PNW Athletics hired Brandon Swanson as its development officer on Oct. 10.

Swanson graduated from Saint Xavier University in 2015 with a degree in mass communication and a concentration in sport broadcasting.

Swanson said that his interest in alumni relations began after he worked at an alumni fundraiser as an opening master of ceremonies his senior year. Swanson said that later that year, after he graduated, he was contacted by Saint Xavier and was hired as the assistant director of alumni relations.

“I enjoyed being able to connect with alumni. I enjoyed being able to connect with people who haven’t been back to the university for a while and haven’t seen the good things going on,” Swanson said.

Swanson worked in the alumni relations department at Saint Xavier for one and a half years, where he expanded his role to include both alumni relations and donor relations before coming to PNW.

Rick Costello, athletic director, said that PNW athletics worked closely with the Office of Institutional Advancement in hiring Swanson and that his people skills and enthusiasm allowed him to stand out amongst a pool of candidates.

“Brandon’s prior experience at Saint Xavier University in development and alumni relations was a key factor as well as Brandon’s outstanding ability to connect with students, faculty, staff, alumni and donors,” Costello said.

Swanson said PNW’s continuous growth and expansion drew him to the university.

“I want to be able to help these students who already have such great potential,” Swanson said. “I look at it as being my job to raise money so that there’s always going to be progress.”

Swanson said that being able to raise money to aide students in athletics, academics, and clubs and organizations is important to him.

“When I was in school I always knew that there was somebody out there helping me,” Swanson said. “I want to be able to help and give back in that sense and be able to help students be the very best they can.”

On Nov. 7, Swanson aided in setting up the McDonald’s Peppermint for PNW campaign where he worked in coalition with 11 McDonalds in northwest Indiana. McDonalds gave $1 for every purchase of a hot or iced peppermint beverage to PNW for the Future Leaders Scholarship.

Swanson said that he is striving to implement and expand the PNW brand into the local community.

“I think that the more we get our PNW brand out to the northwest Indiana community and beyond, the greater the impact we are going to have on our students,” Swanson said.

Costello said that Swanson will assist with developing resources to increase competitiveness and promoting the Pride Athletic program.

“I am excited to see Brandon develop the Champions Booster Club and engage students in various activities, including Late Night Madness, Fall Festival and interactive activities at athletic events,” Costello said.

Swanson said that his goal is to build more relationships with PNW alumni and increase PNW alumni involvement.