Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga recently announced its 2019 Alumni Awards, which will be presented Thursday, July 25.
Bill Rosemann ’89 was named the Distinguished Alumnus Award winner, and John Mullin ’79 won the Jim Phifer Service Award.
Mr. Rosemann has been a member of the Marvel family for more than two decades. Beginning as a reporter for Marvel Age magazine, he has enjoyed stints as a copywriter, “Your Man @ Marvel” secret blogger, marketing manager, comic book writer, comic book editor, and Spider-Man balloon wrangler in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
In 2008, in addition to his editing numerous monthly comic book series such as Black Panther, Avengers Academy, Ms. Marvel, War Machine, and Black Widow, Mr. Rosemann led a team of writers and artists to reimagine The Guardians of the Galaxy, which inspired a global franchise celebrated in film, animation, video games, consumer products, and theme-park attractions.
As a brand ambassador, Mr. Rosemann has spread Marvel’s history of positive social impact via inspirational talks at numerous universities and corporations, including Apple’s 2016 Worldwide Developers Conference. Now vice president and creative director for Marvel Games, Mr. Rosemann uses his knowledge of and passion for the House of Ideas to not only collaborate with worldwide partners on a growing library of video games, including the blockbuster hit “Marvel’s Spider-Man,” but also to grow the next generation of True Believers.
He is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and lives in California with his wife, casting director Ali Farrell, and their 10 year-old son (and fellow video-game enthusiast), Peter.
“Bill was one of several outstanding nominations for this award, and we are proud to recognize his accomplishments. He is a fantastic representative of Notre Dame and her commitment to students and their success far beyond high school,” said Anne Wehunt ’86, Alumni Council president.
Mr. Mullin has been a staff member of Notre Dame for 36 years, beginning in 1983 when he was hired by Jim Phifer to teach in the science department. In 2000, then-principal Perry
Storey asked Mr. Mullin to move from the classroom and assume his current role as the dean of students.
Mr. Mullin has led the school’s wrestling program as an assistant and head coach for more than 30 years, recently retiring in 2016.
Among the many accomplishments of his coaching tenure are three different state duals championship teams as well as his being part of 22 individual state championships. Individual champions and place winners include his brothers David and Chris and his nephews Grayson, Packy, and Luke. In 2016, Notre Dame named the Wrestling Center in the Varallo Athletics Center in his honor.
Since retiring as a coach, he continues to manage and lead the Spring Golf Tournament, a fundraiser for the NDHS football and wrestling programs. He serves and maintains all Notre Dame properties outside of the Vermont Avenue campus. He supports all Notre Dame events, including fundraisers, banquets, and school functions, with his valuable operations skills.
“Each year our faculty bestows an award known as ‘The Heart of Notre Dame,’ which John deservedly won in 2016, adding his name to a long list of some very inspiring and dedicated faculty members—past and present. But I’d hate to imagine—or do without—the wealth of Notre Dame knowledge he carries in his head; it’s matched only by his dedication to the people of the Notre Dame family,” said NDHS president George Valadie ’71.
Mr. Mullin has been a dedicated member in a variety of worthwhile events and organizations in the city of Lakesite, where he resides. As a resident of his community, he has been active as a board member of the Lakesite Recreation Club and in the operation of the community pool for more than 15 years.
He is the son of Bob and Jeannine Mullin, who have been supporters of Notre Dame for more than 40 years. John and his wife, Margaret, are proud parents of a Notre Dame alum, Marlee ’16. He is part of his family’s legacy, including sister Kim ’78; brothers David ’81 and Chris ’85; nephews Grayson ’11, Patrick ’15, and Luke ’16; and nieces Alexandra ’11, Sophia ’12, and Gaby ’15.
A few years back Mr. Mullin was recognized for 30 years of service to NDHS. Mr. Valadie stated to the faculty and staff: “What would we do without him.”
