Dr. Maroon received an athletic scholarship to Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana where as an undergraduate, he was named a Scholastic All-American in football. Dr. Maroon has successfully maintained his personal athletic interests through participation in 9 marathons and more than 72 Olympic-distance triathlon events. However, his greatest athletic accomplishment is his participation in 8 Ironman triathlons (Hawaii – 1993, 2003, 2008, 2010, 2013; Canada – 1995; New Zealand – 1997; Germany – 2000), where he usually finishes in the top 10 of his age group. Recently, in July 2012 and 2013, he finished second and third, respectively, in his age group in the Muncie, Indiana half Ironman triathlon. In October 2013 he completed his 5th World Championship Ironman in Kona, Hawaii.Dr. Joseph Maroon to Lecture at St Vincent College on Aug 5, 2026
The Threshold Lecture series at St. Vincent College is a platform for intellectual and cultural engagement, the Saint Vincent College Threshold Series has brought a diverse array of distinguished speakers—scholars, experts, authors, artists and public figures—to the Latrobe campus. Dr. Joseph Maroon, Neurosurgeon, Concussion Expert and Wellness Advocate has been invited this year to present the Threshold Lecture: Entitled – Success, Failure, Creativity, and The “Secret” to Longevity.
Established in 1981 through a generous grant from the Kennametal Foundation, Threshold aims to inspire intellectual curiosity, foster meaningful dialogue and enrich the region’s cultural landscape. By deepening their understanding of the subject matter, attendees can connect theoretical concepts to real-world applications and seek additional knowledge beyond the lecture. Threshold has become an important institution at Saint Vincent for students, faculty and members of the local community.
When: August 5, 2026 | 7 p.m.
Joseph C. Maroon MD
World-Renowned Neurosurgeon
Consultant Neurosurgeon, The Pittsburgh Steelers and World Wrestling Entertainment
Dr. Maroon is professor and vice chairman of neurosurgery and the Heindl Scholar in Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh. He received his education at Indiana, Oxford (England), Georgetown and University of Vermont, and was a Scholastic All American in football at Indiana University.
Dr. Maroon served as team neurosurgeon for the Pittsburgh Steelers for 40 years and is a medical consultant to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). He is the scientific chairman of the Chuck Noll Foundation for the prevention of brain injuries in sports and co-developed the ImPACT neurocognitive test, now the standard of care for return-to-play in all contact sports, with more than 25 million tests performed.
In 2025, Dr. Maroon was awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for his leadership, compassion, unique talents, and commitment to the ideals of the United States, a recognition that was read into the Congressional Record. His honors also include the Indiana University Distinguished Alumni Service Award, Jerome Bettis Humanitarian of the Year Award, and induction into the Lou Holtz Hall of Fame alongside Joe Montana and Kareem Abdul Jabbar.
Dr. Maroon has authored 350 peer-reviewed papers, 54 book chapters, and six books. He has been involved with clinical trials related to chronic traumatic encephalopathy CTE, Parkinson’s disease, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. A nationally ranked triathlete, he has competed in 80 triathlons and 8 Ironman-distance events, including five appearances at the World Triathlon Championship in Kona, Hawaii.