2025 Cotter Awards Celebrate Lifelong Impact and Leadership

On Thursday, March 20, Cotter Schools hosted its annual Alumni Awards event, recognizing exceptional individuals whose lives and work reflect the values of the Cotter community.

The St. Joseph Award, named in honor of the patron saint of Cotter High School, is presented annually to individuals who have generously given their time, talents, and resources to Cotter over many years. This year’s recipients are Dr. Paul Morgan and Dr. Rita Miller, whose steadfast support and dedication have made a lasting impact on the school.

The Alumni Achievement Award honors Cotter graduates who have made significant contributions in fields such as science, education, the humanities, business, the Church, or community service. The 2025 honorees are Dr. Damien Fair and Mr. Jay Carroll.

Dr. Damien Fair, Cotter Class of 1994, is a professor at the University of Minnesota’s Institute of Child Development and the Department of Pediatrics at the U of M Medical School. He also serves as the Redleaf Endowed Director and founding Co-Director of the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain. Dr. Fair’s research focuses on brain development in children and adolescents. He was awarded the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers at the White House by President Obama and named a MacArthur Fellow in 2020, receiving the prestigious "genius grant" for his innovative work in neuroscience and public engagement.

Mr. Jay Carroll, Cotter Class of 1980, is the co-founder of SeQuel Response, a direct response marketing agency based in Eden Prairie. As CEO for 13 years, he led the company to sustained growth through a blend of professional expertise and servant leadership. In 2023, he founded Carroll Management Consultants, where he now serves as Chief Consultant, helping executive clients strengthen leadership and organizational culture through a values-based approach. A man of deep faith, Jay has long been involved in ministry, leading Bible studies and mentoring young men for more than four decades.

To learn more about the 2025 award recipients and view video highlights from the celebration, visit cotterschools.org/awards.