Elyria Catholic Announces Commencement Speaker

Elyria Catholic High School is honored to welcome Mr. Alan Lerchbacker ’70, who will address the Class of 2023 as the featured commencement speaker at the 74th Commencement Exercises on Friday, May 26, at 6:00 pm in our iconic Coliseum.

“As the Elyria Catholic community celebrates the 75th anniversary of its founding, we continue to Paws to Celebrate our current and past EC graduates who prowl with pride in all they do in their personal and professional lives,” said President Annie Heidersbach. “Isolated by the pandemic for over half of their high school experience, we applaud our class of 2023 graduates’ achievements and laud their character and perseverance. Similarly, Mr. Lerchbacker’s varied accomplishments, grit, quick wit, and energy will surely inspire the class of 2023 and our guests. We are delighted to feature Alan, who personifies our strategic plan, Inspired by our past, investing in our future.”

While at EC, strong faculty and staff role models such as basketball coach Lou Rotunda, cross country coach Dick Elsasser, and principal Sister Mary Neil inspired Alan to strive for excellence. He credits Elyria Catholic for investing in his future, which led to his achievements in academics, service to our country, and professional career path.

After graduating from Elyria Catholic, Alan pursued his childhood dream of attending the United States Naval Academy, earning a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. Later, he went on to earn his MBA from Claremont Graduate University.

In addition to his academic credentials, Alan has sought fascinating and unique experiences that reflect those of a true Renaissance man. He served as an aquanaut in the US Navy for 26 years, engaged in Cold War intelligence missions, led the Space Shuttle Challenger recovery operations, and even qualified for the Olympics. Alan relied on his ever-present “think big” personality as the CEO of five different companies. Through his U.S. Navy, corporate, and personal international travels, Alan values the education that occurs while experiencing different cultures and learning Italian, French, and Tagalog.

Alan continues to serve others through his board member roles with the United States Naval Academy, Zero8Hundred, Armed Services YMCA San Diego, and Elyria Catholic Advisory Council. He has mentored over 100 successful veterans in transition through The Honor Foundation.

When not overseeing his business commitments, teaching global leadership courses at the University of San Diego and California State University San Marcos, or serving his community, Alan can be found nearly every day in the Pacific Ocean, “hanging ten” on his surfboard and enjoying California life with his wife, Amy. Alan and Amy frequently meet their son, Scott, daughter, Suzie, and four grandchildren in Las Vegas to celebrate and enjoy each other.