Two more Xavier students get helped by Brian

Mr. Matthew McCormick:

My name is _____ _____ and I am a senior at Xavier University.

I met with Adrian Schiess this afternoon, and after discussing my severe financial situation, we determined that the Office of Student Success and Retention would be able to add an additional $1,000 to help offset the costs of my tuition this year.

My undergraduate career has been an intensely challenging emotional, physical, and financial journey. And because of your grace and the existence of your fund, I have a better chance of being able to afford my senior year. With two other siblings in college, my father's finances have been stretched completely thin, and I am grateful to your vision and mission for allowing me to continue my educational journey.

So I wanted to sincerely thank you on behalf of myself and my father, and I can assure you that I will do my best to keep you abreast on my graduation plans.

Best,

Name withheld

Matthew:

Funds from the McCormick family have greatly enabled me to continue with my education at Xavier University. Receive my sincere appreciation for the contribution through Mr. Schiess.

Sincerely,

Name withheld

A great teacher to be gets some help from Brian!

Mr. McCormick:

Hello, my names is _____ _______ and I am a Senior at Xavier University. I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your generosity. Your donation has allowed me to register for my final semester to student teach and complete my Middle Childhood Education degree. I couldn’t be more humbled and appreciative that you would do that for me. I cannot wait to be able to send you an update in December and I wish the best of success to you!

Thank you,

Name withheld

Go X!

** I am positive you will be a great teacher.   Brian would ask you to not give out too many detentions! **

Great Quote That Perfectly Describes Brian

Brian's mom and I were sitting in a tavern in Door County last week and I saw a great sign in that bar that was perfect for Brian.

It read:
"You can call a good friend and he will bail you out of jail, but a true friend will be sitting beside you and saying "DAMN THAT WAS FUN!"

I hope that Matt, Craig, Gary, Drew, Justin and all of Brian's buddies see this post and smile in agreement.

Miss you buddy.

Dad

Brian and Chad Johnson

As many of you know, Brian lived next door to Bengals’ wide receiver Chad Johnson (aka Ocho Cinco). It appears tonight that Ocho Cinco will be traded to the New England Patriots. Brian thought it was pretty cool to live next to a NFL star. He made it a point to never ask him for tickets and tried to treat him like a regular neighbor. Of course, this neighbor had six cars – including a Lamborghini convertible that he would often leave outside, in the rain with the top down.

Brain would always love to tell me stories about his interactions with Chad and some of the crazy events that would occur. Once, a young 20-ish woman (in a short skirt) knocked on his door around 8 AM, Saturday morning. Brian had a tough night and was sporting the “Bri-fro.” She kept pounding on the door. He finally opened it with a demure “what the f____ do you want?” She meekly asked “are you Chad Johnson?” Brian said “Do I look like Chad Johnson?” and slammed the door. At the time, he did not think it was funny. Later, both he and Chad thought it was hilarious.

One time, Brian did ask Chad for a favor. It was before a Xavier basketball game on a Saturday morning. Brian called me and said “you have 15 minutes to get everyone over here to have your picture taken with Chad.” Considering Patrick loves Chad, we got in the car and Susan actually sped to get there.

Chad was more than gracious. He talked to us, took numerous pictures and signed stuff. Patrick thought it was “really cool.” As you can see from the picture, all the McCormick’s enjoyed it. I think Chad did too. Later, Brian was getting the pictures autographed. Chad looked at the photo and said “hey, who’s that? She’s looks cute.” In a surprised voice, Brian said: “Um, Chad…she’s my sister-in-law and those are her two kids and that’s my brother.” Chad was not embarrassed at all and said a line worthy of a NFL Pro Bowler: “Damn, she looks goooood.  But, not as good as me!”

I am certain Brian would be sad to see Ocho Cinco go to New England. We all know he would be instantly scheming to get sideline tickets at Foxboro for him and all his buddies. Good luck Chad, we will miss you and hope you keep looking “good.”

