Oftentimes, alumni reflect back on their time at Saint John’s and what made this incredible experience possible.
For some it is athletics, for others the arts, and for some it is those who helped make this place financially possible for them.
Terry Brennan ’63 most identified with the latter - his uncle Jerry.
In 1960, when Terry was completing his freshman year, his family struggled when it came to their ability to support his attendance at Saint John’s and share resources with his brother – who was also attending school in Iowa at the time.
His uncle, Jerry Farrington, knew of the situation, and as a long-time employee of the Minnesota Department of Rehabilitation, directed him to apply for scholarships from the MDR.
Jerry provided the information, then removed himself from the process due to a conflict of interest.
Terry thrived at Saint John’s, where he created treasured memories that have remained with him in the many decades since his graduation.
The Abbey Church was being built at the time, and he recalls learning how to study and sleep against the backdrop of noise from the construction site that carried through the east windows of Benet Hall.
And the life-long aversion to brass of any kind that resulted from the last-minute shining and polishing he undertook in preparation for the “dreaded Friday ROTC inspections.”
But especially the fun times he spent in “Old Joe Hall” with the “Wild Bunch” that roamed the corridors in those days.
After leaving Saint John’s, Terry went on to spend much of his career at Chadron State College in Chadron, Nebraska where he was the Library and Information Services Director.
He and his wife Carolyn are now retired. But they still reside in Chadron, living near their three sons and grandchildren.
Through it all, though, he has not forgotten how important that scholarship proved to his college education.
It’s why he began the process to set up a scholarship in his estate to give back to future students planning to attend Saint John’s.
His intent was to set up a scholarship that will provide support to a student who is physically challenged and may otherwise have a difficult time working to raise money to attend college.
For many students, summer jobs are a lifeline to college attendance. And for some, the challenges of finding a job when faced with a physical disability can make that hurdle greater.
Saint John’s is often not made aware of which students have physical disabilities or who may need additional services, until they begin attending the school. Therefore, this scholarship would be applied for as part of the admissions process, or a referral will be made through the disability services department on campus after getting to know these students and as issues are identified.
It is Terry’s wish to make attending Saint John’s accessible to someone who shares a similar set of circumstances to those he faced after graduating from high school.
And he hopes the scholarship will prove to be that ticket – just as the one he received over 60 years ago was for him.
If you are interested in learning how you can start a scholarship, please contact Saint John’s University’s Office of Institutional Advancement to learn more.