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Crusader Chronicles
Brendan McDermott ‘01
By Marcy Vandale ‘87
When he’s not working as a research associate at Newberry Capital Management, Brendan McDermott ’01 is keeping the Holy Cross Club of Chicago humming. The GAA’s Communications Committee recently caught up with Brendan to chat about the Windy City’s Holy Cross community.
A Chicago native, Brendan McDermott ’01 took over as president of the Chicago Club from Steve Lovellete ’78.
How did you become active in the Chicago club?
I moved back to Chicago after graduation. Some of my Holy Cross friends -- Dan Lee, Joe O'Dea, Rob Lashway, and Dave Pavlik -- became very involved in the Boston club. When I heard how great the Boston club was, I decided to get involved in Chicago. After I attended a number of activities, former club president Steve Lovellete asked me to organize an event. When Steve decided to step down after many years of service, he asked me to take over as president.
What kind of things has the club been doing?
We host an annual President's reception, a faculty speaker series, and other events. We also organize annual events like outings to Chicago Cubs and Bulls games.
How about future activities?
I’d like to organize events where we can attract a large number of alumni/ae who live in the in the Chicago area. When Holy Cross teams travel to the Midwest area for sporting events, I’m hoping we can help the school generate interest by organizing activities around the teams’ visits. This would create awareness of the College and hopefully continue the school's push to diversify the student population.
Given the innumerable cultural opportunities in Chicago, I’d like to see the club organize events to take advantage of what the city has to offer. I also hope to foster a relationship with the city through volunteer participation in the city's charitable initiatives.
What’s the club up to in the near future?
A visit from a Holy Cross faculty member is tentatively scheduled for March. The annual President’s Reception in early May is a big draw for the club. Summer will be the time for our annual Cubs game. Each event is sure to draw from a different demographic of Holy Cross alumni/ae. We would be happy to have at least 100 people at each event.
Who does all the planning?
Former president Steve Lovellete offers invaluable advice, as does Kristyn Dyer ’94, associate director of Alumni Affairs. The club has a small board to organize opportunities throughout the year, but for now, the nuts and bolts are left up to only a few. I have to give credit to my wife, Margaret (Schmidt) McDermott ’00, who is a big help getting things done.
More than 1,000 Crusaders live in the Chicago area, so we’re looking to tap into them to form an active Board of Directors and increase our ability to organize events.
Do you have any message for Windy City Crusaders?
Yes! Please send me an email at brendan.mcdermott@gmail.com if you’d like to become involved in the club. Come to an event and bring at least one friend!! It’s great way to connect with Crusaders from different years, share stories and experiences from Mount St. James, and build new friendships!
Marcy Vandale ‘87 is a member of the GAA’s Communications Committee and the GAA’s Board of Directors.