Congratulations to Drew & Stacy Gunnoe!

Our cousin Drew got married a few weeks ago to Stacy at the Grand Canyon. They then kayaked 280 miles through the canyon and by all accounts had a ball.

All of the McCormick’s (and of course the Gunnoe’s) wish we could have been at the wedding. I could not help but think about Brian and how he would have reacted. I believe his conversation with Drew would have gone something like this:

Brian: “Drew, did you have a good wedding?”

Drew: “Brian, it was awesome! The Grand Canyon is beautiful. We kayaked 10 hours a day, saw some great sights, you would not believe…”

Brian: “Yeah, yeah, yeah, wish I could have been there and all that stuff. Umm…when and where is the party?

Drew: “What?”

Brian: “When is the party?”

Drew: “Um...well I am close to finishing my Ph.D and I think my parents will have a graduation party in Knoxville. Maybe we could combine the parties…”

Brian: “BS. Look we have a lot of ground to make up since I did not make the bachelor party. So, I am picking up Justin as we speak. (to Justin: ‘GET IN THE CAR NERD!’) We are meeting Little Gary at the airport and will be at your place around 8. Oh yeah, bring your sunglasses.” CLICK. (Brian would always hang up on you. But, there would be hell to pay if you did it to him!)

Brian loved his cousins end enjoyed rampaging through Knoxville (and New Orleans) with them. Brian did not say these words. However, anyone who knew him can hear him having this exact conversation with Drew.

None of your family could actually be with you on your wedding day Drew.  I know Brian was.

NNEEERRRDDDSSSS!

After seeing my eldest brother's Facebook profile picture (left), it reminded me of Brian's love for great 80's movies, especially Revenge of the Nerds.

(I believe we might have already discussed his love of all things Revenge of the Nerds, but I think it deserves another post.)

Anyone that spent a night out with Brian can confirm that a large portion of his vocabulary consisted of quotes from 80's movies like Sixteen Candles and Revenge of the Nerds.

At random situations he would blurt out a quote from Long Duck Dong like"No more yankie my wankie. The Donger need food." or "What's happening hot stuff" in his best Asian accent. Totally random but completely hilarious at the time.

His favorite quote from Revenge of the Nerds had to be "Smell this one, Nerd" and he would fit it into any conversation. Pretty amazing, I know. Now this might seem a little uncouth, but he usually did not have an accompanying "gastrointestinal incident" that could make the situation wholly unpleasant. He just enjoyed saying it. A lot.

I also remember him calling me "Nerd" most of my life and he would use it as his standard greeting, and yell it Ogre-style, even at family gatherings. Sort of like this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3njjD41f48

As I get older, I constantly strain to remember Brian and the sometimes outrageous things he would do and say. So when I saw Ogre's picture today, I thought of Brian and laughed.

I hope that in the future I can continue to remember, to laugh, to call his nephew and niece "Nerds," and say to his family and friends "Smell this one, Nerd." Just like Brian did.

Love and Miss you, Brian.

"Helping others in honor of your brother’s memory"

Dear Mr. McCormick:

I am writing this to thank you for all you have done. My name is ____ ______ and I am a first year at Xavier University. My family has been having financial issues lately and I feared I would not be able to continue going here. It is thanks to the money you have donated that I have a chance here. Thank you so very much.

Mr. Schiess informed me of the tragedy that happened to your family and I am truly sorry for your loss. However, I admire you for wanting to keep going and helping others in honor of your brother’s memory. You are a great man.

Sincerely,

Name withheld

** You are most welcome.  Though we have donated funds, a large amount of Brian's memorial fund comes from the generous donations of his friends, family and the Xavier Nation.  I do not feel I am a "great man" - however, I do appreciate the compliment!  The McCormicks' are just trying to implement Brian's dream to help XU student's in financial distress.  None of us are "great".  Though, Brian's idea is.  That is why we are "helping others in honor of your brother's memory" and that is why you are still at Xavier. Best wishes, MM ** 

Hugs from Brian

Today is Brian’s third anniversary. It still does not seem real or fair. I keep feeling that “this was not supposed to happen” and fully expect Brian to walk through our door while talking to someone on his cell phone. I think of missed meals, family occasions, Xavier games and holidays and wonder how Brian would react? I think of him watching Patrick and Caroline grow and miss watching Brian trying to corrupt them as much as possible. (Patrick said “Uncle Brian always let me do anything I wanted!")

