Two generations reflect on calling Miami home 75 years apart
First-year student Michaela Sweis is the great-granddaughter of coaching legend Ara Parseghian ’49
Michaela Sweis is stepping into a legacy of academic and personal achievement as she begins her first year at Miami University. The 18-year-old from Otsego, Michigan, who plans to double major in Vocal Performance and Choral/General Music Education, is not just continuing her family’s tradition — she’s adding her own chapter to it.
Her great-grandparents, Ara Parseghian ’49 and Katie (Davis) Parseghian ’50, have left an indelible mark on Miami’s history. Ara, a celebrated football coach, was honored in the Cradle of Coaches, while Katie’s journey from Education major to her later endeavors reflects a rich family legacy.
Now 96, Katie Parseghian began her studies at Western College for Women before transferring to Miami. Miami officially acquired Western College in 1974 and it is now part of Western campus.
Her great-granddaughter is just beginning her journey.
“I’m excited to bring my own story into the fold,” Sweis said when reflecting on the family’s connection to the university.
Sweis will live in Collins Hall with three roommates and will be one of more than 4,300 first-year students on the Oxford campus. This is a far cry from the 3,000 total students her great-grandmother knew in 1946.
Katie Parseghian lived in Bevier Cottage, directly across the street from McGuffey Hall. Her housemates were all Education majors. “I was late to register, and the only major I was permitted to join was Education. I have never taught a class and would have likely chosen a different area if given the opportunity,” she recalled. Today, her great-granddaughter has the privilege of choosing from more than 200 majors and minors.
Katie Parseghian arrived at Western College for Women with a new suit for formal occasions, a few sweaters, wool skirts, new shoes, a new coat, and a pearl necklace. She was ready for college life with everything fitting into one suitcase.
She recalled that her roommate from Michigan was envied for having eight cashmere sweaters. “We were quite formal and didn’t have jeans with holes in the knees,” she said with a laugh. Sweis reminded her “Gram” that jeans are worn by everyone today, and the holes are stylish.
Sweis’ mother, Jamie Humbert, noted that they will be bringing two carloads when they make the move to campus later this week.
Parseghian enjoyed attending football games (even before meeting Ara for the first time). She was also active in the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. She met Ara three months after arriving on campus — the beginning of a life filled with college football that took the couple from Miami to Northwestern University and finally the University of Notre Dame.
Of particular note — the tuition in 1946 was $418 a year, which included a weekly allowance for “snacks, cokes and dates,” per the 1946 M Book provided to incoming students.
Although a lot has changed, some things remain the same. Parseghian — and now Sweis — can still enjoy toasted rolls, an Oxford tradition since 1929, and grab a burger at Mac & Joe’s, the oldest continuously operating restaurant/bar in Oxford, which opened in 1946.
Parseghian has fond memories of the College Inn and The Purity. “The owners became good friends over the years,” she said. Both of these establishments are now closed.
“I chose Miami for its wonderful Music faculty, endless opportunities, as well as the beautiful campus” Sweis said. “I was most impressed by how friendly and welcoming everyone was. All of the students and faculty truly made me feel as though they not only had my back but my best interests in mind as well.”
Parseghian provided sage advice for her great-granddaughter: “You’ll have a much tougher schedule than I had. Try to find time to enjoy it.
“And don’t pack the jeans with holes,” she said with a laugh, a sentiment that many of her contemporaries would agree upon.
Should Sweis feel homesick over the next four years, she can visit Yager Stadium’s Cradle of Coaches. There she can see the twinkle in the eyes of the bronze statue representing her “Gramps” Ara. She can hear his voice saying, “You got this, kiddo!” Parseghian added, “He would love that students have added a hat and scarf to the statue during the cold months — it will protect him from the birds.”
Sweis is the first of the Parseghian great-grandchildren to attend Miami. However, there are three younger cousins in Nashville, Tennessee, all of whom play ice hockey. Could the future have a Parseghian family member on the ice at Goggin Ice Center? Only time and recruitment will tell.
