Brendan’s role includes working closely with students and student organizations engaged in service projects in their local and global communities. Through trainings, consultations, and advising, he supports students in deepening their own learning, as well as the impact of their service, by centering their work on community-identified needs. Brendan also advises The Detroit Partnership, a Ginsberg sponsored student organization that facilitates weekly volunteer opportunities in the city of Detroit.
Brendan started at the Ginsberg Center in August of 2019, having previously spearheaded the civic engagement efforts at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from UM-Dearborn and a Master of Education in College Student Affairs and Leadership from Grand Valley State University. His interest in community and civic engagement started during undergrad with his involvement in the Alternative Breaks program, during which he was able to work alongside three different communities across the country addressing various community-identified needs.
Brendan enjoys exploring, bike riding, and conversations over a good cup of coffee. Some of his favorite things to do is hang out with his buddy Louis (who happens to be a dog), be outdoors in any way, and hang out with friends and family. Some of Brendan’s research interests include civic identity development as it relates to faith and religious identities, K-12 college and career readiness, and food access/insecurity in education.
Contact Brendan if you want to learn more about:
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Funding opportunities for student community engagement projects
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Advising and consultation for your student organization
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How to learn and prepare for community engagement work
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How to connect with community partners for volunteer opportunities aligned with what you’re interested and passionate about