2025 Scholarship Drive

Student-driven. Student-focused. The annual Scholarship Drive raises more than $600,000 for tuition assistance.

Saint Ignatius High School

2025 Trailblazer Award—Nolan James '04

Congratulations to this year's Trailblazer Award winner Nolan James '04.

Saint Ignatius Community and Belonging Trailblazer Award–Nolan James, Class of 2004

The Community and Belonging Trailblazer Award recognizes Saint Ignatius alumni of color who have made history, forging new ground as innovators and pioneers—both at Saint Ignatius and beyond.

It is with great pride that we announce the recipient of the 2025 Trailblazer Award, Nolan James, a distinguished graduate of the Saint Ignatius High School Class of 2004. Throughout his time at Saint Ignatius, Nolan exemplified the qualities of a true trailblazer—excelling academically, athletically, and as a leader within our community.

A four-year letterman on the varsity rowing team, Nolan played a pivotal role in the success of our Midwest Scholastic Championship teams in 2001, 2002, and 2004. His leadership extended far beyond athletics—he was actively engaged in student government and made a lasting impact through his service in the Arrupe Program, where he mentored younger students as a Big Brother.

After graduating from Saint Ignatius, Nolan pursued a degree in international business at Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama. His passion for leadership and service led him back to Northeast Ohio, where he earned both a law degree and an MBA from The University of Akron.

Today, Nolan is a business attorney, real estate investor, philanthropist, and Chairman of the Board for the Steak Club Foundation, a nonprofit organization he founded to combat food insecurity in our community. A devoted husband and father, Nolan and his wife, Allison, reside in Strongsville with their four sons—Trey, Oliver, Dominic, and Daniel—and are active members of St. Joseph's Parish.

Nolan James embodies the Ignatian principles of service, leadership, and a commitment to others, carrying forward the mission of Saint Ignatius High School in all that he does. We are honored to celebrate his achievements and the lasting impact he continues to make.

Please join us in congratulating the 2025 Trailblazer Award recipient, Nolan James!