For nearly three decades, Dr. Brian Hohlt has helped Cor Jesu students do far more than memorize dates, analyze political systems or pass exams. He has taught them how to think.

Since arriving at Cor Jesu in August 1997, Dr. Hohlt has become one of the school's most beloved faculty members, known for his dynamic classroom presence, intellectual rigor and genuine care for students. Countless alumnae still recall lively debates, challenging questions and the unmistakable energy that filled his classrooms, whether studying world history, American government, political systems or the layered connections of American Studies.

Today, his impact is being recognized in a profound way. An anonymous donor family has established the Scholarship in Gratitude of Dr. Brian Hohlt, which will begin supporting a Cor Jesu student in the 2026-2027 school year. The scholarship honors a teacher whose influence reaches far beyond any one course or classroom.

“Dr. Hohlt is a treasured teacher and a fixture at Cor Jesu,” shared members of the donor family. “Approachable, extremely knowledgeable and engaging, he brought an authentic passion for his subject material to every single class. His positive energy was contagious and shaped the student experience inside the classroom.”

When Dr. Hohlt reflects on his first year of teaching, he remembers a lesson of his own.

“What stands out most twenty-nine years later is the realization of how much I learned, and needed to learn, about teaching,” he said. “I had the overconfidence that can come with being relatively young, but I discovered that feeling mastery of a subject was not the same thing as knowing how to teach it.”

Few experiences embody his approach more than American Studies, Cor Jesu's signature interdisciplinary course blending history and literature. Designed alongside longtime colleague Jane Laurentius and later energized through his partnership with Dr. Kim Cowan, the course has become a hallmark experience for many students.

“Our intentional, daily integration of the subjects helps students make constant connections,” Dr. Hohlt explained.

For many alumnae, those connections have lasted well beyond graduation.

“American Studies was an incredible learning opportunity where we viewed historical events from many different perspectives and really tried to immerse ourselves in the historical context of those who lived it,” the donor family shared. “It's a class that has lingered in memory long after our days of First Fridays and wool skirts.”

That mindset extends into his politics classrooms and into The Columbia, Cor Jesu's student-run politics newspaper, born from student initiative and now guided by Dr. Hohlt. Through the publication, students examine current events, elections and political issues through a balanced, digestible lens. Whether discussing government systems, media literacy or today's headlines, Dr. Hohlt encourages students to support their views with reason and remain open to multiple perspectives.

“I hope that they learn to expose themselves to various sources and perspectives,” he said. “I'd like them not to be afraid of having clear opinions, but to understand the importance of logically supporting them.”

Former students and families consistently point to that balance of strong academics and thoughtful discourse.

“Dr. Hohlt exposed our young minds to the world of politics,” the donor family wrote. “He unbiasedly presented both sides and educated us on the importance of the political system and remarkable history that shaped the United States government.”

Over the course of 29 years, what has kept him at Cor Jesu? The answer is simple: the people.

“From the beginning, I worked with great colleagues who quickly became close friends,” Dr. Hohlt said. “Most importantly, I've been able to teach a couple thousand marvelous students who make it, quite literally, a fun job.”

He also points to the unique balance that defines a Cor Jesu education.

“The kids work really hard, with high expectations from their teachers, families and selves, but the spiritual development and remarkable extracurricular opportunities combine to create an environment where we all encourage each other while cultivating the fun balance.”

Receiving news of a scholarship in his honor was a huge surprise.

“The scholarship has certainly prompted lots of reflection on the first twenty-nine years,” Dr. Hohlt shared. “It has me feeling immensely grateful for the job, and the colleagues and students that make it happen.”

For the donor family, the decision to create the scholarship was rooted in gratitude.

“Dr. Hohlt has shown a tremendous dedication to Cor Jesu and the students lucky enough to walk the CJ halls,” they shared. “His classroom provided a welcoming yet challenging environment where students would learn, question, grow and flourish.”

Dr. Hohlt's impact is both lasting and ongoing. Through courses, conversations and student-led work like The Columbia, he continues to challenge Cor Jesu students to think critically, consider different perspectives and make sense of a complicated world.

“His legacy at Cor Jesu is one that certainly deserves to be celebrated,” one alumna wrote. "Thank you, Dr. Hohlt, for your energy, enthusiasm, compassion and encouragement. You have touched the lives of thousands and truly prepared us to shine." 

HONOR DR. HOHLT'S LEGACY

Gifts to the Scholarship in Gratitude of Dr. Brian Hohlt will honor Dr. Hohlt's impact while supporting tuition assistance for future Cor Jesu students. For more information or to make a gift, contact Brittany Peek Seabaugh '04, Director of Institutional Advancement.