STUDENT ATHLETE FINDS SUCCESS PURSUING HIS GOALS Brennan DiChiara, Senior As a student athlete, it can be difficult to balance both your studies and practice in your sport, but with the help of dedicated professors at SNU Brennan DiChiara, senior, has made it work. When visiting SNU Brennan was concerned that being able to achieve his goal of becoming an actuary might be challenged, but he says his fears were calmed after meeting with professors. Brennan says that one of the professors that was instrumental in helping him achieve his educational goal was Dr. Nick Zoller, who went the extra mile in helping him become an actuary and even helping him get his first internship with American Fidelity Assurance. Brennan is also extremely thankful for the spiritual leadership Dr. Zoller offered as well. “HE STARTS OUT EVERY CLASS WITH A DEVOTIONAL AND BEFORE WE TAKE A TEST, HE’LL PRAY FOR US THAT WE NOT ONLY DO WELL, BUT ALSO PRAYS THAT HE WILL BE FAIR IN GRADING THE TEST,” adds Brennan. “He’s been super helpful throughout my
“SNU IMMEDIATELY FELT LIKE HOME TO
whole time here.”
ME AND I FELT LIKE THE PROFESSORS
DiChiara is extremely grateful his professors are willing to work with him and his schedule
COULD WORK WITH ME.”
as he plays wide receiver for the SNU football team and tries to balance study and sports. “One of the things I have loved about being here is how willing the teachers are to work with you,” he says. “They’ve been 100 percent supportive and even come to the games to cheer for me. If they see you’re trying, they are there to help in any way they can.” Brennan is grateful for the numerous alumni and friends of SNU that have supported his education through various scholarships. “IT’S INSPIRED ME TO GIVE BACK,” he says. “I’ve been able to benefit from people giving to SNU and that’s something I want to do because of how much I’ve appreciated it. I don’t want anyone to not be able to go to school because of finances.” Brennan will be finishing his degree at Southern Nazarene University this December and admits that he will miss the relationships he has formed with peers and mentors as he moves into his next stage of life. To watch a video and read more about Brennan, go to snu.edu/cfts
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QUICK FACT: Brennan accepted a job offer from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas as Actuarial Assistant on the Client Analytics Team.