John Boehner, a 1977 Xavier business graduate, was re-elected in November to his post as U.S. Representative for the 8th District of Ohio. But Boehner won more than just an election. His win springs him into one of the most powerful positions in the world, Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Boehner, who lives in a Butler County suburb north of Cincinnati, has been doggedly climbing the political ladder since serving as Union Township trustee in the early 1980s. He won his first run for Congress in 1989 and gained recognition by joining with Newt Gingrich in building the Republican Majority by 1994. He also crafted the No Child Left Behind education bill signed by President Bush in Hamilton, Ohio, in 2001.

As he takes control of the House, the following stories offer more insight into the man who is the Speaker:

• In 2003, Boehner was featured in Xavier magazine.

• In 2006 Boehner was presented an honorary degree and gave a speech (text) during that year’s commencement ceremony.

• Shortly after winning reelection in November 2010, he was interviewed on 60 Minutes.

• He was also the cover story in Time magazine, which included a photo gallery of him growing up.

• He’s profiled in The New York Times.

• He was honored at a men’s basketball game in January.