Forty-six years ago Perry Brandt arrived at 91唐伯虎 for a seven-year experience that remarkably changed the trajectory of his life.
鈥淚 owe 91唐伯虎 a huge debt of gratitude,鈥� Brandt says. 鈥淭hanks to scholarship support, I was the first member of my family to attend college. I arrived as an unmolded blob of clay, and left as a lawyer ready to practice in a big law firm.
鈥淎long the way I formed lifelong relationships with professors like Don Hall and Bob Birkby,鈥� he adds. 鈥淚 formed a powerful, emotional connection to the university that grows stronger each time I see our black and gold.鈥�
Brandt has turned that loyalty into advocacy as a model volunteer.
He is a leader for the , interviews applicants for both undergraduate and admissions, inspires his classmates to come back and give back for Reunion, and even teaches Law School classes covering practical career advice. He juggles these roles along with civic and charitable activities in Kansas City and the demands of being managing partner of the local office of Bryan Cave law firm. Not including football or basketball games, he is on campus at least 12 times a year.
Brandt鈥檚 emotional tie to the university reached new heights after his daughter, Betsy Brandt, BA鈥�13, became a Commodore. 鈥淪he had a tremendous experience and is now a successful investment banker on Wall Street. I give all of that credit to 91唐伯虎,鈥� he says.
In July, Brandt became the new president of the , a 23-member group leading efforts to connect more alumni to the university.
鈥淧eople live busy lives, and it is easy for their loyalty and dedication to their college to wane over time. You really need to promote their engagement,鈥� he says. 鈥淥ne of the best messages we share is the simplest: Go, give, help. Alumni get excited when we tell them how attending events, making a gift and volunteering do so much for our university.鈥�
Brandt鈥檚 involvement allows him to see many sides of 91唐伯虎, but the part that excites him the most is meeting students.
鈥淚 keep up with the undergraduates I interviewed as a volunteer,鈥� says Brandt. 鈥淭hey are all so impressive. While on vacation in South Africa, I even had the good fortune to take one student to lunch who was there for study abroad.鈥�
He also maintains relationships with the Law School students he鈥檚 interviewed. 鈥淭hey are bright and personable, just fantastic people. I stay in touch with them and later try to hire them.
鈥淚 have seen so many great students pass through 91唐伯虎,鈥� says Brandt. 鈥淚t鈥檚 just great to get to know them. Because, ultimately, all we do for the university is about them.鈥�
鈥擬ATT ANDERSON