his alma mater.
As children, Kristen (Chiarotti) Prusiecki ’93 and John Chiarotti II ’96 came to see Franklin College as a second home, thanks to their father’s extensive involvement. They played on the college grounds, took art classes and attended countless football games and victory celebrations long before they were old enough to enroll. So, when the time came, choosing to follow in their father’s footsteps and become Grizzlies was an easy decision. “We grew up on the campus,” Kristen said. “We don’t remember much about our lives without FC. The Franklin College fight song might have been the first one we ever heard!”
John and Kristen witnessed their dad’s love for Franklin College throughout their entire lives. “Dad succeeded while at FC. It was the opportunity that he needed, and that’s why he was so dedicated for the rest of his life. He believed FC saved his life . . . that he would have gone off to battle in the Marines otherwise. That’s where his devotion came from,” John shared.
Through his various roles as a Franklin College vice president of finance, business professor, tennis and football coach, Athletic Hall of Fame inductee, Alumni Council member and, ultimately, college trustee, Chiarotti made a meaningful impact on generations of Grizzlies. His work, whether on the field, in the classroom or behind the scenes raising funds, was always driven by his love for the College and a desire to uplift others. In the final chapter of his life, a group of alumni friends was working behind the scenes to establish a lasting tribute, one that would continue his mission of supporting students and faculty long into the future. Co-led by Jeff Craver ’74, Phil Powell ’73 and Don Treibic ’65, the effort gained momentum quickly. Numerous alumni and friends from around the country stepped up and gave generously. “It was a groundswell of enthusiasm for John Chiarotti and for Franklin College,” Craver said. “People were involved because of their feelings for John, but also because of what he stood for — excellence, commitment to hard work and helping others achieve their potential.”
Ultimately, the fundraising effort turned to establishing an endowed fund, the John M. Chiarotti Dean’s Fellowship in Business, Economics and Accounting. The fundraising effort began quietly, without Chiarotti’s knowledge. When he eventually learned of the initiative, he gave it his heartfelt blessing, though not without some initial hesitation. “Once we explained that it was through him — not for him — that it was about honoring a professor and helping a student, he was on board. That’s really why he agreed to it. John didn’t want recognition for himself. He wanted to keep helping Franklin College,” Craver said.
Although Chiarotti did not live to see the fellowship finalized, the passion for honoring his legacy grew stronger. “We wanted this to be an ongoing thing,” Craver said. “The endowed fellowship means that John will be able to help the College in perpetuity, year after year helping a student who needs financial assistance and recognizing a professor for their expertise and dedication. That professor will receive a stipend and guide the fellowship, shaping the student’s learning experience through trips, conferences, etc.”
At its core, the fellowship reflects Chiarotti’s belief in education as a transformative force. “John would want the student to say, ‘I have a goal, and I’ll do whatever it takes to achieve it.’ He would want someone who isn’t just looking to put a degree on the wall but planning to use it as a springboard to help themselves, their families and society,” Craver said.
It is important that the fellowship also uplifts exceptional faculty, Craver explained. “John would want to see this help professors who care deeply about Franklin College and the academic process and about helping students use their education to better themselves and the world.”
Through this fellowship, Chiarotti’s legacy of leadership, humility and service lives on quietly but powerfully, just the way he would have wanted it.
By: Amy VerSteeg ’96
Franklin College Magazine