Profile

Brian Strunk, JD

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Bio

Prior to college, Brian was third-shift gas station clerk with little drive or direction. He knew he wanted to go to college, but lacked the means to pay for it. After working to improve his standardized test scores, a chance meeting at Union College changed the trajectory of his life. 

Brian matriculated at Union College, where he received a full academic scholarship. He graduated with high honors in 2009. While seeking admission to law school, he worked in the Educational Studies Unit at Union, serving on the team effort that culminated in the successful reaffirmation of the education department in 2010. Brian then attended the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law.

Throughout law school, Brian never forgot the personal attention and sense of community he felt at Union College. He developed feelings of commitment to serve in either the public sector or in non-profit companies. In 2013, he graduated law school and passed the Kentucky Bar Exam. He served as Staff Attorney to the Jefferson County Circuit Court Master Commissioner for one year, reviewing foreclosure cases in Louisville. 

Brian returned to Union College in September, 2014 to serve as the Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations. In this role, he was responsible for maintaining and growing the annual fund, developing and improving alumni relations with the college, and leading the initiative to expand planned gifts to Union College. Brian also worked towards building renewable, sustainable support for Union by taking advantage of new media and technology. 

Brian was assigned to the role of Major Gifts Officer in 2016. In this role, he identified, cultivated, solicited and stewarded donors at the major gift level. He also guided the planned giving initiative which sought to grow planned gifts both in size and in frequency. 

Beginning in July 2017, Brian was named the Executive Director of Development and Chief Communications Officer. In this role, Brian oversees the day to day operations of both the Advancement Team and the Office of College Communications. 

Brian is first-generation college student and committed alumnus of Union and UofL. He places great value in earned education, and also in supporting those institutions that were critical to his development. To find more details about how a personal education experience can change a life, visit: www.unionky.edu.