Inspiring Young Alumni: Catching up with Andrew Cogliano ’05
Like many of our inspiring young alumni, Andrew Cogliano ’05 has achieved great success since graduating from St. Michael’s College School (SMCS). Cogliano has continuously found ways to succeed on the ice leading up to his most recent and notable achievement of winning the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022.
As he prepares for his 17th year in the NHL, the longest of any SMCS alumni in the modern era, Cogliano took some time to reflect on his time on and off the ice at St. Michael’s College School.
Photo courtesy of: NHL
What do you recall of your time at St. Mike’s?
I attended St. Michael’s College School from Grade 7 to Grade 12 and played for multiple school teams over the years. My time there was highlighted by the two years I played for the Buzzers. I still have good connections with teachers and staff at the school and have family members who now attend. My time at St. Michael’s was enjoyable and productive. I thought it was an atmosphere that pushed you both academically and athletically. Playing on sports teams created good opportunities for close friendships with others in the school.
How did SMCS prepare you for and propel you into life?
St. Michael’s helped to prepare me to be a good student and helped me on my next step into college. My time there set me up well for when I attended the University of Michigan on a hockey scholarship. The transition was seamless and it gave me great opportunities for success.
How do you stay connected to SMCS within your community or industry?
The friendships I made at the school are the best way I stay connected. It’s great to see people that I grew up with at the school having success in their professional lives. I am also still close with the teachers and coaches I had at the school — they were instrumental in my success.
Describe how you are being the best for the world through your career.
I think my success has helped me become a role model for a lot of student-athletes who wish to move on to college and then play a sport professionally. Setting an example has been the best way I have been able to serve others.
How do you live out the Basilian motto of Teach me Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge?
Discipline has been key in my pursuit of success in my profession, and I learned that as an SMCS student-athlete, and I think it has followed me as I have made a career for myself. The motto is definitely something you can always draw back on and see different ways in which it has served you well.
What advice do you have for current students?
My advice for students would be pretty simple, in anything that you want to accomplish, it takes commitment and work. Detail, passion, and organization within your work ethic is the best way to achieve success.
We are pleased to feature Andrew Cogliano as a member of our inspiring young alumni. More inspiring young alumni are showcased on the wall outside the main office. These young leaders and change-makers representing a variety of professions are living lives as examples of faith, character, and service.
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