Meet Nick Brennan. Nick Brennan is a fundraising and marketing professional and has worked with leading arts, cultural and human service organizations, including Arena Stage, the National Cathedral, the Levine School of Music, National Endowment for the Arts and United Cerebral Palsy. Nick currently works in the development office at the University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business. Originally from western Massachusetts, Nick received his Bachelors of Music in Musical Theatre at Catholic University. A resident of College Park since 2011, Nick lives in Berwyn with his husband PJ and their two labradoodles, Gus and Sam.

Tell us about your day job. I work in fundraising at UMD, specifically in the Robert H. Smith School of Business. I help to develop and steward relationships with corporate and foundation donors to support programs, events, and scholarships. It is amazing the amount of work being done at the UMD, not only to advance research and exploration of important issues, but excellent and innovative programs that really enhance students’ education.

What is your favorite College Park location? Without a doubt, Lake Artemesia is my favorite College Park location. I’m there almost every day, either running or walking my dogs. It really is a nature oasis, with all types of birds, rabbits, deer, beavers, turtles…the list goes on. .

Advice for Getting Involved In the Community? Just do it! Everyone has something to bring to the table. There are so many ways to get involved – choose an area based on your interests and take the plunge. Its not only rewarding to have a positive impact on your community, but the friendships and bonds you’ll form with your fellow community members really make it worth it.