I keep wondering “what if?” Yet, I know those thoughts will not bring him back. I do have a strong belief that Brian is with us in many ways – most we probably are not even aware of. Yet, there have been too many things that have happened since he has left that are more than just a coincidence. It gives me a great deal of comfort that he is with us somehow. It keeps him alive!

All of the McCormick’s are passionate about keeping Brian’s memorial fund alive. We have (and will continue to hold) several fund raisers for this fund. Brian always wanted a “foundation” that would help keep needy Xavier kids in school regardless of their academic standing. As we all know, Brian attended and somehow graduated from XU. (It has been scientifically proven that he rarely “stood” during his four year tenure/vacation at Xavier.) He always wanted to set up this fund “once he won the lotto”. Well, Brian, you might not have won the lotto. But, your fund has – and will – done at lot of good. To date, your family and friends have:

• Raised over $40.5 thousand dollars

• Donated $28 thousand

• Kept 45 kids at Xavier

Brian, you already have an incredible legacy. These 45 students, and the next 45 students and the 45 after them, will only increase it! That is winning the lotto! Can you imagine the good that will be generated from “Brian’s kids?” It will be marvelous to watch.

My dad gave me the photo of Brian hugging me a few months ago. He called it a “keeper” as it was on April 21, 2001. That is the day my son Patrick was born. It was a truly glorious day for the McCormick family as Brian gave his “patented McCormick head nod” in celebration of his nephew’s birth. (I cannot believe he will be 10 years old in a matter of days.) What I can believe and none of you are surprised to see our Brian hugging it out with his cell phone firmly in his hand!

Both Patrick and Caroline discuss how they miss Brian. We asked them what they miss the most. Patrick said “I miss Uncle Brian’s hugs. He was the best hugger.” What a way to be remembered by!

Some day – hopefully many, many years away I will see my brother again. I fully expect one of Brian’s best hugs ever at that time. It is what I imagine Heaven will be like. It will be glorious. Until then, I will have to make do with his unforgettable memory and the absolute knowledge of his love for me, his family and friends.

Smile today. Think of his life. Laugh at something only Brian could pull off. Know that Brian is with you and hugging you to.

Love and miss you Brian!

Just like Brian, this XU student "came to Xavier refusing to become part of the background".

Dear McCormick Family:

My name is ______ ______ and I am a current freshmen here at Xavier University. I want to graciously thank you for your contribution to the office of the Student Success and Retention. Your contribution has helped me better afford my education here at Xavier. I am currently seeking a degree in Organizational Communications with a minor in Sociology. I also participate in a lot of activities here on campus. I also have a job with Xavier, participate in the Gospel Choir and many service organizations on campus.  I came to Xavier refusing to become part of the background and I do believe I have succefully fulfilled that goal thus far. So, as you can see, not being able to attend Xavier anymore would be a devastation to me. That is why your contribution means that much more to me. I also believe that all too often people are unable to do what they aspire to do because of a lack of finances. So, when I can across someone who is willing to prevent that – I can do nothing but say thank you with the utmost gratitude.

Sincerely,

Name witheld

New York - Flashback

I was in New York City for business this last week and upon return to La Guardia airport by cab I had a flashback to Brian and I going the same route next to the water and over the bridge to the airport during our weekend trip to NYC and it made me smile. I sat there thinking to myself that I could just as easily have cried, but Brian wouldn't have wanted it that way. Brian was the absolute best friend anyone could have and when I think back to our 15 years of friendship I'm truly thankful for the genuine impact he had on my life and for that I smile.