FINALIST - 2006

Brendan O'Regan People often tell me I am a good writer. Funny, I have the hardest time writing about myself. Trying to explain to people why I should be considered for an award conflicts with the very nature of my personality. I didn’t come to Lafayette with an end goal in mind. Rather, I came with a curiosity of what might be possible. Looking back, the opportunities have been plentiful and rewarding and the relationships very gratifying. I would categorize myself as a renaissance man. I have many interests, which is perhaps why I came here majoring in one subject, and am leaving majoring in two. I spent two years of studying Japanese. Instead of choosing to play one of my two instruments, I decided to become Drum Major of the Pep Band. And, I ventured into athletics by joining the Crew Team. The most rewarding aspect of pursuing many interests are the friendships I have cultivated. These have been deeply rewarding and continue to inspire me to new pursuits. I became a McKelvy Scholar on the recommendations of friends; received the Coach’s Award for Outstanding Teamwork through the recognition of Crew Team teammates and continued to expand friendships through the Lafayette Technology Clinic and Excel Scholarship Programs. I look forward to sustaining and nurturing the bonds established at Lafayette throughout my life. It’s been my hope that participating and excelling in activities as an athlete, musician, researcher, and scholar has in some small way, contributed to the enrichment of the Lafayette Community. Representing the education, experience, sportsmanship and citizenship I have learned at Lafayette has become a force in my life which I will take with me. Being nominated for an honor such as the Pepper Prize is the capstone of my personal “Lafayette Experience.” I am honored to be among such fine company.

 

Majors: Government & Law and Anthropology & Sociology


Academic Activities/Awards

• Phi Beta Kappa (3,4)
• Pi Sigma Alpha, Government & Law Honor Society (4)
• Deans List (1,2,3,4)
• Excel Scholar under Bruce Allen Murphy, Fred S. Morgan Kirby Professor of Civil Rights, (Summer 2005-Present)—Study to Predict Judicial Life Cycles
• McKelvy Scholars Program, Awarded for Superior Academics (3,4)
• Lafayette Technology Clinic Program, Nominated and Selected (2,3)
  • Study to determine causations for gap in communication and participation between recently graduated Alumni and the college.
  • Produced two publications, entitled “Alumni News for Undergraduates,” as the major facet of the solution
• Student Representative of Government & Law Department at Inauguration of Lafayette College’s 16th President, Daniel H. Weiss
• LVAIC Summer Abroad in Rome, Italy (Summer 2004)
• Winner - BD (Becton, Dickinson, and Company) Academic Scholarship (1,2,3,4)

Publications

• “Neandertal: A Revision of the Cold-Adapted Hypotheses,” 11 The McKelvy Papers, (forthcoming, Fall 2006)
• “The International Students Association,” Video-recording, Fall 2005 (on file with Skillman Library, Lafayette College)
• “Las Yngas: An Exposé on Alternative History,” 10 The McKelvy Papers, 59, 2005
• Alumni News for Undergraduates, selected pieces, Fall 2004 and Spring 2005. (Office of Public Relations, Lafayette College)

Campus Service Activities

• Towers of Light and Darkness – DVD on screen principle
• McKelvy Scholars Program, Candidate Selection Committee (4)
• McKelvy Scholars Program, Re-Decoration Committee Member (3,4)
• Lafayette College Drum Major, Pep Band, 1 term limit (3)

Community Service Activities

• Campaign Worker—Jim Maza for State Representative (1)
• Eagle Scout
• Revolutionary War Reenactor – Doughty’s Artillery Regiment (4 years)
  • Honor Guard - Washington’s Tomb; Concord & Lexington 225th, Colonial Williamsburg (Invitation Only)

Athletics

• Lafayette College Crew Team (1, 2, 3, 4)
  • Medalist - Philadelphia Frostbite Regatta, 2002
  • 5th Place, Mens Frosh/Novice 4+ - Knecht Cup (1)
  • Coach’s Award for Outstanding Teamwork - Lafayette College Crew Team (2,3)

Special Interest Group Activities

• Lafayette Pep Band (1,2,3,4)
• Kirby Journal of Law & Politics (2,3)
• Concert Band (1)
• College Democrats (1)