By Hannah Shirey ’23, assistant editor
“Annville Jack.” A name LVC students all recognize and talk about, but who is Annville Jack? What is his story?
John McNamara, a man 74 years young, has been taking classes at LVC since 2009. He moved to Annville in 2005 after spending the majority of his life in New Jersey and Maryland.
McNamara tends to fall in love with the towns and cities in which he resides. He lived in his hometown of Elizabeth, New Jersey, for the majority of his childhood and young adult life, then moved to Baltimore—a city very dear to his heart—and lived and worked there for 27 years before moving back to Elizabeth to take care of his mother.
McNamara fell in love in Baltimore, which led him to move to Annville with his spouse at the time. His son, now 35, graduated from Annville-Cleona High School in 2005.
Living nearby the college, McNamara volunteered around campus and began attending athletic events. He quickly realized how special LVC is, describing it as “a hidden gem.”
“I love everything about LVC,” McNamara said. “I wear something LVC everywhere I go. You will never see me without LVC gear on.”
McNamara loves to learn, so in 2009, it was an easy decision to start taking classes at LVC. Many of the courses he took during his first few years as an LVC student are no longer offered, but with a degree in philosophy himself, he focuses mainly on religion, history and political science courses. He says the political science courses he has taken with Dr. Benesch are his favorites.
When asked when he will stop taking classes here at The Valley, Annville Jack gave an immediate response: “Never.”
In addition to his passion for learning, McNamara also feels connected to LVC because of its high-quality music department and athletics.
McNamara makes it a point to attend as many concerts, recitals and Wig and Buckle productions as possible. Years ago, he was actually in two of Wig and Buckle’s productions—an accomplishment McNamara is very proud of.
“I try to be very involved,” McNamara said. “Why wouldn’t I? LVC is an awesome place to be.”
McNamara is also very proud to be a Dutchman, and that becomes abundantly clear in the passion he exudes when he talks about its sports teams.
Although “Annville Jack” makes appearances at most home athletic events, ice hockey has always been one of his favorite sports. He manages to make it to most home hockey games—which are held at the Hersheypark Arena—by getting on the Lebanon transit or getting a ride from a friend.
“I don’t have a car but a couple of times I have been able to rent a car and go to away games,” he said.
That’s right—Annville Jack didn’t just get his nickname, he earned it.
In 2016, the LVC fanatic had the opportunity to play in the men’s soccer team’s alumni game. And of course, Annville Jack took that opportunity.
“I couldn’t believe it, I was in my sixties,” McNamara said. “I actually played in the soccer game as a walk-on. Could you imagine?”
McNamara recognizes that he would likely not get the experiences he gets at LVC at any other colleges. He even pointed out that LVC students can get into athletic events for free—something he believes students should be very grateful for.
His love for Annville extends beyond the College itself; it is also the town’s community and history that shape his passion.
“Train tracks run through Annville and LVC,” McNamara said. “And a train is a lifeline. I don’t think that’s coincidental.”
McNamara’s love for LVC is contagious. His presence reminds students what it means to have Dutchmen pride.