UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, OHIO (Sept. 25, 2024) – John Carroll University is proud to honor Howard “Hoddy” Hanna III, chairman, Hanna Holdings Inc., with the 2024 Alumni Medal, the highest honor bestowed by the University’s Alumni Association. This prestigious award recognizes graduates who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, contributions to their community and continued service to the University.
Hanna is a lifelong supporter of John Carroll University. His family founded Howard Hanna Real Estate Services in 1957, and under his leadership, the company has grown to become the largest family-owned brokerage in the nation, closing $37.1 billion in sales in 2023.
In addition to his work in real estate, Hanna is deeply involved in various community initiatives. He currently serves on the following boards: University of Pittsburgh Katz School of Business (1988-present); H.J. Heinz History Center, chairman (2020-present); John Carroll University (2005-2014 and 2019-present); Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh (1992-present). Former board memberships include Hamot Hospital, EquiBank, Integra Bank, National City Bank, Citizen’s Bank, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, LaRoche University, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation, Federal Real Estate Providers Organization of America, West Penn Multi-List and Allegheny 2000 Committee.
Hanna also previously served on the board of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, Feature Citizen’s Bank Board, Citizen’s Financial Group, and is a former chair of the Western Pennsylvania Fannie Mae Foundation. He is a founder and former chairman of Family House and a founder of the annual Viking Victory Auction for Central Catholic High School.
Hanna personally chairs the annual Howard Hanna Children’s Free Care Fundraising drive. Since 1988, the campaign has raised and donated more than $22 million to children’s hospitals across the Howard Hanna’s 13-state footprint.
Hanna graduated from John Carroll University in 1969 with a degree in political science and has maintained strong ties to his alma mater. Over the years, he has generously supported alumni engagements in Pittsburgh and Naples and served on the Board of Directors for over a decade. In 2013, Hanna and his wife Mary Anne established the Howard and Mary Anne Hanna Endowed Scholarship, which provides scholarships for six JCU students each year.
The Alumni Medal recognizes alumni who have demonstrated exceptional achievements in their careers, made meaningful contributions to their communities, upheld exemplary family and personal lives, and offered dedicated service to John Carroll University since graduation.
“As a proud graduate of John Carroll University, it is an incredible honor to be recognized by the alumni community. My time at JCU instilled in me values that have guided my life and career, and I am deeply grateful for the lasting impact this institution has had on both my personal and professional journey,” said Hanna.
