“An Eternal Flame: Brian's Fund Honors McCormick Memory”

Recently, Susan and I were featured in the Spring 2012 Father Finn Society newsletter.  The Father Finn Society is for people who place Xavier University in their will.  We discuss the reasons behind Brian’s fund, the benefits and the desire to make sure Brian’s legacy will always help Xavier student’s in financial need well after we have joined him.  Thanks to your help we are able to do so.  I always love the line about "absolutely loved beating UD in every way possible."  (You know Brian does!) Hope you enjoy the article on page three in the link or below:

Xavier University Spring 2012 Father Finn Society Newsletter

********************************************************************

When a Xavier student can’t quite meet the monthly rent, handle a bookstore tab or pay off a niggling registrar bill, that’s when the McCor­mick family steps up to help.

Matt and Susan McCormick come to the table offering whatever it takes to keep a needy kid inside the Xavier classroom: “There have been over 60 kids now where, whether it be rent money or book money or registration fees, we've helped,” says Matt.

This is the very reason that the couple established The Brian McCormick Memo­rial Fund: to assist financially struggling students, regard­less of academic abilities.

“Brian's fund is for anyone in economic distress, it doesn’t matter, race, creed or whatever, they just have to be X students in immediate financial distress,” says Matt.

Matt, ‘92 BSBA finance and ‘95 MBA marketing, and his spouse Susan, ‘91 com­munications with a business minor, are doing all this in the name and memory of Matt’s brother, Brian, who died suddenly in 2008 at the age of 33. Brian graduated Xavier in 1997 with a BA in advertising.

“We were truly blessed to have him for 33 years,” observes Matt. “Brian loved his family with his entire heart and soul. He was truly ‘one of a kind’ and would light up a room with his boundless energy, amazing humor and unforgettable zest for life. Brian also loved Xavier University and enjoyed playing rugby for his school. He was one of Xavier men’s basketball team’s most passionate fans. He relished in our team’s victories, and absolutely loved beating UD in every way possible.”

The establishment of the Brian's Fund is, needless to say, a bittersweet moment: "This is not what we wanted, of course. We would much rather have Brian still with us. But this is a fund that Brian always talked about getting together," says Susan. "He was one of the biggest, most loyal fans of Xavier. Brian just had this awesome spirit about him. He loved Xavier and was al­ways grateful for the chance it took on him."

The couple was gratified by the immediate reaction and support for the fund. "So many people reached out to us when Brian died and wanted to know what they could do," notes Susan. "Thanks to them and their contributions, Brian's memory will go on."

“Can you imagine the multiplier effect from these 60 students?” questions Matt. “We only ask they remember down the road, when they are in a position to help X students in need, that they remember what the fund did. That would be a great end result.”

"The wonderful thing is we are not talking big numbers," comments Susan. "It's small numbers, $200 here and $200 there. But the impact can be huge. Eventu­ally, we'd both like it where the fund is self-sustaining and around Xavier forever."

Matt is portfolio man­ager for Bahl & Gaynor In­vestment Counsel Inc., while Susan is president at Blarney Communications. Between the two, they spend a great deal of their time thinking and planning for the fund. The couple’s latest project in­volved a huge Dana Gardens fund-raising party before the Xavier-Dayton basketball win in February.

The love for Xavier and its community is a family affair for the McCormicks. “Our kids, who are 10 and 6, are certifiably brain-washed about Xavier,” jokes Matt. “Let’s put it this way. Both have been go­ing to games since they were three months old. My son can rattle off player numbers going back to David West. They also, honestly, enjoy the Dippin’ Dots at Cintas.”

Susan and Matt do want to make one thing very clear: “Again, this is not ‘our’ fund, nor are the contributions solely from us. They are also from Brian’s family, friends, relatives, and the extended Xavier Nation."

“We have always had in our wills that we would give something to Xavier,” concludes Matt. “We wanted to formalize a process to make a contribution that will last longer than we will. We felt working through the Father Finn Society was the best vehicle to do so.”

Congratulations to Andrew Gunnoe Ph.D!

Our cousin Drew passed his oral defense yesterday at The University of Tennessee. He is now "Dr. Drew" and will start teaching at Auburn University in the fall. Amazing how Drew's presentation occurred yesterday, four years to the day when Brian passed. As I said yesterday, I believe Brian was with Drew. Though Drew probably did not need his help, I like to think Brian was there and would have been ready to "assist" if necessary. Brian: "Drew, the Chinese dude has 'four' down for number 12." Congratulations to Drew and the entire Gunnoe family on such a major accomplishment. Brian and all the McCormick's are extremely proud of you!

Four years

Four years ago today (4/9/08) is when we lost Brian.  

Though this site is a testament to Brian, I believe he would not want us to be “professional mourners” for him.  Brian would want us to enjoy life, our loved ones and honor him by living life to the fullest as only he could. 

However, sometimes you still think about the “what ifs” and wonder why?  There are no easy answers and though all of us want a “do over” – and somehow get Brian back – intellectually we know it is impossible.

I see my brother in my kids.  They both give me Brian’ unique look that is part humorous, questioning and full of guff.  He loved both of them.  You can tell in this photo with Patrick that Brian was a proud Uncle and would (and did) do anything for him.  You can also tell he was really tan. 

There are days I seem to feel that Brian is with me.  Often, I think he would be laughing at me, making fun of me and treating me like only a brother can.  I also feel him when I need strength.  I frequently ask for his help and have no doubt he is there for me, for his friends and for his beloved family whenever we need a lift.   

Though we all my shed a tear today for Brian, know he is next to you.  He is always supporting you and yes, crying with you.

Love and miss you. 

RIP Adam Dittman

Brian and I played Rugby with Adam Dittman (second row, dark hair, kneeling, fourth from right).  He was a 1995 graduate of Xavier and passed away at age 39 on March 28, 2012. 

He was a great guy, well liked by everybody and was fun to be around. Built like a Mack truck and could hit like a ton of bricks. Really fast too. Unlike most rugby players, Adam was very smart! Adam was always the guy who you missed seeing, wanted to catch up with and was everybody's friend. I never heard anyone say a bad word about him - ever.

My guess is he and my brother Brian are at the The Woods right now catching up, rehashing rugby stories and telling lies.  I also know we don't get a vote on the death of our loved ones or friends. Sometimes, there are no answers.

Please honor Adam and your loved ones by remembering the times they made you smile, laugh or proud that they considered you a friend.

Rest easy my friend and EAT DOUGHNUTS!

Beerwolf Lives!

This past weekend my friends and I hosted Logolympics IX on the piece of property where I live in Knoxville, TN. Logolympics is our semi-annual gathering where my friends and I compete to see who is best at drinking beer and playing woodsman games all day. This year Beerwolf had one of the best seats in the house and got to see me win the Log Splitting competition for the second year in a row.

I think Brian would be proud!