With three degrees, a minor and a CUGS, SEE graduate focused on the future of the planet

Brendan Bermingham has a special mindset: Set sights on goal. Get it done. Repeat.

It’s a mindset that’s led Bermingham to graduate this semester with not one, not two, but three degrees from Rowan University’s School of Earth & Environment (SEE): a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental and Sustainability Studies; a Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Systems (GIS); and a Bachelor of Arts in Geography.

He’s also earning a minor in Sustainability Science and a Certificate of Undergraduate Studies (CUGS) in Food Systems Planning.

But Bermingham, of Medford, isn’t just graduating. He’s doing so spectacularly with a 3.7 grade point average.

All of which would be impressive enough had Bermingham, an Eagle Scout, simply stuck to his studies. Which, he did not.

Since July of 2021, he’s been actively involved with Rowan’s West Campus Farm, a sprawling initiative founded by Rowan President Ali Houshmand that produces thousands of pounds of produce each year, most of which is given away to external food banks, families, students and The Shop, a campus pantry and resource center.

Bermingham doesn’t just volunteer for the farm, he’s a team leader, supervising a dozen or more students in the planting, pruning and harvesting of crops, a portion of which is grown for the production of Houshmand’s Hazardous Hot Sauce, the president’s eponymous line of condiments that, since 2017, has donated money from all of its sales for emergency student scholarships.

“There’s a lot involved,” Bermingham said of his West Campus Farm work. “Depending on the day, it might just be two hours if all we need to do is come in a pick some stuff.”

Other days it might be six or more.

“I’m responsible for keeping everyone on schedule, for monitoring the crops and for guiding people on what to pick, what to leave,” he said. “I handle all the deliveries to the food pantries and I’m the liaison between the farm and the President’s office.”

In addition to The Shop, the farm supports such organizations as Philabundance, the Boys and Girls Club and other groups.

“It’s eye-opening to see how many people show up to the food pantries,” he said. “Sometimes it’s not for financial reasons, it’s that they have difficulty getting access to fresh produce.”

Always with a smile and a glint in his eye, Bermingham, who seems to relish the sweat-on-the-brow and dirt-in-the-nails of daily farm work, said what’s most important is delivering healthful produce to people who otherwise have little access to it.

Deeply concerned about climate change, Bermingham took classes for his CUGS in Food Systems Planning to better understand what it takes to feed a hungry, warming planet.

The recipient of two prestigious accolades from the SEE, the Livingston Award and the Environmental Studies Medallion, Bermingham hopes to stay at Rowan to earn a Master of Science in Urban and Regional Planning.

“I may want to work in government as a planner, to guide development in a sustainable manner or maybe guide agricultural development,” he said.

Capping off a stellar undergraduate experience, Bermingham received Rowan’s Legacy Award, the greatest honor bestowed during the University's annual Celebrating Leadership Awards ceremony April 24. The award recognizes superior service and leadership of such magnitude that it will leave a legacy.

As for advice to other students, Bermingham suggests that, whenever possible, just say yes.

“If an opportunity presents itself, jump on it,” he said. “Even if it doesn’t work out, you’ll learn something, gain some skills and meet new people.”

Every spring, Rowan University highlights one graduating student from each school and college. Read more stories about this year’s featured graduates.