Purdue Profiles: Zac Brewer
Zac Brewer, clerk in Krannert School of Manangement. (Purdue University photo/Andrew Hancock)
Zac Brewer's smiling face is familiar to many at Purdue, especially in the Krannert School of Management, where he has worked on the clerical and support services staff since 1998.
A longtime participant in the Special Olympics, Brewer also has six years of work experience at St. Elizabeth Hospital and a year at Lexicon Unlimited. While at Harrison High School, he was recognized with a plaque for being a student aide.
Brewer's duties at Krannert include sorting, processing and distributing mail for the master's and Ph.D. programs offices, which take him on regular visits to his many friends in Rawls Hall, the Krannert Building and the adjacent Krannert Center.
"Zac brings a positive, energizing attitude with him to work every day. He performs many tasks that people would notice only if they weren't accomplished and he takes great pride in everything he does," says Barb Strueh, Krannert's manager of facilities and support services and scholarship administrator.
"He cares about others and is genuine about wanting to do his best at work and for Special Olympics. We're always pleased to see his medals from competitions."
A devoted Purdue fan, Brewer also enjoys talking about and watching sports, says Strueh. "He loves to wear his gold and black on game days to support the Boilermakers."
How long have you been involved with the Special Olympics?
For 29 years -- since way back in 1983 when I was 8 years old.
What sports do you participate in?
I do bowling from September to December and golf in the summer. And I'm trying a new sport this year, bocce ball. It starts in April.
Why are the Special Olympics important to you?
My life is better because of the Special Olympics. My favorite things are the sports and all the support I get from my family and friends. I like being with old friends and making new friends. I know the Tippecanoe County coordinators, Gary and Jan Beeker, and the treasurer, Peggy Hoover. She and her husband work at Purdue.
Besides being with friends, what is your favorite thing about the Special Olympics?
I like winning medals and seeing my name and picture in magazines and newspapers.
What advice would you give to Purdue athletes and students?
I'd say, "Go for it and win it all!" And the Special Olympics oath: "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."
