Where HU Takes U: Joanna Catalano

Once a part of the Heidelberg family, always a part of the Heidelberg family – but after graduation, our Student Princes are now the hard-working and ever-learning leaders of a new community. In our new web series, we’re checking in with our recent grads about their Heidelberg journeys, and asking them Where HU Takes U.

Joanna Catalano

Joanna Catalano grew up in Tallmadge, Ohio. During her time at Heidelberg, she double-majored in criminology and biology with a minor in Spanish. She graduated in 2019, and has been working with the Elyria police department, where she did her internship, since.

What is your current position and when did you begin?

I am currently a detective with the Elyria Police Department and was hired in January 2020.

What has been surprising about your new position or the process of earning it thus far?

EPD is a great department to work at and the officers officers and other co-workers are the reason why I enjoy my job so much. I had also learned so much as a patrol officer and looking forward to continue to learn as a detective.

What knowledge or skills do you rely on most in your day to day life?

People skills, communication, organization, compassion, teamwork.

What experiences or individuals were particularly impactful during your time at Heidelberg and in what ways?

My softball girls! I am still in contact with some of them to this day. I have the best memories during my time at Heidelberg with those girls.

What advice do you have for current undergrads trying to find their next step?

Explore all of your options! I found the job I am currently in by going to a career fair during my time at Heidelberg and getting an internship with the Elyria Police Department after having met some officers there. I had never thought about being a police officer until my internship experience.