Brendan McCrudden

I was born to immigrant parents who had little experience with higher education, and I wasn’t a big fan of school, so my grades in school never reflected my potential. This led to my decision to serve in the military after high school. After my time in the military, I decided to enroll at Wilbur Wright College. I saw it as an opportunity for a fresh start.

I was determined to take full advantage of every resource available to me. I learned how to study and take notes, I met with my advisors, I networked with my peers, and I was enjoying all my classes. One day, one of my professors took notice of my hard work and dedication and asked me a simple question that changed the entire trajectory of my life: “How are you paying for college?”

The GI Bill was funding my education, but that question led me apply for and receive a scholarship that allowed me to save my GI Bill benefits. That allowed me to transfer to the University of Illinois Chicago to continue my education and pursue a teaching career. Despite my struggles in school earlier in life, I excelled at UIC. I graduated with honors and departmental distinction because of the strong foundation, the skills, and the confidence City Colleges provided me.

Although I initially thought I wanted to be a teacher, I joined the Chicago Housing Authority Police Department which led to 30-year career in law enforcement. I was grateful for my teaching background as it helped me train and develop officers in their respective roles when I transferred to the Chicago Police Department. I spent 25 years serving as a SWAT officer, detective, sergeant, captain, and eventually commander.  I also went on to earn my master’s degree in public safety administration from Lewis University, which helped me learn more about guiding an organization from the administrative side.

Throughout my career, I remained connected to City Colleges, often returning for job fairs to recruit aspiring officers. I understood firsthand the value of community colleges in providing accessible, high-quality education and I knew the caliber of students there. I wanted them to have access to the same opportunities I received.

After 30 years as a police officer, I decided it was time to retire and find a new adventure. I found it at The Well Resource Center in Chicago. It’s a nonprofit that provides free mental health resources to active and retired first responders and their families. I’m the Director of Development and help others find the support they need to thrive, just like my instructor did for me years ago at Wright College.

City Colleges of Chicago played a pivotal role in my life and my success. It was there that I discovered my potential, gained confidence, and found the support that set me on my path. From the military to higher education, from law enforcement to nonprofit work, every step of my journey has been shaped by the lessons I learned at Wright.

Now, as I help others find the resources they need, I carry that same spirit of mentorship and support that changed my life. All it took was one professor asking a simple question to open doors I never imagined. That’s the power of education, and that’s the impact of City Colleges.

-Brendan McCrudden, Wilbur Wright College alumnus