Tommies in Our Communities
Brad McDermott ’94
Location: Glenview, IL
Tommies in Our Communities
Location: Glenview, IL
Brad McDermott, a proud 1994 graduate of the University of St. Thomas, credits family and friends for guiding him toward his alma mater. As he was growing up, Brad heard glowing recommendations from cousins and a high school friend who spoke highly of St. Thomas' vibrant community and strong academic reputation.
“From the moment I stepped on campus for the first time, I knew St. Thomas was where I wanted to go,” Brad said. “St. Thomas offered everything I had ever envisioned in a university – top-flight liberal arts education, great location, beautiful campus and a strong sense of community.”
After graduating from St. Thomas in 1994, Brad embarked on a dynamic professional journey. Beginning as a newspaper reporter, he honed his writing and communication skills before transitioning to corporate communications and ultimately finding his calling at the YMCA of the USA. For over 22 years, Brad has served the organization with dedication, currently as chief of staff to the president and CEO. His role allows him to witness and contribute to the Y’s mission of promoting health, spirit and inclusivity for all—a mission that resonates deeply with him. At home in Glenview, Brad and his wife of 17 years are raising three children, balancing suburban adventures with their love for Chicago’s cultural offerings.
Reflecting on his time at St. Thomas, Brad is grateful for the professors who inspired him to pursue journalism. Although his career shifted from newspapers, the foundational skills and values he gained at St. Thomas have guided him to success. Beyond academics, the university strengthened his Catholic faith and forged lifelong relationships and memories that continue to enrich his life.
As an advocate for the university’s mission of serving the common good, Brad remains active in supporting meaningful causes and lives the values he first embraced as a student. His message to prospective students? “Visit the campus and experience it for yourself—St. Thomas offers everything you could hope for in a college and more,” he said.
“I’m forever grateful to my St. Thomas professors who encouraged me to pursue a job in journalism. Though I didn’t make a career out of newspaper reporting, the skills I learned at St. Thomas and the experience I gained working for two newspapers put me on a successful career path. On a personal level, my four years at St. Thomas strengthened my Catholic faith.”
“I give regularly to causes that are meaningful to me and support the common good. Also, the Y’s mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. The inclusivity of the Y – “for all” – is essential to its success as an organization and one of the reasons why I’ve worked there for 22 years."
“St. Thomas is an experience to be enjoyed fully – make sure you do. Your time at St. Thomas is so much more than a means to a professional end. As important as my education has been to me, just as important – if not more – were the relationships I formed and the memories I made, all of which endure to this day. Both personally and professionally, St. Thomas can play a central role in your life long after you graduate.”
“St. Thomas is everything you could hope for in a college experience. From the education and the location to the campus and the community, St. Thomas is superlative. Be sure to visit and find out for yourself.”