A 1976 grad from Badin High School, Don graduated from Xavier University with a degree in English. After 31 years as an executive in public relations (PR) for The Procter & Gamble Company, he retired in 2011. He now teaches PR at Xavier and writes creatively. He is the author of two short story collections, Get Back and Small Bites, and a novel, Drive.
Tassone called his Badin High School days “a wonderful experience.” The oldest of six children, all Badin grads, Tassone had attended St. Francis Seminary in Mount Healthy as a freshman, then transferred to Badin when he decided he did not want to become a priest. “I felt so welcomed at Badin,” he said. “It was a very nurturing, very empowering place. I have so many positive memories.” Those include, he underlined, “meeting the great love of my life,” the former Liz Toerner ’76.
Tassone credited Badin English teachers including the late Libby Turnbull for “encouraging my writing,” and the now retired Greg Renneker for “enhancing my love of literature.” This training, he noted, along with the many opportunities Badin gave him to speak publicly, helped enable him to write and deliver a speech at his graduation.
Don’s books are available on Amazon. His website is http://dontassone.com
Who inspires you and why?
My wife, Liz. She is wise, strong and loving. When I watch her, I cannot help but be inspired.
Favorite Quote:
"The only journey is the one within." -- Rilke
What is your best advice for current Badin students?
"Be yourself."
What is your best memory as a Badin student?
The hootenanny my senior year. Four friends and I dressed up like priests and sang "I'm a Believer." We brought the house down. That's the way I like to remember it anyway. What a blast.
Who was your favorite faculty/staff member?
Mrs. Turnbull and Mr. Renneker. Mrs. Turnbull encouraged my writing. Mr. Renneker improved it. He was tough.
What is one thing you’ve learned while at Badin that you still use and value today?
Public speaking skills. Badin gave me lots of opportunities to speak in public, including at my graduation.