John S. Cappuzzello

Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame

“Family-focused and value orientated individual who prides himself on developing and fostering long-term relationships.”

Hometown: Youngstown, Ohio

Fun Fact About Yourself: I have a twin sister – she’s my hero.

Undergraduate School and Major: Kent State University – Accounting

Most Recent Employer and Job Title:  Senior Analyst – Corporate Strategy at Progressive Insurance

When you think of Notre Dame, what are the first things that come to mind? How have your experiences with the Mendoza program thus far reinforced or upended these early impressions? Community. Since starting the program just a few months ago, it has been amazing to see everyone leaning in, interacting with one another, and forming long-lasting relationships. The Class of 2026 and 2025 here at Mendoza is very intentional about getting to know one another, assisting each other where we can, and growing together. This willingness to help one another is not limited to the student body; it is a common thread through the alumni, faculty, and friends of the university. I look forward to building on this momentum as we move deeper into the program and long after it concludes.

Aside from your classmates, what was the one key part of the Mendoza MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? I’ve always valued learning from professors with real-world experience because they bring the curriculum to life with practical examples and insights. I really appreciate how Notre Dame offers this lens through its current mix of faculty, including former managing directors, executives, and other accomplished leaders.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Mendoza? I’ve really enjoyed the consulting Club due to the second-year students’ commitment to assisting members with networking with professionals, firms, and overarchingly preparing us for the summer associate interview process.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Co-developed and facilitated consensus-building exercises with the executive team to refresh the enterprise’s vision statement, unifying 60,000 employees under a strategic ‘north star’ and guiding the organization’s long-term direction.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? Obtained invitations to interview at my target consulting firms for the summer associate role.

Mendoza is known as a purpose-driven MBA program that asks students to “Grow the good in business.” What is your mission and how has Mendoza been helping you realize it? My mission is to be a positive force in both my personal and professional life. Mendoza exemplifies this by living its values and inspiring others to do the same.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? Tailgating, attending, and watching Notre Dame football games with my classmates—now some of my closest friends.

DON’T MISS: MEET NOTRE DAME MENDOZA’S MBA CLASS OF 2026

© Copyright 2025 Poets & Quants. All rights reserved. This article may not be republished, rewritten or otherwise distributed without written permission. To reprint or license this article or any content from Poets & Quants, please submit your request HERE.