Former Chippewa football player Brunner says experience abroad will help him perform as assistant director of athletic fund

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College graduates often find themselves working in a totally different field from their selected major — Brian Brunner is no exception.

Brunner, a quarterback from 2004-08 for the Chippewas, graduated in 2009 with a journalism degree, but later found himself trading in his helmet and reporter’s notebook for other opportunities. He traveled the U.S., worked at quarterback camps and at a health club as a personal trainer, was a substitute teacher and wrote as a freelance writer.

A call from the CMU Athletic Department offered a more permanent solution. In November, he was appointed the assistant director of the Chippewa Athletic Fund.

“It’s interesting coming back … to CMU (but not as) a student,” he said. “I’m very far removed, I guess, from the student mentality and student life … I’m not making ramen noodles and getting Hot-N-Ready Pizzas every night and bringing them back to my college house.”

Brunner said the department’s commitment to support for former Chippewa athletes, combined with his extensive understanding and involvement with CMU and the Mount Pleasant community, helped land him the job.

His main function is fundraising and maintaining connections with programs that support the Chippewas financially. Along with Heidi Fisher, another assistant director of the Chippewa Athletic Fund hired in early December, Brunner must connect with coaches and sports programs to further promote fundraising efforts and future plans for championship funds.

“I have always been impressed with Brian and his skill set,” said Director of Athletics Dave Heeke. “We thought it would be a terrific opportunity to bring him back to his alma mater in a role where he can help our program grow.”

Brunner said his experience playing football abroad in Southwest Germany for the Unicorns from April to October 2010 will help him with his new job at CMU.

“Being able to live overseas and thrust myself in a different culture taught me a lot about being able to adapt to situations,” he said. “You have to avoid the temptation to isolate yourself (and) get beyond that comfort zone. Fundraising and athletic administration is somewhat out of my comfort zone, but I can rely on those experiences that I’ve had and be outgoing and get outside my comfort zone.”

Craig Willey, assistant athletics director for the Chippewa Athletic Fund, said Brunner is a high-energy person who is fun to be around.

“I think the sky is the limit for him,” Willey said. “He’s team oriented … (and) very driven. He enjoys being part of a team playing an active role and accomplishing goals.”

Brunner said he hopes to be an athletics director someday.