alumni highlight

John Fischer

Class Year: 1983
Major: Accounting
Fraternity/Household: Alpha Phi Delta, Mathetai Christou
Current Job Position: Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Kerridge Commercial Systems

How did you decide to come to Franciscan to study?

My sister, Theresa (Fischer) Danaher '80 MSA '07, was attending Franciscan and I came to visit her for a weekend. I immediately liked the school and decided I would attend upon high school graduation.What did you study, and what have you been doing since graduation (professionally)

I studied Accounting with a minor in Business Management. Since graduation, I became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the state of Ohio, and I have spent my career in high-tech. I am currently the Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Kerridge Commercial Systems.

Kerridge is a leading provider in North America and the UK for ERP software solutions. Kerridge purchased MAM software in 2019 where I had worked as VP of Sales and Marketing (since 2002). In 2000, I co-founded OpenWebs Corporation; and previous to this, I co-founded Signal Software Corporation (in1992).

What has Franciscan meant to you and your family?

Franciscan has had a profound impact on my life and the life of my family: I met my wife and love of my life Susan (Creel) Fischer '84 at Franciscan, all three of my siblings attended Franciscan, and four of our five children are alumni, as well as eight nieces and nephews.

How long have you been on the Alumni Board and what has been your role on the board?

I have been active on the Alumni Board since 2012. I was on both the 80’s alumni reunion committees for the last two reunions. It was wonderful to see so many fellow alums back on campus. It has been a rewarding experience for me to work on the Alumni Board especially in working with the fellow Alumni Board members to promote the mission of Franciscan University, and to build up an active alumni association.