Joseph V. Brennan ’25 Awarded Prestigious Joseph J. Gunn ’30 Alumni Medal from Manhattan University

Manhattan University today awarded the Joseph J. Gunn ’30 Alumni Medal to Joseph Vincent Brennan, a senior in its O’Malley School of Business (OMSB).

The Gunn Medal is given to a graduating senior who embodies the University’s Lasallian Mission and who has made a significant contribution to the University throughout his/her undergraduate years. The award is recognized as one of Manhattan University’s highest honors given to an undergraduate student.

A native of Queens, NY, Brennan attended Archbishop Molloy High School; his family recently relocated to St. Augustine, FL. Brennan excelled both academically and athletically throughout his four years as an undergraduate. With a GPA of 3.9, he is an accounting major who already has started his MBA. Brennan re-founded the University’s Pre-Law Society where he served as Treasurer/CFO for two years; was recommended by faculty to be an official mentor for first-year students in OMSB; was an Executive Board Member and Treasurer for the Pen and Sword Honor Society; and was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma, the highest recognition a business student can receive which is awarded to only 10% of undergraduates nationwide. Brennan excelled equally at athletics: he has been a top competitor on the university’s Men’s Swimming and Dive Team since his freshman year and served as the team captain in his junior and senior years; he set the school record in the 100-yard breaststroke as a sophomore and broke his own record in the event as a junior. He became the first Jasper in the school’s history to win a Gold Medal at the MAAC Finals.

According to Brother Daniel Gardner, FSC, a visiting instructor and a past President of the University, Brennan goes beyond academics and athletics by being committed to the service of others.  Brennan volunteered at various Florida’s children’s hospitals, inspired by his sister after she underwent scoliosis surgery; participated in Breast Cancer Walks and the Tunnels to Towers Run; worked alongside fellow Manhattan University student-athletes in collecting and distributing food and clothing to those in need; and volunteered for cleanups in Van Cortlandt Park, adjacent to the University. Commented Brother Daniel, “Joe Brennan’s exceptional character, his mentoring and friendships with students from diverse backgrounds, his commitment to the Lasallian Catholic values of Manhattan University, and his humility will continue to make him shine and succeed in all that he undertakes. He is the epitome of what it means to be a Jasper."