John Noonan- From the North Pole to Notre Dame
Full Name: John Noonan
Anticipated graduation year? 2024
Hometown: Old Bridge, NJ
Fun Fact About Yourself: I’ve been to the true North Pole
Intended Major: Electrical engineering
What did you do in the military? I was a nuclear trained Electrician’s mate onboard USS Connecticut (SSN 22). I helped maintain the support and auxiliary equipment associated with the ship’s nuclear reactor. I also helped to monitor the ship’s electrical distribution systems.
What was your proudest accomplishment in the military? Qualifying engineering watch supervisor was my proudest accomplishment while in the navy. The engineering watch supervisor is the senior enlisted man in charge of the engine room. It requires one to demonstrate knowledge on all aspects of the reactor plant, pass a written exam, and pass an oral board with the ship’s commanding officer. It is usually stood by an E-7 and I qualified it as an E-5.
How did you hear about S2S? The google machine showed me the way to S2S. I was looking for programs that help veterans transition to college life and S2S was the top result.
What was the best part of S2S for you? This is a fairly difficult question. The best part of S2S for me was meeting Mr. Jim Selbe [S2S Staff] and Mr. Mark Powers [S2S Ambassador]. Both incredible people who never seemed to stop working to help me accomplish my goals.
Why did you decide to pursue college? The decision to pursue higher education has a few factors. No one in my immediate family has gone and I want to break the mold. I’m also passionate about learning more of my craft. Last, the career opportunities are better.
How has the transition been from the military to civilian life? The transition out of the military has been the best time of my life so far! I moved in with a friend who is in the Air Force stationed by Rapid City, SD. It is a highly underrated area. It is nearby two national parks and has a large amount of presidential history.
What are you most excited about in regards to starting college/ the school you are going to attend? I am most excited to experience that legendary Notre Dame campus life.
What’s your favorite part about the school you chose to matriculate at? My favorite part of Notre Dame is how well everyone takes care of one another, even after graduation. The alumni network is far reaching.
What are your goals post-graduation? My goals post-graduation are to help expand the renewable energy market. This could be accomplished by helping design new hydroelectric turbines/dams or more efficient solar panels or by finding some new untapped source of energy.
